WELL-KNOWN OARSMAN COACHED TAKAPUNA'S SUCCESSFUL FOUR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 99, 28 April 1945, Page 20

WELL-KNOWN OARSMAN COACHED TAKAPUNA'S SUCCESSFUL FOUR

Although the Takapuna Grammai School supporters were wreathed in smiles when the school crew won the first fours at the Secondary Schools' Regatta, the happiest man of all was C. J. (Charlie) Willetts, who, just over a week previously, took control of the crew as coach. It was the first win the school had scored since 1940. Charlie has had long experience in the sport. In 1924, he joined the Wellington Rowing Club and was awarded the gold medal trophy for the most improved first-year oarsman. Transferred north, he Joined the North Shore club in 1930. The following year he was selected No. 2 with R. Sherley (str), J. Woodhouse (3) and H. Judkins (bow) in the club's light maiden four. This crew enjoyed an unbeaten record, its best performance being the winning from a big field of the class race at the New Zealand championships, held at Hamilton. . He has also played his part in the management as captain, secretary and treasurer and also on the Auckland Rowing Association executive. As a coach ne has turned out some fine crews, one of the last season's examples being the North Shore light maiden four. Last Saturday's win was a fitting finish to the season and a good reward for the time and patiencp devoted to coaching and working in the interests of the club.