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GLASGOW UNIVERSITY BOAT CLUB ROW 2012 CLUB DINNER Dear Argonauts,
This new initiative includes an influx of committed and talented coaches to bolster the squads already highly experienced and accomplished compliment of coaches to produce vast improvements in all facets of the craft of rowing. As well as taking further advantage of local resources such as rowing tank sessions, and more focussed time spent both in the gym and on the water.
The event - held at Scotland's own Strathclyde park - once again saw Laura Mcghie and Steph McDowall adorn the pundit box, and their dulcet tones wafted over the park telling all and sundry the days results and race commentaries. The Ladies departed for the squads last regatta of the season and raced upon the prestigious course of Henley-upon-Thames. The Academic Coxed Four(Claire H, Claire T, Jess, Nicole, Anna) sadly did not qualify, despite a promising row in their time trial on the Friday morning. The next day, the composite Senior Coxed Four of Strathclyde Park (Natalie Irvine), Clydesdale (Kirstin Allan, Fiona O' Prey) and GUBC (Laura McGhie, Peri Styes) had a good start to racing by deafeating a furious Dublin University in their first round. The Elite Lightweight coxless four(Rhona Findlay, Hazel Gaddis, Sally Griffiths, Claire B) were eliminated from the competition in the 1st round by the eventual winners in the coxless 4's. The Senior 4 made it to the quater finals, and were knocked out by the eventual finalists Reading. June THIS UPDATE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE 'BOOM MCGHIE SPELLCHECK: The first race of the day saw the continual grudge match between Sam W and James F play out in spectacular fasion in their men's novice single scull heat, seeing a brave performance by mr Forster being no match for the extra 20kg's of power wielded by Sam, who beat his compatriot by 0.3s. An appeal has been loged to the heads of scottish rowing to outlaw 'the surge' from all boats. Exponents of the move remain pessimistic. The final of which was won by GUBC's bovarian babe Jan Huckman, who returned from the beerhalls and leiderhosen of his homeland especially for the occassion. sat: IM3 4+, IM1 2x 3rd despite a self-confessed diabolical row. May The Edinburgh vs Glasgow University Boat Race is something of a dying breed. As a race, it has been a constant source of inspiration for both fresh and calloused hands alike for the past 134 years. In a world where the very soul of sportsmanship seems so readily sacrificed to the hadeian gods of corporate gain, it remains a bastion of virtue. It represents to many the epitome of what it is to compete; not for yourself, but for those around you who have poured their all into a single act; to win. This responsibility forms a bond unlike any other, and the desire to make a stand with those that have become more than just your crew becomes all encompassing. All was not lost, however, for the Senior Men's VIII, inspired by the performances of their friends, produced another top class performance against a strong Edinburgh VIII. GUBC entered the boathouse corner in a lead that was widened further by an outrageous line by the Edinburgh cox, before a final push to claim the boat race title for the 12th year in a row. Post-races, joy and grief was shared and celebrated with passion and austerity alike before minds were focussed on the final task of the day; the boatrace dinner. Organised by our residant faux-semite and Mounty-botherer Sam W in Sloan's, the dinner and following Ceilidh with live ceilidh band (shakes arms dramatically) were enjoyed by all and sundry. Speeches by both club captains were well recieved, proving the affection between clubs only grows stronger, and many new friends were made by all. New members of GUBC were shocked to find so many people called Spartacus in one club. No injuries occurred save one broken-nosed GUBC alumni setting our new treasurer on fire via a paper aeroplane attack that would have impressed Goering himself.
