OUTGOING Port Macquarie Rowing Club captain Brian Glawson has praised his rowers for their outstanding results at the Rowing NSW 2017 Taree Summer Regatta.
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The locals all performed well, led by youngsters Blake McMillan and Matthew Catania, in what is the biggest rowing event in NSW.
Glawson said it was a really good regatta for the club
“Our members participate each year in some races and this year we have a record amount of entries from about 30 clubs,” he said.
“Young Blake won two single scull races and Matthew came second in some as well.
They both raced gutsy races.”
McMillan came first in the Men's D Grade Single Scull and the Men's C Grade Single Scull while Catania came second in the Men's D Grade Single Scull.
McMillan recorded the third fastest time out of 58 rowers for the D Grade event.
“I’m really happy with what we accomplished. It was really hard but I feel like we all did really well,” he said.
They also raced three double scull events together, placing third in two of them.
“We didn’t know how we would go because it was the first time racing together in a regatta,” Catania said.
“I’m quite happy with the results. Rowing is something that I’m keen to continue to do and, if all things go to plan we will race at state in Sydney in three weeks.”
Glawson said both boys have opportunities with the North Coast Academy of Sport, which is a great stepping stone to go further with rowing.
“Both of the boys have big futures in my opinion. They’re doing training every day and are on the water four or five days a week locally, plus up at the academy every month,” he said.
“Rowing is a sport that requires a lot of dedication and time to perfect the techniques.
“These guys are showing that they have commitment in spades. They have a long way to go but the signs are good.”
Tristan Shaw and Glawson won the men’s masters double scull in what he described as their not-so-great technical row.
“The water was very rough, but it was good to win,” he said. “Both of us are leaving town shortly, so it was our last race for the club and it was good to come away with a win.
Glawson will move away from the area for work soon, but said the sport will continue to grow under whoever is appointed the new captain.
“It’s sad to leave the club after seven years, and I’ve put a lot of work into the club,” he said. “But they will find another captain and they will keep going from strength to strength.”
In other results, Brooke Hancey and Majella Starr placed second in the double scull while Debbie Gardner and Karen Stelco came second in the Women's Masters Double Scull.