The Damascus College Rowing Program concluded another outstanding season in 2026, marked by strong performances on the water, personal growth across all squads, and a deep sense of community shared by students, coaches and families.

The season began with the annual training camp in Ballarat, where Senior and Intermediate crews committed to an intensive week of preparation. Each crew surpassed the 100km rowing target, building a strong foundation through disciplined training and teamwork.

Junior rowers commenced their season with a selection camp in late January, stepping quickly into competition as Term 1 began. Across all levels, students demonstrated resilience, determination and a willingness to embrace the challenges of the sport.

Throughout the season, Damascus College crews competed across a wide range of regattas, achieving strong results and multiple podium finishes.

2026 Regatta Results

• Bendigo Sprint Regatta
– GOLD Female Under 17 Coxed Quad Scull – Intermediate Girls Div. 1

• Ballarat Schools Regatta

• Ballarat Regatta
– GOLD Female Year 10 Division 1 Coxed Quad Scull – Intermediate Girls Div. 1

• Melbourne Head

• Barwon Regatta

• Morongo Girls Regatta

• Wendouree Ballarat Regatta
– GOLD Mixed Coxed Eight – Mason Firth, Declan Newman, Duke Pilmore, Oscar Henderson, Ivy Storey, Olivia Radisich, Lewis Harrison, Grace Rivitt, Greta Kelynack

• Head of the Schoolboys' Regatta
– GOLD Male School Double Scull Open Division 1 – Oscar Henderson & Duke Pilmore
– SILVER Male School Double Scull Open Division 1 – Declan Newman & Mason Firth

• St Catherine's Regatta

• The Geelong College Regatta

• Nagambie Regatta

• BAS Head of the Lake
– GOLD Female School Double Scull Open Division 1

• Rowing Victoria State Championship Regatta
– GOLD Male Under 19 Coxed Quad Scull – Senior Boys Div. 1
– GOLD Female C Grade Coxed Four – Intermediate Girls Div. 2
– GOLD Female C Grade Eight – Intermediate Girls Squad
– SILVER Male Under 19 Eight – Senior Boys Div. 1 (combined with St Patrick’s College)
– SILVER Female Under 17 Coxed Quad Scull – Intermediate Girls Div. 1
– SILVER Female A Grade Coxed Four – Senior Girls Div. 1
– BRONZE Female C Grade Coxed Quad Scull – Junior Girls Div. 1
– BRONZE Male A Grade Coxed Four – Senior Boys Div. 1

• Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta

• Australian Rowing Championships
Damascus College was represented by 12 students:
– Senior Boys Division 1: Declan Newman, Mason Firth, Sebastian Erwin, Oscar Henderson, Ray Clark
– Senior Girls Double Scull: Catherine Coad, Olivia Radisich
– Intermediate Girls Division 1: Greta Kelynack, Dani Crilly, Mary Hexter, Grace Rivitt, Lewis Harrison

All crews performed exceptionally well, with the Intermediate Girls crew placing 8th in the A Final for the Under 17 Schoolgirls Coxed Quad Scull division.

The Rowing Victoria State Championships marked the College’s strongest state-level performance to date, with eight medals achieved across the program and a final ranking of 15th in the state out of 52 schools. The regatta was unfortunately cut short due to weather conditions, with further medal opportunities likely.

At the Head of the Lake, Greta Kelynack and Dani Crilly delivered an outstanding performance to win the Female School Double Scull Open Division 1, stepping up following a late crew change. The Senior Boys Coxed Four crew also impressed, rowing through the field to secure third place in a determined and disciplined race.

2026 Excellence in Rowing Award Recipients

• Junior Boys Rower of the Year – Dermot Orchard (Runner Up: Vincent Howgate)
• Junior Girls Rower of the Year – Chloe Mathews (Runner Up: Maple Budin)
• Intermediate Boys Rower of the Year – Mason Firth
• Intermediate Girls Rower of the Year – Dani Crilly (Runner Up: Karla Austin)
• Senior Boys Rower of the Year – Declan Newman (Runner Up: Oscar Henderson)
• Senior Girls Rower of the Year – Olivia Radisich (Runner Up: Edda Wietzke)
• Cox of the Year – Pippa Martin
• Senior Rowing Fellowship – Catherine Coad
• Coach of the Year – Tara Orchard

Damascus College also acknowledged its graduating rowers — Olivia Radisich, Catherine Coad, Sebastian Erwin, Declan Newman and Aidan Sliwa — whose leadership, commitment and contribution have left a lasting impact on the program.

The College extends its sincere thanks to its dedicated volunteer coaches for their time, expertise and unwavering support:

• Tam Lloyd Teese
• Brad Beutel
• Cooper Reid
• Tara Orchard
• Mia Woodburn
• Hunter Bennett
• Rohan Shillito

This season stands as a strong reflection of what can be achieved through perseverance, teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence within the Damascus College community.