Article added: Tuesday 16 April 2024

MAADI WRAP UP: Its been a busy time at the club of late with the South Island Secondary Schools regatta (1-3 March) followed closely by the Aon Maadi regatta (17-23 March) both at Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel. It was great to have the Maadi Cup close to home this year enabling our largest ever squad of students representing Wakatipu High School to attend.

All the preparation and planning ahead of the regatta made for a great week of rowing and results. Congratulations to all our rowers that gave their all each and every race, supported each other across the week (and season) on and off the water and for showing the Waka way! We couldn’t be more proud of our athletes or our community. The support from parents, grandparents, local businesses, past rowers and club contributors matched the commitment of our squad and saw us make 12 A Finals and 6 B Finals and bring home 2 gold, 3 silver and a bronze medal as a team.

Congratulations to Xavier Small for his selection in the NZ U19 development squad trials and Seb Watson, Harrison Lightfoot and Charlie Manser for their selection in the South Island U18 trials. We wish you guys all the best for the upcoming trials. The icing on the cake - Whakatipu head coach John Morrison was awarded the Bill Eady Trophy for NZ Junior Coach of the Year (the second time he’s won it in three years).

Our goal of a three-peat win was achieved and we share the Presidents Scull with Cashmere High School Rowing, tying for first equal in the competition for best sculling school. Although we are known for sculling, this year seen our U15 Girls 4+ make it to the B final which is a first for many years!

Tons of success on paper but the great memories and friendships forged throughout the week will be the longer lasting reward.