Members and friends of SUBC at both the Glebe and Linley Point sheds will be deeply saddened to learn of the recent untimely death of Sam Holst. Known to so many within the broader rowing community, both within Australia and overseas, Sam nevertheless formed close relationships with a few NSW clubs throughout his lengthy and talented coxing career. How fortunate that SUBC was one of them.
His close association with the ‘Blue and Gold’ spanned near 25 years during which he generously gave of his time, coxing expertise and camaraderie to steer countless University crews of men and women in their endeavours not only within Australia at local, state and national regattas but also overseas. So many of us are indebted to him for the significant part he played in making ‘the rowing dream’ a reality.
Sam’s initial connection with rowing at Sydney University was at the Linley Point boatshed where he coxed a small but successful contingent of men’s Masters crews in competition, including World Masters Games. A close and lengthy association followed with SUWRC at the Glebe shed where the club went from strength to strength pursuing competitive opportunities, with Sam as cox, both at home and overseas.
His passion was the sport of rowing and he engaged with it by seeking opportunities to be the best cox that he could be. He approached his role in the boat with an acute sense of the importance of preparation both in terms of researching the course to be rowed and the physical setup of the cox’s equipment within the boat.
He was a fierce competitor with a canny, experienced eye in a race and was acknowledged for his expertise and performance by being awarded ‘Rowing NSW Coxswain of the Year 2014-2015’. As well, selection as coxswain of several NSW Interstate Masters crews (both men and women) was clear recognition of the extent of his talented contribution to the sport he loved.