Rowing to surge ahead

23/1/2010

Under the guidance of a good number of gifted and generous coaches over the years, rowing at Otago Boys’ has maintained a high and successful profile.

Otago's rowing future features Sergio Salis (left), Geoffrey Morris (fourth from left) and Henry Easton (fourth from right)

And it seems the fine efforts of Fred Strachan and those who preceded him will continue with the on-going work of the Meridian Energy-sponsored Coaching Scholar system which keeps young rowers interested and involved in the sport.

‘‘The aim is to encourage rowers who are recent school leavers and those in transition to tertiary education to start coaching and continue their involvement in rowing,’’ Otago Rowing manager Sonya Walker said.

Part of the trainee coaches’ role is to provide additional coaching for crews in schools that lack the expertise from the teaching staff.

The seven trainee coaches attended last weekend’s Otago championships at Lake Ruataniwha with their crews.

The convener of the coaching programme is Sergio Salis (1965-69), who produced national champions when he coached crews from Queens High School and the University of Otago.

The Otago Boys’ contingent comprises Geoffrey Morris (2006-2009) and Henry Easton (1998-2002).