Avon Rowing Club Senior Eight
The Avon men’s senior eight is an impressive blend of seasoned athletes and rising stars, making them a formidable force on the water. With a roster that includes national representatives and a wealth of experience, this crew sets a high standard for excellence. Under the guidance of Logan Keys, a revered coach with an illustrious track record, Avon boasts a coaching team that many clubs can only dream of. Keys’ achievements, including Maadi Cup victories with Christchurch Boys’ High School and Jubilee Cup wins with Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, highlight his unmatched ability to develop winning crews. His success with Rangi Ruru, achieving a historic first and second finish at a national school regatta, underscores his reputation as a coaching legend. Adding to this powerhouse is Tony O’Connor, whose credentials include coaching the New Zealand men’s eight to Olympic gold in Tokyo, a feat that cements his legacy as an elite rower and coach. Together, this coaching duo brings unparalleled expertise to Avon’s campaign.
Avon’s dominance in the sweeping events at last year’s National Club Regatta showcased the depth of their talent. Winning the senior eight, taking the top three places in the senior coxless four, and securing victory in the senior coxless pair reflect the crew’s consistency and strength across multiple events. Their momentum continued this season, with an outstanding performance at the Otago Championships, claiming first and second in the men’s open eight. Such results demonstrate that this crew is experienced and riding a wave of confidence and form. Their ability to consistently perform at a high level makes them a key contender for the top spot in the upcoming regatta.
What truly sets this crew apart is the calibre of their athletes. With Oliver Welch fresh off a gold medal at the U23 World Rowing Championships and Josh Syme and Matthew Glenn bringing their experience from a fourth-placed finish in the men’s eght at the U19 World Rowing Championships, the boat is packed with international talent. Fred Vavasour adds further prestige, having triumphed at the Chinese University Championships against world-class institutions like Oxford and Yale. As they prepare to face Waikato for the senior eight title at the National Club Regatta, Avon’s first crew is undoubtedly the one to watch, combining raw talent, world-class coaching, and a winning mentality. Their recent form suggests they are ready to solidify their dominance and continue to set the standard for club rowing in New Zealand.
Aramoho Whanganui Rowing Club Senior Quad
The Aramoho Whanganui Rowing Club’s senior quad is a testament to the strength and determination emerging from smaller rowing clubs in New Zealand. Despite its size, this club is formidable in the senior sculling division. Under the leadership of Axel Dickinson, an internationally experienced coach, the crew benefits from world-class guidance. Dickinson’s extensive rowing background, which includes representing New Zealand and training at prestigious institutions like Oxford Brookes, gives him a unique edge. His coaching style blends high-intensity training with scientific precision, ensuring each athlete performs at their peak. Known for his ability to balance relentless drive with a calculated approach, Dickinson has cultivated a technically sharp and physically prepared team.
This crew is a masterclass in sculling, featuring an impressive lineup of athletes with diverse strengths. Nicky Maxim, currently the youngest senior grade athlete on the water at only 15 years of age, still provides the boat with an unparalleled level of determination, and a ridiculous number of gears. Jake Newton, fresh from a narrow second-placed finish in the U17 single scull, is a powerhouse renowned for breaking erg records and showcasing extraordinary aerobic capacity. His ability to excel in both short bursts of power and endurance events marks him as a standout. Herbie Austin Baker, a recent addition to New Zealand rowing, brings an international pedigree, having represented Great Britain at Coupe de la Jeunesse in his junior years, finishing with a silver in the single scull. Not only that, but he has also made the final of The Fawley Challenge Cup, proceeded by a semi-final the next year, showcasing serious skill and consistency. Coming from a former club of Dickinson’s, Hinksey Sculling School, he is already accustomed to the coaching style. Eli Kuehne, a consistent performer on the national stage, rounds out the quartet and has demonstrated his capability by reaching finals at the Maadi Cup regatta, as well as a bronze in the club quad at the National Rowing Championships last year. This group forms a quad combining raw power, technical prowess, and international experience.
The crew’s recent results confirm their status as a top contender in senior sculling. Their victory in the fiercely competitive senior quadruple sculls at the Christmas Regatta showcased their dominance over international athletes. Additionally, strong performances in other events, including podium finishes in the senior double scull, underline their versatility and depth of skill. With Axel Dickinson’s leadership and the crew’s shared ambition, they are poised to make history at the National Championships. Competing for the senior coxless quad trophy, Aramoho Whanganui’s quad has all the ingredients to bring the title home, further solidifying the club’s growing reputation on the national stage.
Waikato Rowing Club Senior Double
Coached by Nick Barton
The Waikato crew is a formidable force, bolstered by exceptional coaching and the advantage of world-class training facilities on Lake Karapiro. Led by Nick Barton, a coach who frequently works with New Zealand’s elite teams across all age groups, this team benefits from a relentless training regime and a culture of excellence. Barton’s expertise in building aerobic capacity and his focus on long-distance endurance give his athletes a competitive edge. The team thrives in a high-performance environment, surrounded by top-tier facilities and an ethos that demands the best from every rower. This combination of coaching and infrastructure sets Waikato apart as a powerhouse in New Zealand rowing.
The crew initially featured the dynamic duo of Seb Fulton and Riley Wills, who were training together and mixing in the crew during early preparations. Though Wills never raced with Fulton in the double, his involvement in training and racing alongside him in the quad highlighted his immense talent and influence. Riley Wills, a sculling prodigy, boasts an extraordinary record, including back-to-back victories in the U17 and U18 single sculls and the coveted trifecta of U18 single, double, and quad sculls. His mastery of sculling is unmatched, and his presence during training brought youthful brilliance and a legacy of success. Seb Fulton, known for his exceptional fitness, high stroke rate, and consistent performances in premier events, complements this talent with his relentless drive. Although Wills is no longer part of the lineup, his legacy and influence continue to shape the crew’s high standards.
In Wills’ place, James Brott brings a wealth of experience and raw power to the boat. As a seasoned competitor with multiple national titles, Brott’s strength and leadership add a new dimension to the crew. His physicality and expertise make him a crucial addition, and the restructured crew has already shown their potential, securing a second-place finish at the Christmas Regatta. With momentum on their side, Waikato is poised to challenge Clifton Rowing Club for the top spot at the National Club Regatta. Combining Barton’s elite coaching, the crew’s determination, and their high-calibre training environment, Waikato is undoubtedly a crew to watch in the senior double.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
