St Benedict’s retains title of rowing champions for 30 years

St Benedict’s College remains unbeaten, holding onto the coveted title of South Africa’s School Rowing Champions for 30 consecutive years.

Despite fierce competition at the annual schools’ regatta (March 1 – 3), the boys’ school placed first in the lion’s share of the events, out-rowing teams from the best of SA’s rowing schools.

Roodeplaat Dam hosted the annual three-day regatta.

For some boys, this was their last SA Champs, so it was an emotional moment to bring an end to their school rowing career.

The school placed first in the U14, U15 and Open age groups.

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The tightly contested and highly prized first eight race, often described as the weekend’s main event, also went to St Benedict’s.

After tallying all the scores, St Benedict’s was recognised as SA’s top boys’ rowing school, winning with 447 points.

Top contenders for the 2024 title included St Alban’s College, St Stithians College, St John’s College, Jeppe High School for Boys, King Edward VII School and St Andrew’s Grahamstown.

Several Zimbabwean schools also demonstrated their skills on the water.

College head Dave Jeffrey said, “St Benedict’s College has long been one of the best schools in SA for rowing, and this win has reaffirmed our pedigree.

“Retaining our stellar record of success is no stroke of luck. It’s the culmination of unwavering focus and countless hours of training on and off the water, early in the morning and late into the night.

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“Our boys have exemplified how struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication can yield remarkable successes.

“We’re incredibly proud of them and all they have achieved during the gruelling 2023/2024 rowing season,” stated Jeffrey.

He also applauded the coaches’ and parents’ commitment.

“We are also excited at the transformation we see in rowing and are proud of how diverse our teams are across all boat classes and age groups.

“From crew to coaches, we are delighted at the strong representation we have cultivated,” he added.

The U14s won all of their events.

Other highlights include that first eight won by an emphatic margin, and this was the first time St Benedict’s won the U14, U15 and U16 single scull.

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Another high point was the gold medal in the U14 double.

The school also won the big five events: U14 Octopules, U15 Octuples, U16 eight, second eight and first eight.

Bennies Old Boy and rowing coach Darryn Roff said, “Success in rowing hinges on a combination of hard work and persistence.

Our training is deliberate, backed by science and years of experience, and we strive to foster a profound sense of self-belief through our mentoring approach. This win is the result of all these factors. It’s the Bennies way, and it works.

“We are the only SA school to hold on to 30 back-to-back titles in this demanding sport.”

Over the years, St Benedict’s has turned out top SA rowers and many international university rowers were born and bred at the school.

One of SA’s most renowned rowers, Ramon di Clemente, was part of the school’s first intake of rowers, and his longevity and success in the sport is unparalleled.

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He made the national U19, U23, and senior teams.

He competed in the coxless pair event and went to the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics, bagging a bronze medal at the Athens Games (2004).

He went to multiple world championships, walking away with a medal from every event.

Recalling the first time St Benedict’s won the National Rowing Champions, Class of ‘94 rowing captain Charles Nyman said, “An immense sense of enthusiasm infused the 1994 season.

It became evident that the team was destined for success, and each victory amplified this. This sparked a growing self-belief among the team, leading to continuous improvements in our results.

“Throughout all age groups, a strong culture of collective responsibility and pride prevailed.”

Adding to this, Nyman said, “The most unforgettable moment remains the triumphant victory of the first overall SA Championships’ trophy.

“When I started in 1990, we had a single sculls trailer with six singles and a fours trailer that could hold three fours/quads and no boat house. By 1994, we had an armada of boats and equipment.

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“It was Mr Dobson’s vision, conceived two years prior, and the dedication of all the staff, coaches, parents and rowers who transformed his vision into reality well ahead of schedule. Bennies rowing had arrived.”

In closing, Jeffrey said, “When our boys row, it’s a beautiful thing to watch. They merge into one smoothly working machine. It’s like poetry in motion, a symphony of swinging blades that carried them to the podium.

“Congratulations, boys; your achievement is a milestone for our school and will be talked about for many years to come.”