A Gutsy Run at Henley Regatta

Because all of the schools in England race in 8’s (with eight rowers), but Groton races in 4’s, it was important for the boys to gain experience in the larger, faster boat. At the Reading Amateur Regatta, just upstream from Henley on the Thames, Groton had an undefeated weekend, winning six races. 

 

The crew then traveled north to practice with Shrewsbury School and to get to know some English counterparts. Returning to the Henley area after three days, Groton raced on the 2012 Olympic race course at Eton, placing fifth of twenty-eight boats and being beaten by only one school. Returning to Reading on the third weekend, Groton's crew won four more races (and congratulatory tankards—see photo).

 

The Henley Regatta brought bad luck, however, as Groton was drawn to race Radley School, whose crew had finished third in national championships a few weeks earlier. Though Groton was one of the top American crews at the regatta, we were finished racing on the first day—despite putting up a very tough battle against Radley. The television commentators noted Groton's “really nice aggressive style” and praised the “tiny school that absolutely is not giving way."

"They are fighting all the way," the commentators raved. "They are so tough and gutsy. They couldn’t have been any braver; they couldn’t have done any more.” 

 

It is always disappointing when a season ends on a loss, but there is consolation in knowing that that the crew raced well and that Groton was recognized for the heart and the courage that our students put into their efforts.—Coach Andy Anderson