Tag: Roodeplaat Dam rowing

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Bennies Unstoppable: Every Age Group Trophy Secured in Historic 32nd Win

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Bennies Unstoppable: Every Age Group Trophy Secured in Historic 32nd Win

St Benedict’s College has once again solidified its unrivalled legacy in South African school rowing, claiming the national championship title for an extraordinary 32nd consecutive year.

Competing at Roodeplaat Dam from 6 to 8 March 2026, the Johannesburg-based Catholic school for boys demonstrated remarkable dominance. The 2026 championships saw a total of 1 203 athletes representing 35 schools and clubs, including four from Zimbabwe, converging for the three-day event. Despite formidable competition from 14 boys’ schools, the “Bennies” rowers maintained their pedigree in the national competition.

Clean Sweep Across All Age Groups

The 2026 tournament was defined by a total sweep of the age group trophies, with St Benedict’s placing first in the U14, U15, U16, and U19 categories. The school’s commitment to excellence also earned them the title of the best sculling school in the competition.

The junior crews provided a standout highlight of the weekend. The U14 Octuple not only secured gold but shattered the previous course record by a significant seven seconds. This momentum carried through to the senior events, where St Benedict’s claimed victory in both the 1st Eight and 2nd Eight races.

When all scores were tallied, St Benedict’s was confirmed as South Africa’s top boys’ rowing school, winning with 402 points. King Edward VII School (KES) and St John’s College followed in second and third place respectively. Among the girls’ schools, St Andrew’s School for Girls took top honours, followed by St Mary’s School Waverley and St Benedict’s sister school, Holy Rosary School.

Leading from the Front

The highly prized 1st Eight race saw Captain Michael Teixeira and Vice-Captain James McDonald lead their crew to a definitive victory. Teixeira’s leadership was instrumental in “getting the boys over the line,” ensuring the crew functioned as a single, seamless unit under intense pressure.

The winning 1st Eight crew included: Callum Brudvig, Michael Teixiera, Connor Schoeman, Diego Ramos, Wakhile Zwane, James McDonald, Graham Whetton, Cristiano Nortje, and Michele Rohrbeck.

A Community Legacy

Commenting on the win, St Benedict’s old boy and head of the school’s rowing club, Darryn Roff, said, “After a very challenging season, we are so proud of how well our boys performed this past weekend. The long hours from boys, parents, and coaches paid off. We wish to congratulate our sister schools, Holy Rosary and Assumption Convent on a showcase of grit and determination throughout this regatta.”

Roff, who also serves as President of the South African Schools Rowing Union (SASRU), noted the significance of the event for the region: “The weekend brought together the rowing community from across Southern Africa, and we are thankful to all who make the weekend such a success. We look forward to finding ways to continue to build community through junior rowing in Southern Africa.”

College Head Dave Jeffrey added that the 32-year streak is built on unwavering dedication and a winning culture that attracts diverse participation across all boat classes. “Watching our boys row is truly a sight to behold – a symphony of synchronised blades that propelled them to the podium,” said Jeffrey. “This achievement stands as a milestone for St Benedict’s and will be celebrated for years to come.”

For more on St Benedict’s rowing – go to www.stbenedicts.co.za or Facebook: @stbenedictscollegebedfordview.

The Spirit of Rowing Thrives at the 2025 SA Schools Rowing Championships

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Spirit of Rowing Thrives at the 2025 SA Schools Rowing Championships

This past weekend, the SA Schools Rowing Championships, proudly partnered with Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), brought together young athletes, dedicated coaches, and passionate supporters from across South Africa for an unforgettable showcase of school rowing. Held from Friday to Sunday at Roodeplaat Dam, the event saw top schools from every province competing at the highest level.

With thrilling races in every category, the championship was a testament to the skill, resilience, and spirit of South African rowing. From the first heat to the final sprint, athletes gave it their all, proving once again the strength of school rowing in the country. Whether they reached the podium or not, every rower contributed to an incredible weekend of competition and camaraderie.

Among the standout performances, St Andrew’s Girls School dominated in the women’s first and second quadruple sculls, securing gold in both events. In the men’s second eight division, St Stithians Boys College took top honours, while the highly anticipated final race of the weekend—the men’s first eight—ended with a well-earned victory for St Benedict’s College.

Rowing South Africa extends its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made the event possible, from the rowers and coaches to the families and supporters who brought energy and encouragement to the banks of the dam. A special thank you goes to RMB for its ongoing commitment to youth development and the sport of rowing, helping to shape the next generation of South African athletes.

“RMB has been a proud partner to Rowing South Africa for almost 10 years—supporting the sport from grassroots and school levels all the way to universities and the pinnacle of the RMB National Squad. This year’s SA Schools Championships was another incredible showcase of the talent, dedication, and community that make this sport so powerful. It’s exciting to think that among this weekend’s competitors were future Olympians,” said Michael Edwards, Sponsorships Marketing Lead at RMB.

Reflecting on the event, Rowing South Africa President Ben Burnand added, “What a weekend! We witnessed incredible racing and a fantastic sense of community. From Cape Point to Gaborone, families and friends came together to support an event run to world-class standards by our dedicated officials. It was an honour to have Gauteng Executive Member Ms. Sheila Peters and Michael Edwards from RMB with us—not only to hand out trophies but to truly experience the event alongside us. A standout moment for me was seeing the Germiston and St. Alban’s first doubles crews arm in arm, flexing their biceps for a photo—as you do at that age—perfectly capturing how sport brings people together.”

The RMB SA Schools Rowing Championships not only celebrated the country’s top young rowing talent but also reinforced the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and passion for the sport. With another successful championship in the books, the rowing community looks ahead with excitement to the continued growth of South African school rowing.

For more information, visit https://rowsa.co.za/.