LOCKIE’S BACK IN BOAT AFTER ILLNESS
A CORONAVIRUS scare on the eve of the Head of the River won’t derail The Southport School in their quest for a 22nd title.
The First VIII were without coxswain Lockie Mactaggart at the Brisbane Grammar regatta last weekend due to the 15-yearold being quarantined in the school’s sick ward with flulike symptoms.
“We had a replacement cox in the boat who did a really good job but it was a change to the crew so whether it was the weather or something else, it made things a bit more difficult,” First VIII coach Cameron Kennedy said.
“Lockie has been returned to us now (having recovered from the flu) which has brought a lot of positivity and familiarity.”
The First VIII were yesterday presented to the school as part of the annual rowing assembly as the Head of the River hype builds.
Kennedy said his crew remained upbeat despite finishing fourth in their final hitout at the Brisbane Grammar regatta last weekend.
“There are lots of distractions but they have remained very focused and done a good job of keeping their mind within the boat,” he said. “It’s important to ensure everything is business as normal in the lead-up but then we can celebrate or commiserate after that.
“They are in good spirits and very excited but they’d be inhumane if they weren’t a little bit nervous.”
The GPS Head of the River regatta, to be held tomorrow at Wyaralong Dam near Beaudesert, has attracted 145 entries and 851 athletes.