Back row (L-R): Gabriel Delport, Matt McGlynn, Matthew Knight, Joshua Robertson, Raine Scoular, Liam Calenborne, Ruschay Govender Seated: Matthew Rix, Luka Koumantarakis, Mr Steve Main, Andrew Sebire, Ethan Marnitz CANOEING TEAM CANOEING The Kearsney Canoeing team was fortunate to have enjoyed limited interruptions to regular training this year. Training at Shongweni Dam is a privilege that a large group of junior paddlers enjoyed. This young team made significant progress, with most Grade 8s and 9s completing their river proficiency tests. During the periods of unrest and harder lock downs, the team enjoyed canoe polo games in our school pool. These informal canoe polo games assisted the boys in developing valuable paddling skills, which will translate into greater safety and success in the river season. Kearsney College was represented in the Dusi Canoe Marathon, SA Schools Sprints, KZN Marathon, Dam to Dam and an inter-schools race. Our paddlers performed well against some world-standard competition, bringing credit to themselves, the team and the school. The team completed two trips down the Upper Umgeni river - one as a school group and another as part of a KNCU race. The boys enjoyed the challenge that river paddling offers. Many novices are now enthusiastically waiting to challenge themselves in the bigger and more demanding multi-day races. Kearsney initiated a return to inter-schools racing and hosted an incredibly successful inter-schools K2 race at Shongweni Dam. The event was well supported, with 100 high school and 30 primary school paddlers participating. It was great to see the paddlers having the opportunity to race against other schools and clubs once again. Thanks must go to Conservation Guardians and the Shongweni Reserve Team for their assistance in running the event. The Kearsney paddling team is characterised by well-mannered and determined individuals who actively involve themselves in regular and healthy exercise. There is a place for every team member, and success is celebrated no matter how insignificant it may seem. Goals are individualised with the aim of producing lifelong athletes. Over the years the canoeing boys have developed a close network. We are fortunate to have support from loyal Old Boys, who are always willing to assist and mentor the younger boys. We extend congratulations to Callam Davis (Old Boy 2018), who was selected to represent South Africa at the U23 World Sprint Championships. We look forward to welcoming new recruits in 2022 and a full racing season. Regular participants: Liam Calenborne, Gabriel Deport, Ruschay Govender, Matt Knight, Luka Koumantarakis, Ethan Marnitz, Matt McGlynn, Matthew Rix, Josh Robertson, Raine Scoular, Andrew Sebire, Rory Treleaven Highlights of the season included the following: Dusi K1: Luka Koumantarakis- 25th U18; KZN Marathon K2: Govender/Rix 4th U16; Liam Calenborne 12th; Ruschay Govender 13th; Gabriel Delport 14th SA Sprint Championships 6th overall in the Boys’ High Schools; Ethan Marnitz 20th U16; Matthew Rix 24th U16; Liam Calenborne 27th U16; Luka Koumantarakis 21st U18; Matthew Rix and Ethan Marnitz 200m/500m K2 final; Liam Calenborne 1000m K1 B final; Luka Koumantarakis 1000m/500m K2 final; 14th 500m LD K1; Ethan Marnitz 200 K1 B Final (3rd). Congratulation to Luka Koumantarakis who was awarded Paddler of the Year for 2021. Mr Steve Main MIC Canoeing 111 Centenary Edition Background: Mr Wim van Herzeele paddling with his son Ben (Grade 11)
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