Triumph at the Edward Trickett NSW Grade Championships

Last weekend marked another monumental occasion for the Rowing Club as they clinched victory at the prestigious Edward Trickett NSW Grade Championships. This regatta, often regarded as the 'grand final' of the season, witnessed fierce competition from clubs across NSW and the ACT, including formidable adversaries like UTS and ANU. However, it was UNSW that emerged triumphant, showcasing their dominance on the water with an outstanding performance.

The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly UNSW's claim to the overall regatta trophy, a testament to their amazing dedication to this season on the back of a successful 2023. The club amassed an impressive haul of 10 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals, cementing their status as the team to beat. 

A particularly remarkable achievement was the stellar performance of the Women’s squad, whose members secured the top 7 rankings out of 178 athletes. This remarkable feat, with 5 of these top-ranking athletes being UNSW students, underscores the club's commitment promoting and fostering women in sport. Rowing Club President Charlie Stanwix says that “Credit must be given to the dedicated coaches, Chris Byrnes and Cameron Butler, whose guidance and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the squad's success”.

One of the most inspiring narratives of the regatta was the remarkable journey of Markus Black and Helen Frith. Just a year ago, they were novices in the sport of rowing. Fast forward to the present, and they stand atop the podium, claiming gold in the D grade Men's and Women's single events, respectively. Furthermore, UNSW demonstrated remarkable depth and versatility across all boat categories, with commendable performances in both the men's and women's divisions in D and C grades. 

The weekend's success also serves as a testament to the effectiveness of UNSW's Learn-To-Row Program – which was the winner of Sport Initiative of the Year at our annual Sports Awards dinner last November. As participants in the program continue to flourish and evolve, the club's future looks brighter than ever.

For many within the club, this triumph represents a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. As Stanwix states, "We have not had such a successful season since I joined the club in 2019." From victories at the Head of the Yarra to UniGames races and competing at Nationals, the Edward Trickett NSW Grade Championships triumph serves as the crowning achievement of an unforgettable 2023/24 season.