‘Oarsman’ award to non-rower

Press, 26 April 1978, Page 42

‘Oarsman’ award to non-rower

Mr Graeme Howell, a surprise choice as Canterbury’s “Oarsman of the Year,” did not wield an oar at all during the 1977-78 rowing season.

Such well-performed oarsmen as Sam Le Compte, Tony Brook, Steve Donaldson and Ross Lindstrom — all New Zealand representatives — were in line for the award but the honour can also go to administrators who have made a major contribution to the sport. The selectors (Messrs Trevor Sullivan, Trevor Le Bas and Pat McQuinn) named Mr Howell because of his con- | siderable coaching success with the Avon maiden crews during the summer. Both the maiden four and eight won titles at the national championships in March on Lake Karapiro.

These successes were considerable achievements, as a majority of the crew members were only second-year rowers and in early-season races had shown no inkling of the performances to come.

Howell, who last rowed three years ago, came to Avon this season from the Aramoho club and, ironically, the novice eight he coached in the previous season finished second behind Avon at the 1977 nationals. Several of that Avon crew graduated to the maiden eight this year. The presentation was made during a function at the Leander Club on Monday evening and the other major award went to Derek Manning, of the Canterbury club, who received the Academy of Physical Training trophy for the best physically prepared oarsman. Manning, a national colts trialist in previous years, was a popular choice and the award was some conisolation for his disappointment at narrowly missing the junior coxless pairs title at the New Zealand chanipionships. Manning and Chris Thorsen led Timaru clearly with 200 m to go but faded considerably in the final section and were I overhauled in the last few I strokes.