Boys. pair (Sam & Dan) & double (James & Luke) champ races did well despite being scratch crews. 2x came 4th against tough comp. intermediate 4+ (Eliott Dan Paddy Jan, Alanna) bronze. lightweight pair (Elliot and Paddy) through to final. 4x through to repucharge, but unfortunately due to weather repucharges were cancelled, the fastest 6 times were taken through from all heats, so the boys missed out. However, upon their return, pockets still bulging provocatively with pauper's ill-gained taxes, a delicious slice was cut from the moist cake of good news, and presented to Conan McNaul and Danny Graham (of 2x fame) on the plastic plate of providence. Impressed by their performance, the powers that be saw fit to bestow a great honour upon them, chosen as they were to prepresent GB at EUSA. Whether it was their outstanding rowing, conan's obscure eating habits or Danny's impossible quiff that caught their eye is still in debate. Regardless, when surrounded by such quality as we are at GUBC, it is often easy for ones eyes to become accustomed to the luminescent talent that glistens omnipotently throughout our club. Their nomination honours us, and we collectively bask in their reflective glory as they continue their ascention to the nauseating heights we all know is within their grasp. To them we wish udachi. Thanks go to Ladies Captain for providing results. They were written down, but were blown away. Apparently
The first regatta of the season saw both squads build magnificently on their alreadystellar form, resulting in gold and glory flowing from adudicators hands like wine from Dionysus. The racing highlights proved too many to illicit literary gratification individually, however, a few of the highlights include the men's 3rd 4+ winning their final by the hairs on their chinny-chin chins in the closest race of the day, and Eliott Clarke miraculously making weight to win his 4th medal of the day along with men's squad stalwart and long-suffering lightweight pair wife Paddy Murray. It would appear all those efforts to physically wrestle cake from his hands paid off, but such is the quality of coaching at the zenith of Scottish University rowing. The novice girls also managed to make it to the start line with their boat upright and above the water this year. In the interest of self
indulgence, a list is provided of our results;
Once the press had been appeased, a week of hard graft and training unfolded. Making the most of the excellent water conditions and sunshine to focus on mastering their craft as well as 'base tan' (a concept still alien to the average scot). Their lifestyle was simple, verging on the monastic; they slept upstairs in the boathouse, and spent every waking moment on the water 'save for a cultural visit to Bergamo. Much care and attention was given to the crews for up and coming events, resulting in many members being seat-raced. Hats-off to Laura 'Boom' McGhie, Fraser Quinn and Aristide Bonomelli for putting together such a beneficial trip, and proving once and for all there is alot more to do in the Alps than ski and yodle. Apparently a chap called Pacio was a big hit with the ladies captain, too.
March The following week saw the men's squad make the long journey down to the Big Smoke to build on the women's success. The crews piled dreary-eyed into minibusses, wedged themselves in amongst the towers of bags stuffed to the brim with lycra, and began the long journey towards the equator. The journey down passed without incident, although the musical talent of the squad was somewhat diminuable; with only a half-mumbled rendition of tina turner's 'simply the best' submitted in reply to the girls' epic. The first bus arrived in good time, and were able to make the most of a few hours of sunlight to explore what delights Putney had hid up her sleeve, go for a big team dinner, and nudity. The other bus, captained by GUBC sweetheart James Hayhurst, arrived in the wee hours and were quick to bed. Like their sisters the week previously, the race also marked the end of the boys 6 week drinking ban, and they set about making up for lost time in spectacular fasion. A cake (expertly created and smuggled down by Steph Macdowall) was cut to mark Conan McNaul's 21st birthday and his ascention from the hormonal confusion of boyhood into the ranks of men, before they preceeded to raise hell and generally impress everyone at Thames Rowing Club for the rest of the night. Incidents of note include Cigars with Oxford's bowman and a 6ft 4 transvestite, park-bench embarassment, nudity, and Mark Lees. The team awoke from their happy blur surprisingly fresh faced and bushy-tailed on the sunday morning. Some of the arguably more civilised (but definitely more bonkers) members even indulged in an early morning run. The return journey was without interruption save for the contents of the men's captain's stomach.
The race itself kicked off under a blazing Southern English sun, and proved to be just as productive as the journey down, albeit alot harder work. All three crews did exceptionally well in what proved to be an increadibly competitive race, with many top clubs trying out potential olympic hopefuls. Despite this, the 1st VIII finished 76th; 25 places higher than their starting position and 15 seconds behind their rivals Edinburgh. Close behind were the 2nd VIII, which after a fantastic race managed to climb 78 places to finish 120th and only 30 seconds behind the seniors. The 3rd VIII also did very well, crossing the line in a respectable time and climbing 12 places in the process. Thames RC once again lived up to their well deserved reputation of being excellent hosts. Not only did they play inn-keeper for the weekend, but also provided the venue for the girls to finally let their hair down after so many months hard training. If TRC had realised this night was the grand finale of a 40day drinking ban they may not have been so hospitable. However, the ladies conducted themselves with a grace and decorum that came as quite a suprise to those they left back in harsher climes. The only casualties being one or two's pride and Nim's trousers. Many Alumni came out to show their support, including GUBC celebrity and self-confessed heart throb of the IC 1st VIII Dougie Thoms, and one-time history degree pinup turned chef extraordinare Dave Robertson. Any further Alumni who are in London on Saturday 2nd April please do come and support the mens squad! Febuary Another race on our home turf, this time held by our friends by the wier. Division 1 saw a strong blustery wind blowing up river, which may have affected the quality of some of the rowing. the Senior Men's VIII narrowly lost to GRC in a highly competitive race, and the Men's Novice 8 were beaten by GHSRC despite having a very strong start, overtaking 2 crews and irritating a veteran crew to distraction. Once again, however, the Ladies Squad came to the rescue, providing wins in the W Op 4+ and W R2 8+ categories. Division 2 saw the men return to form, with a win in MR2 8+. The day was capped off by the ladies adding another win in the WOp 8+ category.
