Our rowers are well into training for their 2022/23 season and are enjoying getting back on the water of Lake Wendouree.
As we grow excited for another rowing season, with over 150 student participants, it’s only fitting to look back at some of our Old Collegians’ achievements at the most coveted event of the rowing season, Head of the Lake.
Recently, we were delighted to receive the 1936 Head of the Lake winners’ oar, donated by Old Collegian, Bert Goon’s (1936) (dec) daughter, Veronica Thornton (1965).
Ballarat College’s 1936 crew consisted of Henry Berry (bow) (1936) (dec), Bert Goon (2) (1936) (dec), Angus Urquhart (3) (1937) (dec), Ian John (stroke) (1936) (dec) and Geoff Barrell (cox) (1938) (dec). After one false start, the three crews consisting of Ballarat College, St Patrick’s College and Ballarat Grammar got away cleanly.
College, with an inspiring sprint, went on to win by two lengths in 6 minutes and 10 seconds.
In total, Clarendon has won 27 Head of the Lake titles.
Bert’s oar and the memories evoked by the 1936 crew’s success will provide ongoing motivation for our current students as they gear up for their upcoming rowing events.
If you wish to get in touch with Clarendon’s archives, please contact banks@clarendon.vic.edu.au.