Gippsland Grammar has been victorious at the prestigious Geelong’s Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta last weekend, with the coxed quad division one making it a back-to-back win for the school in the event.
Rowers April Harrison, Scarlett Tavasci, Tara Dihood, Lily Canfield and cox Lucy Hodges crossed the 1500m finish line ahead of Strathcona, Albert Park College and Ruyton Girls’ School, taking home honours in the final event of the three days of racing weekend.
Dozens of Gippsland Grammar rowers, parents and Old Scholars lined the banks of the Barwon to cheer on the rowers, who celebrated the win by taking part in a time-honoured rowing tradition of throwing their cox (Lucy) into the river.
Director of Rowing Nick Bartlett said it was an amazing achievement for the girls to win such a high-profile race.
“The head of the Schoolgirls is such a special regatta as it’s not only about performance,
but the spirit of schoolgirl rowing, this crew really exemplified both of those things and to win the event for a third time overall
and back-to-back is truly a special achievement,” Mr Bartlett said. Hodges,
Tavasci and Harrison were also presented
with the Morongo Medal, which is presented to year 12 students who have competed in Head of the Schoolgirl Regatta for three or more years.
The Morongo Medal’s inscription reads ‘Sint lucernae ardentes’, which translates to ‘Keep the lamp burning’.
