University of Waikato crews confirmed for Great Race   18 Aug 2014

The Gallagher Great Race is now only a month away and New Zealand’s best young rowing talent is set to compete in the iconic Hamilton race.

Coaches for Waikato University are confident they have the best crews to defend their titles against international challengers; Harvard, Washington and Melbourne universities.

Men’s coach, Ross Tong has selected and coached the illustrious crew for the past eight years. He says this year’s crew is the strongest yet, with the majority being current New Zealand representatives.

“On paper it’s the best crew I’ve coached because they’ve all been involved in the Rowing NZ High Performance programme. Previously I’ve had guys that are bordering on elite or Under-23 but this year, for the first time, they’re pretty much all there. They’re determined, driven and want to win,” Ross says.

The crew includes members from this year’s recent Under-23 World Championships; the World Champion gold medallist men’s eight and the silver medallist coxed four.

The Waikato University women’s crew already has an impressive track record having won the Bryan Gould Cup on 10 occasions. It’s no surprise that this year they’re out to make it five wins in a row.

Nick Barton takes on the role as the crew’s coach for the first time, having been involved in organising the event since it began.

“I know this year’s Washington crew is strong and will be very tough to beat. Melbourne, on the other hand is an unknown. Our crew has some fantastic talent, with two elite New Zealand rowers as well as a number of medallists from this year’s Under-23 World Championships. Even with the home advantage I’m sure it will be a massive battle on the water to take home the Bryan Gould Cup,” Nick says.

The Gallagher Great Race is a free community event held from 12-14 September on the Waikato River in Hamilton. Finals are on Sunday 14 September.

For more information visit: www.thegreatrace.co.nz

ENDS

About The Gallagher Great Race

The Gallagher Great Race has been sponsored by local business icon Gallagher since its inception in 2002. The annual event is now in its 13th year. It is superb world-class river racing action on a highly technical course. It is a three boat competition raced upstream over a 3.8km stretch of the Waikato River.

Founded in 2001, Boathouse Events Ltd was established to bring to fruition the idea of establishing an international varsity rowing eights competition on Waikato River.

The Gallagher Great Race is a free community event from 12-14 September on the Waikato River. All races begin at Ann Street and finish at Grantham Street.

Visit: www.thegreatrace.co.nz

Stay up to date: www.facebook.com/gallaghergreatrace

Winners’ Tally

Harvard was beaten by Waikato in their sole previous visit in 2007 as the men’s crew captured the Harry Mahon Memorial Trophy.

Waikato University has won the men’s eight event eight times, while the women’s crew have an even better track record, having won the Bryan Gould Cup on 10 occasions. They’ll be out to make it five wins in a row when they meet Washington and Melbourne on Sunday 14 September.

Melbourne has won the women’s title once in five visits, back in 2006, while Washington has only previously sent a men’s crew in 2005.

2014 Crews

Men’s Waikato University Crew, sponsored by Caniwi Capital:

Caleb Shepherd (Cox)*, Finn Howard (stroke)*, Shaun Kirkham (7)*, Anthony Allen (6)*, Paddy McInnes (5)*, Issac Grainger (4)*, Richard Power (3), Hayden Cohen (2), Alex Bardoul (bow)*, Mackenzie Macky (reserve)*. Coach: Ross Tong

Women’s Waikato University Crew, sponsored by Brian Perry Charitable Trust

Zoe Stevenson (8)**, Brooke Donoghue (7)*, Olivia Loe (6)*, Adelle Stead (5), Christie Davis (4), Jess Ria (3), Claudia Hyde (2)*, Kayla Pratt (1)**, Caitlin Lawry (coxswain), Linda Matthews (reserve)**.

Coach, Nick Barton

*NZ representative at Under-23 level, **NZ representative at elite level

About U Leisure Limited

U Leisure’s mission is to promote active lifestyles to people on campus and members of the Waikato community. U Leisure is a limited liability company owned by the University of Waikato and the Waikato Students Union.

Other events delivered by U Leisure include; Avantidrome REV Cycle Festival, BikeNZ Elite & U19 Track Cycling National Championships, Round the Bridges, NZ Youth Games, Avantidrome Official Opening.

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