Charlie Wells, Sam Parkes and Charlie Upton are showing the city boys how it’s done after cleaning up at the Head of the River rowing competition earlier this year.
Wells, 14, began rowing in term four last year and was awarded junior oarsman of the year for TSS.
“I haven’t been rowing for long so it was pretty exciting to get that award,” Wells said.
His rowing team finished in second place at the Head of the River after catching a crab close to the finish line.
“We were looking good until one of our rowers caught a crab,” he said.
“It was still a good effort to take home second place.”
Wells has also impressed with his skills on the footy field and has been asked on two rugby camps that will be taking place at the Gold Coast later this year.
Parkes, 15, is used at the back of the boat.
His voice and his size are his best assets as a cox, where he is used to steer the boat and motivate the other rowers.
Parkes is in his fourth year of rowing and has proved to be one of the standout coxes particularly in his age group at TSS.
“I’m hoping to make the first eight in Year 12,” Parkes said.
After being ranked first going in to the Head of the River it was disappointing for his team to fall short after hitting a crab 250m from the line.
“We still came in second but it would have been nice to win it,” Parkes said.
Upton, 15, was victorious at the Head of the River and was “loving the celebrations following the win”.
“My crew won which was really exciting,” Upton said.
“After training up to six times a week it’s good to come away with the win.”
The three boys get down to the river at least four mornings a week.
They also participate in afternoon training with a personal trainer, which includes time on the rowing machine and the gym.
Wells has continued his training at home on his dam which he believes is what has made him into such a strong rower in such a short time.
The boys all attended St Philomena’s and have been childhood friends since a young age.
After a successful 2011/2012 rowing season the boys are looking forward to the rugby season which will be kicking off in term three.
Although rowing training doesn’t stop in the off season, with more 5am wake-ups on the horizon.