Under the guiding hand of QAS Head Rowing Coach, Tim Conrad, the U23 Australian Eight with four SUBC oarsmen is preparing for the U23 World Regatta in Belgrade in August. At this time of year the Brisbane’s weather features warm still days and crisp clear nights -a welcome change from Sydney and the south. The Brisbane River is at its best with practically no wind and long sweeping runs along the upper suburban reaches.
Conrad, an SUBC alumni (1973-76) and former Olympian (76) has enlisted a strong support staff of specialists from the Queensland Academy to ensure that every facet of crew and individual preparation is covered.
On the morning of our visit, National Head Coach – Men, Noel Donaldson was along to review the crew’s progress and pronounced himself pleased with the rowers’ results from the selection regattas and their training to date.
The crew is stroked by Francis Hegerty (SUBC 2003 Club Captain) backed up by Ben McGeachie in 7, Sam Conrad (grandson of SUBC legend Coach Maurie Grace and son of Coach Conrad in 6, Matt Ryan (SUBC) 5 , David Galley and Craig Dorstein at 4 and 3, with SUBC pair Michael Valli and Tim Williams in the sharp end of the boat.
The UQ/QAS oarsmen , cox and coach have made our SUBC rowers most welcome with each rower staying with one of the UQ rower’s families during their training in Brisbane. Not even the suggestion of a “state of origin” fours race on the day of the first NRL clash was able to disrupt crew harmony.
A Fund raising Cocktail Party for the SUBC Australian U23 Team members will be held at St Joseph’s College Baotshed on 4th July.