Epiphany Term: Awards and Events

As well as elite sportsmen, GCBC promotes personal development and well rounded individuals, this sociability has even been recognised by the likes of Durham Amateur Rowing Club (DARC.)  Throughout Epiphany term GCBC enjoyed a plethora of events to celebrate the success of the club as well as particularly rewarding individuals within it.

Beginning the term, Grey rowers descended on DARC after a civilised drinks reception in Grey's SCR. Here they were met with a further drinks reception, followed by a three course meal, a

Cheesecake chums:
Senior women enjoying dessert at the Annual
Boat Club Ball 

particular highlight for the Senior Women was the chocolate cheesecake, Frankie confirms 'It was a true gift from God.'

Speeches were made by the captains as they handed over their roles. Club Captain, Josh Goswell welcomed Tim Peterson to presidency whilst Andrew Loucks passed on Men's captaincy to David Drury and Hannah Bettridge made way for Harriet Freestone as Women's captain.
GCBC would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the captains for their hard work and integral positions in the running of the club.

The night then proceeded, with some rowers making it to Jimmy's - all thanks to the event hosts, Rich Pearce and Ipek Akay who also terminated their time in social sec office, initiating Charlie Marlow, Arabella Brook and Ronni Anand.

Just a few weeks later, GCBC attended Sportspersons' formal. Sadly only a proportion of the club could be taken, yet GCBC still prevailed as one of Grey's most successful sports clubs dominating the dining room and almost having to turn people away.
The overpopulation of GCBC resulted in quite a stir with the possibility of malnourished rowers and a lack of wine.
Members of the GCBC family even offered to share their food whilst onlooking catering staff were becoming increasingly agitated. But fortunately the seating issue was resolved ensuring no GCBC member was left behind. (The wine conundrum was sorrowfully only met with Nicola's astringency)
More awards were collected, this time by: Hannah Bettridge as the Women's Player's Player; Laura Fitzgibbon as the Women's Captain's Player; Josh Goswell as the Men's Player's Player and George Bushell as the Men's Captain's Player.

Squad Goals:
GCBC at Sportspersons' Formal 

Following this GCBC also took President's Guest Night, where more senior members of the club were recognised for their longitudinal commitment. Commendations were received by: Andrew Loucks, Tim Long, Harriet Freestone, Sean Waring, Harry Dodds and Maddie Winard. Colours were obtained by: Josh Goswell, David Drury, Rich Pearce, Anna Kenton, Ipek Akay and Hannah Bettridge.

So the epiphany term celebrated the success of the club as well as providing a renewed leadership and executive team, that can confidently carry GCBC to further success.

In addition to this, GCBC was also represented at the Durham Colleges and University Rowing Ball strengthening bonds between GCBC and other college rowing clubs. The ball was set up in 2014 by members of Collingwood in order to alleviate competitive aggression, This camaraderie provides great positivity for future rowing.

Does he even go here?
Can't blame him for wanting to be a part of GCBC:
GCBC representatives at the university wide rowing ball

Hayward Cup

Even Valentine's day could not perturb GCBC rowers from their dreams of victory. So on Saturday February 14th GCBC ventured on mass into the unknown realms of Stockton.

As well as awakening the rowers to unexplored territory, the X12 also delivered them at Hayward Cup. The event is a four kilometre head race, stretching from Teal Corner to the Infinity bridge on the River Tees. Held annually, Hayward cup is jointly hosted by Stephenson College Boat Club and John Snow College Boat Club. The cup itself is a Victor Ludorum prize for the colleges of Durham and is presented to the highest point scoring college across all eight events. In addition the Queens Cup is also an esteemed trophy awarded to the fastest timed college across the event.

A wealth of support was hurled by Women's Captain
 - Harriet Freestone, from the Infinity Bridge
(sadly race day was much less picturesque than that captured in this image)

GCBC donned their lycra in force, (some also sporting amorously festive facial artwork, enforced by Tim) with representatives from all squads - senior women and men as well as fresher women and men. 

The Women Freshers Eight performed a particularly impressive race completing the course in just 0:17:32 whilst also beating Hatfield, St. Johns and Butler College Boat Clubs. So congratulations to the girls who are providing a very promising vision for GCBC future.

The Senior Womens four also shared in this success coming second in their division with a time of 0:19:08, which contented the squad as it was an improvement on their Rutherford time. Nicola, the cox affirmed she was elated with the efforts of the 'Hayward Honnies.'

Senior Women's four 

Likewise, Fresher Men achieved a valiant time of 0:16:34. They battled the elements - weather conditions were not preferable and caused great discomfort to all teams which was only worsened by the joyous head race wait - attacked the course and gained invaluable racing experience. 

The experience of the Senior Men was evidenced through their sterling performance in which they finished with a time of 0:14:17, resulting in a triumph over St John's and Hild Bede College Boat Clubs. Whilst their rowing was on point however, it was noted by other member of GCBC that their stash was somewhat lacking and not quite up to the pristine standard of the rest of the club.

Senior Men's Eight
Anna making a fab replacement for their eighth member 

Whilst this year Grey were unable to secure either the Hayward Cup or the Queens Cup - which were awarded to St. Cuthberts and Hild Bede respectively -  they did attain 4 points overall in the cup ranking, levelling them with Collingwood and ensuring domination over Stephenson, St. Chads and arguably most importantly their neighbourhood chums, Butler.

A massive congratulations to all who raced as well as Grey College Boat Club's coaches who have impressively trained such promising amateur rowers and supported squads for the whole club to be proud of. No doubt, GCBC will only build upon their success from Hayward Cup..