The evening saw the GUBC Lycra night kick off. Fuelled by the first batch of GUBC Homebrew, provided by club Master Brewers Dan Mcsherry and Wim Stevenson, the 3 nectars were named GUSASPANK; Hayhurst, McDowall and Logan, in honour of our clubs hero's and heroin and their success at the GUSA sports ball the week before. Sadly, however, due to the ladies squad being on thier pre-Tideway drinking ban, it was up to the men's squad to quaff the aforementioned victory tibble. Even when dished out to coaches, officials, and passers by, the atheletes spectacularily failed. Although it was discovered the squat rack is an innapropriate place to catch 40winks and one of the older novices is far more a deviant than ever thought possible. Despite this, everyone staggered out to deep6 and the ladies squad were able to watch on in horror as the mens squad made the most of their last night of intoxication for 4 weeks. Needless to say, the mental fortitude they have developed to be successful in rowing served them well! Febuary saw the club pile once again into minibuses and cars to make the trip up to Inverness. The teams bravely ploughed their way through snowy whiteouts and fog, pausing only to rescue another clubs' bus and trailer who in the adverse conditions had spun out. Division 2 saw yet another strong performance by the ladies' VIII, who came first in the W O 8+ category. However, congratulations must go to the mens' Novii eight, who took home their first victory for the club in an almost offensively gutsy row. All credit must go to the guys; for having been plagued with attendence most of the first term, they have finally found a solid training rhythm with a bunch of big, committed and potentially talented guys. Credit must also go to Elliott Clarke, who stepped out of his coveted 7 seat in the 1st VIII and into the cox seat of Willie Fiddler without pause 'save to lay down an inspired race plan and get everyone trully psyched up. well done!
The powers that be saw it fit to put the highlight of the Universities sporting (and social) calendar on the same day as our racing at Inverness. If this was an attempt to deter GUBC domination at this prestigious event, it failed. Miserably. Tired rowers jumped out of boats, staggered blurry-eyed into cars and zoomed off Southwards to represent the club and support those recieving awards. Most even managed to arrive on time and not end up in Edinburgh.
January The highlight of the new year was our annual Western Head. This year, what with the Siberian cliamate, unfortunately saw quite a lean turnout of crews make it through the snow. However, those that did were bright, enthusiastic and glad to be off their ergs and able to compete on the hallowed arena of our mighty Clyde!
Division 2 saw much of the same quality; with the mens' 1st VIII rowing well and experimenting with exciting and top-secret new race strategies. This race also saw the instalation of Luke Cerexhe at bow, proving he is as good at rowing as he is dancing and being very nice. The womens' Novice boat also had a fantastic race in the most competitive group by far; seeing off their nearest competitor by almost a minute and completing the clean-sheet of victories for GUBC. Cap this off with our Club Captain getting shouted at by an inexcuseably irate allotment tending gypsie, and you have a very good day indeed. November Traditionally a busy month in the GUBC calendar, November 2010 did not dissappoint: Foreward from Alanna Dunleavy, GUBC Club Captain; "I am writing first and foremost to thank all those who attended GUBC's club dinner and addtitional events on the weekend of November 20th for thier presence and support. A great night was had by all - I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. A special thanks goes to our guest speaker, Aileen Howie, for a captivating and nostalgic speech which was well recieved by everyone in attendance. The morning of the Boat Club Dinner saw the annual Presidents Regatta; a flurry of recultivated friendships and amiable oneupmanship between old and new. Scratch crews were drawn out of hats via the sizzling barbeque (competently manned by the quintissential carnivore Conan), and the races began. The event went off almost incident free, were it not for one of the boats lodging itself so hard into the bank bowpair had to get out and push. Sources in the boat say the cox was to blame. Thus far, no concrete evidence has proved otherwise. Nevertheless, it proved a fitting inauguration to the weekends' entertainments.
The week later saw the Ladies squad make the arduous journey through Siberian snowdrifts and arctic temperatures to compete in the BUCS indoor erg champs being held in Edinburgh. The men's squad opting to stay at home in the comfort of thier warm cozy beds, or engage in a pub visit that can only be described as an endurance event. Despite lacking the self-preservative natures of thier Y-chromosomed compatriots, the ladies did fantastically well, with Gold medals in Heavyweight (Ruth Dunn), Lightweight (Rhona Findlay) and Team events. Anna Bain Pugh took home a Bronze medal in the lightweight event.
