Maadi 2018

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 Go back and revisit that moment in time. The Under 17 boys singles race, Ruataniwha, 24 March 2018. A race that Jack McLaughlan had thought about and planned for a year, after finishing second in the under 16 singles at Maadi, Karapiro, 2017. To row a race with such tactical precession that the 8000 strong crowd were in an uproar as Jack passed his rival in the last 30 meters of the 2000m race. 

That race set the scene for a golden day at Maadi and in fact across codes for McGlashan College. For two hours drive down the road in Timaru another McGlashan star, Josh Hou was burning the track up at the South Island Athletic Championships.

Back at Maadi, Jack teamed up with Nic Chamberland to win another gold, this time in the under 17 double. In the past, any medal at Maadi was a feat to celebrate. Nic’s achievement along with Jack can’t be underestimated, a magnificent effort by two extremely strong athletes.

To cap off a day to remember, the two Wills, Edwards and Turner rowed a determined race to win silver for the second year running, this time in the under 16 double.

The McGlashan squad made five A finals which made sure the College’s name was front and centre for the entire week of Maadi. Jack and Nic teamed with Jez Nicolson-Kelly and Oscar Cochrane in the under 17 quad. There wasn’t quite enough gas in the tank for a third medal, and they finished a creditable seventh. Angus Kenny was rewarded for his hard work by claiming a sixth place in the A final of the under 16 single.

Jez and Oscar may have been a little disappointed not to make an A final in the Under 18 coxless pair but were rewarded for a consist years work by being named in a South Island trial squad along with Jack and Nic.

Special mention of Ben Teviotdale who made the squad for the first time in his last year at College. Ben was rewarded for sticking with rowing and made it passed the dreaded Wednesday cut off rule with a C and E final, well done Ben.

The McGlashan rowing squad is a success story for sport at the College. This year finished 9th best school in New Zealand at Maadi and 4th best boys school in New Zealand which is outstanding. From small beginnings and lots of hard work from, former parents of the College the sport is now a well-established club, which owns its own boats and has a strong support base. The parents continue to drive the club with support from Tony Gomez, who is the link with the school. Special mention for Chris Jukes who was thrown into the role of team manager and made a great fist of it. All the parents have to step up and do their bit. Jo McLaughlan is great on those early morning shuttles, and Lisa Edwards is an ultimate team, Mum. Dave Kelly has taken over as Chairman. It is so encouraging to see former parents and pupils returning to Maadi to support the boys.

The squad has been very lucky with the quality of the coaches they have had over the years. This is a theme that runs through most successful codes at the College. This year Bryce Abernethy’s coaching made a significant difference to the results on the water. We are lucky to have a young man of such special character heading the coaching staff. Mitchell Parks (Ranger) was a great support for Bryce as was the experienced Pete Benny.