So, here we are again. Another September, defined by that brisk autumnal breeze that reminds you that summer has been, winter is coming and a new season begins now.
In the rowing community, September means a beginning. The beginning of a long march to next summer, the reunion of crews after several months off and the start of a new training regime designed to transport people from rough-around-the-edges to polished winners in nine months time.
Last year, the junior circuit adorned new names to its plaque of winners. In the schoolboy eights, Eton College came from relative anonymity at the National Schools’ Regatta to defeat all-comers at Henley Royal Regatta. Leander Club finally got their hands on the Fawley Challenge Cup after nine years of trying, whilst Latymer Upper School claimed their second victory in the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup.
Those tales barely scratch the surface of a community that is thriving and growing year-on-year. We hear record entry numbers and record participation translate into record-breaking performances at international level – the British junior team had another excellent year at the Coupe and World Junior Championships respectively.
Looking ahead, crews will be focusing on building the base fitness required to truly test the mettle of mentality in May and June. Racing of national note is few and far between in the run-up to Christmas, although we should get an early indication of speed at events like the Pairs Head, Hampton Head, Fours Head and some of the more prominent provincial events.
On a personal note, Junior Rowing News recorded its most successful year to date last season. We’ve got several of our star writers, fresh from their own exploits on rivers up and down the UK, back with pens at the ready whilst our editorial team have been busy recruiting some of the top talent nationwide to continue to propel JRN to new heights.
As always, we’re open to feedback, criticism and constructive thoughts – we’re here to provide the junior rowing community with objective content grounded in the rudiments of journalistic integrity. We welcome suggestions as to what you’d like us to cover and have taken the step of appointing a Features Editor to oversee a growing trend in newsworthy stories from across the circuit.
A new season is stretching in its infancy – and we’re going to be watching it grow every step of the way.
TM
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