The first division saw many a close call, with all crews narrowly missing out on top spots. Performances of not include the Men's 1st VIII in M Op 8+ coming a very close second by 7 seconds to a strong GRC team. Division one kicked off with a promising start; the 1st four saw Conan Mcnaul team up with old schoolmate Calum Mcburney in the cox seat for the first time, along with Danny Graham, James Hayhurst and Elliott Clarke winning thier MOpen4+ category, and the 2nd four (Jan Huckman, Dan McSherry, Sam Wiszniewski, Paddy Murray) beating 8 other crews to the post, winning thier MRes4+ category by 10 seconds.
The second division saw glory enough to rival the first, although this time it was a boat containing James Forster, Stephen Fisher, Luke Cerexhe and Cormac McMurray which powered across the finishing line after an increadibly gutsy row 2 minutes ahead of the other eight competitors in the M Nov 4+'s. Special mention must go to this year's influx of fresh young novii, who had thier first experience of racing at this event. The Ladies boat finished 90 seconds in front of thier nearest competitor, whilst the boys more than held thier own in a highly competitive category, coming 4th out of 8 teams. Factor in the few slight communication issues between cox and oarsmen about where the bank was and you have a prime example of how much they wanted to succeed. An attitude that will serve them well in the years to come.
September The season kicked off with the Clydesdale Sculls. This being the first race of his tenure as Men's Captain, James Forster was eager to set a good example to his club. Exhibiting the outstanding leadership skills that won him such a lofty position he was first to the steps and first to his seat, before promptly leading the charge head first into the murky depths of the Clyde. Despite this, he emerged soggy but unrelenting in his desire to race. With which he gained a level of respect not entirely backed up by the jeers he recieved from the horde of onlookers. Despite this, the first division was a race enjoyed by all as a chance to blast the Summers' cobwebs out, to race competitively against friends and foes alike, and in some cases, show off sporty new hairstyles. The decision is yet to be made regarding the Mohawk's classicifaction as a performance enhancement. Perfomances of note include James Forster, Elliot Clarke and Anine Hollander narrowly missing out on top 3 spots. This race also saw Rhona Findlay and Rebecca Lightfoot don black and gold for the first time, gaining positive results. As well as Sam Wizsniewski competing in his first singe scull.
The second division built on the successes of the first, with Danny Graham and Conan Mcnaul coming a close second in the M2x and MOP2x categories. This was topped by an outstanding performance by the Ladies' squad: Rhona Findlay and Anine Hollander winning thier WRes2x category by a margin of almost 30 seconds, and an increadibly strong WNov2x performance by Laura Mcghie and Claire Baillie, who dominated thier category by a whopping 91 seconds!
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For many in the senior squads, selection for this years' HIR marked the final, and largest accolade to be obtained this season. Congratulations go to; Elliott Clarke, Paddy murray, Claire Hiddleston, Ruth Dun, Kerra Templeton, Michael Mcnaul, Danny Graham, Dan Mcsherry for the outstanding dedication and performances throughout the year that led to them being selected.
The time came once again for the cream of GUBC to saddle up and ride South to the lands of merry men and green tights. Not wishing to tempt fate by igniting the jealousy of local sherrifs (or the loins of well-born maidens), both squads saw fit to avoid Sherwood Forest, and left their bows and arrows behind in exchange for an armament more befitting their intentions. 
Not wishing to be outdone, the men's squad also decided to go on a training camp to somewhere sexy and exotic. To those in obviously far wiser than most inverness seemed the obvious choice, and it did not dissappoint. The drive up set the tone for the whole week; sunshine and a grumpy James Forster. One car decided to take the scenic route; they gazed dreamily at the passing bens and glens as they dissolved to and from view, creating vistas of breathtaking pulchritude. They arrived happy, 2 hours late to boat un-loading, and one speeding ticket heavier for their troubles.
In an effort to convince our euro-cultured counterparts that twinning themselves with a club situated in a city famed for drugs abuse and headbutting was in fact a good idea, the club saw fit to send the very fairest of the fairer sex to soothe their worrys and mop their classically-proportioned brows. Needless to say, our cunning ploy worked. Once a wayword cox had been convinced the trip was not in fact the week after, they landed on the continent to a hero's welcome. The local press flocked to the banks of the idyllic mountain lake, and the squad was illuminated by a thousand camera flashes. The girls did a stellar job for inter-club relations and were fantastic ambassadors for GUBC; featuring in print (left) and on screen with decorum and poise: 
Late March saw the annual institution that is Tideway take place, providing an opportunity for rowers from all over to come and test their mettle against some of the fastest crews in the world. The Ladies squad, undaunted by such glittering baubles as Olympic medals and pink hippos, put out a full complement of boats, all filled to the brim with eager young atheletes chomping at the bit to show the mighty Thames what they are made of.
Glasgow University Boat Club, The Stevenson Building, 77 Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8LT |