Senior Boy’s Rowing 2014-2015

The Senior Boys Rowing team at Brentwood has long been a flagship program not only for the school, but for other Canadian high schools as well. This year was yet another outstanding season for the whole team. As a significant force of Grade 11s and few grade 12s stepped in front of the boathouse for the first day of practice that September afternoon, each boy could see the challenge to come, as well as the bonds to be made and fun to be had.  Brentwood’s Senior Boys competed at regattas in the fall season such as the Head of the Lake in Seattle, Washington where we placed respectably among other international crews. A small group also competed at the National Rowing Championships, finishing the weekend with very respectable placements. For the rest of the fall and into the new year came the time of year where the crew bonded with regular gatherings outside on the erg room stairs during grueling indoor workouts.  Leading up to the racing season came both of our annual indoor rowing competitions. Most of the squad competed at the Brentwood/Shawnigan Erg Fest hosted on campus, while a select few travelled to the Monster Erg at UVic. Both groups left the other competitors in their virtual wake.  Before we knew it, racing season was upon us with early morning rows and a new regatta each week. We even hosted our own Regatta which is also the largest high school sporting event in North America hosted by a single school. The whole team performed tremendously all throughout the season as leaders to the school and a model team for other crews. It seemed as if the podium became a new home for Brentwood each weekend.  The Brentwood Senior Boys’ rowing team of 2015 recognized countless opportunities and rose above the challenges. It was a tremendous group of guys who put their heads down when the work had to be done, but through a demanding training schedule managed to have lots of laughs along the way. Thanks to our team of coaches, Mr. Brian Carr, Mr. Beatty, Mrs. Amiel and Mr. Tony Carr, The Admiral for their expertise and enthusiasm. It’s now two more weeks of focussed preparation before we leave for the National Championships, the CSSRAs in St. Catharines, ON in early June. Wish us luck. Elliot R, Boys’ Boathouse Captain, Rogers ‘15