Special bonds a plus for TSS
NOTHING is more important in rowing that camaraderie.
Early morning starts, hours spent in the gym and pre-race nerves can bring out the worst in rowers but The Southport School First VIII’s incredible bond is set to overcome all obstacles.
“All the other boys I’ve been rowing with over the years have also made the First VIII this year so we’ve bonded a lot by being able to row four or five seasons together,” fourth seat Sam Gibson said.
“The connection we have from our experiences ties us together which is a really important part of rowing.
“Some of my best friends are in the crew.”
Gibson, like many of the First VIII crew, started rowing in year seven.
“I’ve been at TSS since the very start, since prep school, and rowing has always been a big part of the school and its culture,” he said.
“I’ve grown up watching the old boys and a few family friends before me which developed my interest and my father also did it when he was at school.”
Gibson excelled at the sport and has made every first crew since he started rowing which now includes the school’s most prestigious boat.
“It’s pretty amazing to be one of those names up on the board now,” he said. “To be a part of it is pretty incredible and an amazing experience.”
After watching the TSS First VIII win the GPS Head of the River last year, Gibson has dreamt of achieving the same.
“We were right on the water’s edge to watch them cross the line,” he said.
“It’s a big motivator for us this year because we want to experience the joy they did, so that’s driving us.”
When not rowing, Gibson represents TSS in rugby though it’s the summer sport that emerges as favourite.
“They’re both very different and I have a love-hate relationship with both but I have to say that after a few years, rowing probably has the biggest spot in my heart,” he said.
All schools have this weekend off before returning to Wyaralong Rowing Centre on February 23 for the third GPS regatta of the season.