The Abingdonian 2019

51 www.abingdon.org.uk Summer Term frequent the the Thames at Abingdon). With such a diverse group, coming from many different sporting backgrounds, it was very encouraging to see how they moved through the season and developed as a squad, culminating in both A and B boats finishing in the top nine of the country at National Schools. The J16 rowing year always stays with them for years to come, as it’s the last opportunity to race as a single year group before moving up to the Seniors, certainly giving the boys extra incentive to finish the season on a high. Setting their goal at the start of the year at getting medals in both the A and B events created a very deep skill level and fierce competition throughout the squad. The intensitywith which the boys approached their training saw regular changes to both crews as the season progressed, and provided a welcome break and outlet from GCSE revision. Once the dust had settled, and National Schools had been raced, the J16 As found themselves with bronze medals, and the Bs repeated their 2018 result to come back with silver once again. A memorable point of the season for the Seniors is always the lead-up to Henley Royal Regatta – that period of training where exams are over, and all that’s left to do is get lost in the noise and rhythm of the boat, squeezing every little bit of speed out of the crew. The 2nd VIII combined with some of the J16 As after National Schools to form a crew to attempt qualification for the Temple Challenge Cup. Although the crew did not qualify, the Lower Sixth and fifth year members found the experience invaluable in putting together the foundation of the coming season’s new Senior squad, and are already looking ahead to next season with anticipation. For the 1st VIII who traditionally prequalify for the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup, there was a tough task at hand on day one of the regatta. This didn’t deter the throngs of supporters in pink and white blazers turning up to cheer the crew out of the boat tents for their race, and certainly gave them the loudest send-off of any crew that day Unfortunately the crew didn’t make it past the first day, but they came back to the boat tent knowing they had performed as well as they were able. The moments following highlighted how much passion and effort all the boys put into this sport, and how invested they become throughout the course of the year. We wish the outgoing Upper Sixth all the best for the next chapter of their academic lives, and look forward to welcoming them back to the Boat Club as Griffens. Rory Copus