As the waters settle following last week’s season finale, Maadi Regatta, which had the biggest participation to date with over 2500 crews competing, the work is not over for a select few whose dedication and performances have earned them a U19 New Zealand trial. Ahead of the trials later this month, these emerging talents will return to Lake Karāpiro in hopes of securing a future opportunity amongst New Zealand’s elite athletes.
Men’s Trialists
The first name to look out for is sculling specialist Harry Lightfoot, who was able to secure both the Trevor Coker Memorial Shield and Maurice Jones Cup for Wakatipu High School in the U18 quadruple and double sculls at this year’s Maadi Regatta. These accolades extend his string of successes throughout the year as he maintains a medal streak throughout the entire season across multiple events. His results are a testament to his skill and commitment to the sport, highlighting him as a name to remember for years to come. When considering the top scullers to look out for, his name is situated right at the top of the list.
Two more names to watch are George Langley and Jack Buckley, whose presences here are hardly unexpected after their trifecta of victories across the U18 events at Maadi, bringing home the Dunstan Trophy, Springbok Shield and iconic Maadi Cup to Westlake Boys High School. Taking out the pair, coxed four and eight, this duo has had an unprecedented season. Remaining entirely unbeaten in the four and the eight, they have proved they can handle the pressure at the top level, and done so with quite the statement. It will be fascinating to see how that continues beyond their school years.
It was not just school-age athletes who were selected for these trials; standout performances at the club rowing level have also earned the likes of Bede Giera and Harrison Thode recognition for their abilities. Giera has represented Avon Rowing Club to a high standard on the national stage, sweeping the club events with his three wins across the coxless four, eight and pair at the New Zealand Rowing Championships in February, along with a silver at the senior level in the eight. He has demonstrated his utility across the boat classes, continuing his success from his school days, where he raced for St Bede’s College. Dunstan Arm Rowing Club‘s Thode is also a familiar face at the top end of the sport. After leaving school with an already impressive list of accolades, including representing the South Island at the annual North vs South Island Regatta, Thode has continued his successes at club level. At the recent New Zealand Rowing Championships, he won the coxless quadruple sculls and secured silver in both the double and single, highlighting not only his ability to perform individually, but as an asset across different boat types ahead of his trial.
Women’s Trialists
Two names that were unsurprisingly included in the trialist list are St Margaret’s College’s Aine Leeson and Coco Flood. At Maadi, they dominated the U18 pair as well as being part of the triumphant crew who won the Levin Jubilee Cup for the U18 eight. The pair also joined forces with Belize McQuarrie and Bronny O’Sullivan to secure a bronze in the U18 four, demonstrating their consistency across multiple events. Not only that, at the South Island Championships, they tried their hand at the premier pairs, still walking away with a bronze medal. Evidently, this duo can give anyone a good fight, let’s see what they can do individually.
Waikato Diocesan School’s Maclaine Stuart and Rangi Ruru Girls School‘s Brooke Harper are also receiving a well-deserved trial. Harper not only claimed a bronze medal in the U18 eight but also secured the Dawn Cup for the U18 four. Stuart has also had a dominant season, signing off with a gold in the U17 four and silvers in both the U18 four and eight at Maadi. These achievements followed a consistent string of impressive performances which have awarded her three North Island titles.
Finally, Sadie Mason of Twizel Area School has also earned her position amongst this group. She, along with partner Katie Thyne, have consistently performed across the sculling events, placing fourth overall at the New Zealand Rowing Championships and ending the season with a silver in the U18 double at Maadi Regatta. However, it is not only sculling where Mason succeeds. Her abilities extend to sweeping events also, achieving a bronze medal at the South Island Secondary School Championships in the pair with Thyne. She is an asset across the disciplines and is setting herself up excellently for future endeavors.
Coxswains
Amongst those listed, only two coxswains secured trials: Cashmere High School’s Eliza O’Meagher and Flynn Wigglesworth of Westlake Boys. The rower-turned-coxswain Eliza O’Meagher has gone from strength to strength following her switch to the coxswain seat. After winning her U16 quad at Maadi Regatta a few years ago, O’Meagher committed fully to the coxswain role this season in what many argue was a great decision. She has utilised her depth of knowledge of the sport and technique to command her crews to victory, remaining undefeated in the U18 quadruple sculls and consistently medalling at the U17 level, to name a few. O’Meagher’s understanding of the technique and efforts required in a high-performing boat puts her at a unique advantage as a coxswain and will definitely set her apart for future racing opportunities.
Last but certainly not least, the other coxswain offered a trial is Westlake Boys High School’s Flynn Wigglesworth (WBHS). In an impressive turnaround, Wigglesworth has helped transform last season’s results into consistent domination for Westlake Boys in both the U18 eight and four this year. After commanding his crew through a heart-stopping comeback in the U18 eight final, the crew took home the Maadi Cup after a 41-year drought. Therefore, it is no surprise to see his name amongst these rising stars.
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