Contest for rowing post

Press, 8 October 1987, Page 35

Contest for rowing post

PA Dunedin Long standing national rowing selector, Fred Strachan, will be challenged for his convener’s job at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association in Wellington on October 17. There was criticism of Mr Strachan’s insistence on giving priority to the eights for this year’s world championships at Copenhagen. The disappointing performances led to soul-

searching about the priorities of New Zealand international rowing. Mr Strachan, of Dunedin, has been the convener of the national selection panel for the last 22 years and was instrumental in lifting New Zealand rowing to its high international status. Challenging him will be Brian Hawthorne, of Wellington, who was a New Zealand coach for five years from 1980-84. Mr Strachan is not being challenged for the

position of president and will be returned to office for the third successive year. , ; . Otago’s lan Dixon will receive a service jacket at the annual meeting for his 10 years work as a rowing umpire. He has been chairman of the Otago Umpires Association for the last six years. ... Otago is applying to the annual meeting to stage the 1989 national rowing championships at Lake Ruataniwha.