THOSE in Port Macquarie rowing circles believe Matthew Catania and Blake McMillan are the two best products to come out of the region in a very long time.
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It’s easy to see why after the duo were selected to appear in a composite squad with Mosman at the national titles in Sydney from Monday.
Catania has already competed at numerous Central and Northern district regattas where he has placed in most events.
“I’ve been rowing for about three years and started in Port Macquarie, but this will be the furthest I’ve gone,” he said.
The 17-year-old has also participated in the NSW pathway rowing camps in Sydney where he was also selected to compete at the NSW state rowing regatta in two team boats alongside McMillan.
“I’m expecting the biggest challenge is that next week is an international nationals event,” Catania said.
“So there are people from other countries going to be in it so it will be a good experience to see what they’re like and how they row.
We are shooting for the finals and do want to get PBs which is a goal for us.
- Matthew Catania
“We are shooting for the finals and do want to get PBs which is a goal for us.”
McMillan has four years’ rowing experience next to his name and recently joined the Port Macquarie club.
He also has participated in many district regattas where he has performed strongly.
The teenager believes the pair would perform well in the pairs events.
“We like the double more but think we’ll go well in the pairs,” he said.
“We want to earn a bit of respect down there and then get some recognition and maybe scholarships for uni.”
While there is some room for improvement, they want to be in the mix for the Commonwealth or Olympic Games in coming years.
We want to earn a bit of respect down there and then get some recognition and maybe scholarships for uni.
- Blake McMillan
“It’s a stepping stone for us for further down the track,” he said.
Rowing coach Alan McCartney said the club had not produced such a high quality standard of rower for many years.
“I have never had anyone who is as easygoing, trains harder and competes harder than both Matthew and Blake,” he said.
“They both have developed timing and rhythm which is needed to row as one in a boat and not two individuals.”
McCartney also said clubmate Amelia Stennett had been disadvantaged by not having other girls her age to compete with or against.
“Her accomplishments are quite good especially when she is up against the best elite private schools and clubs in the state as well as nationally,” he said.