A Year of Medals, Milestones and Momentum

The annual End of Season Rowing Dinner took place at the start of June, bringing the Boat Club together to celebrate an exceptional year for RGS Rowing. The evening recognised the commitment, teamwork and resilience shown by our rowers throughout the season, both on and off the water.

A highlight of the dinner was the presentation of awards, honouring individual and crew achievements. The Boys’ Crew of the Year was awarded to the Op J18 4x crew of Freddie Fielding, Matthew Ferris, Zachary Jew and Jacob Hartley, while Martha Colclough and Lottie Richardson were named Girls’ Crew of the Year. Phillip Butler and Chloe McLelland received the Most Improved awards for their respective progress, and Isla Wilson Thomas was recognised as Cox of the Year for her leadership and focus.

The evening also served as a chance to reflect on the dedication shown by pupils, including early morning training sessions and impressive performances at national competitions. The Head of Rowing, coaching staff and families were warmly thanked for their continued support and encouragement throughout the season.

Sixth Form student and Rowing Captain Zachary Jew delivered a moving speech that captured the true spirit of the Boat Club:

“To echo the words of Mr Messent, it’s wonderful to see so many people turn up to the End of Season Dinner, a sign of how well supported the Boat Club has become and continues to be.

I started rowing later than most, not joining until Year Ten because I didn’t want to give up Rugby and Cricket. But the moment I joined the Boat Club, I felt as if I’d finally found my home within school sports – something I’d never felt until that point. That came down to the atmosphere and culture created by Mr Messent and the coaches, and it’s reflected in everyone who has rowed there.

My first event was Wycliffe in a double with Ferris — a boat we’ve become very familiar with. We didn’t come close to winning, but the nerves before that first race and the adrenaline coming up to the start line are feelings I still experience today.

But Rowing is about more than competitions and winning. It’s about the people you do it with, and I’m lucky to have rowed with some of my best friends — that’s what makes it so enjoyable.

I’ve had the chance to attend some amazing camps, especially our training camp in France this year. The facilities were incredible, and the river was beautiful — a noticeable improvement from Portugal, which can best be summed up by the phrase ‘meat or fish’. If you know, you know.

I’ve been lucky to race at Dorney for the Junior Sculling Head Regatta and National Schools, and to try beach sprints this year, which I’d urge everyone to try if they get the chance.

My favourite memory has to be from Evesham this year. Winning two pots on the same day was something I never expected to do, and it’s a testament to how far I’ve come in four years.

None of this would have been possible without Mr Messent, Mr Hales, Mrs Whiteley and Mrs Tuckwood. Mr Messent, thank you for making me feel welcome and part of the community from the start, and for everything you do behind the scenes — it doesn’t go unnoticed. Mr Hales, thank you for putting up with me for so long — I wouldn’t be where I am without your guidance. Mrs Whiteley, thank you for always making me feel heard and supported, and Mrs Tuckwood, thank you for being one of the warmest, smiliest and most approachable people I know — the Boat Club wouldn’t be the same without you.

I also want to thank Matt Ferris. We’ve rowed together a lot over the last four years — through the highs, the lows and swearing never to row a double again after Portugal! From shouting at me about getting my feet out to reaching the British Champs final last year, I’m so grateful to have rowed with you. You really are one of my best friends. We are ready to do it all again in Nottingham.

It’s been an honour to captain the Boat Club. It’s an amazing place where great things happen every session. I’m happy to be leaving it in the very capable hands of the J17s, who I know will lead it with pride. I will forever remember my time at RGS fondly — but rowing for the school was the best decision I ever made.”

We congratulate all members of the Boat Club for their achievements this year and look forward to another exciting season ahead. Thank you to Zachary for sharing such heartfelt speech which perfectly sums up the ethos of Sport at RGS.