The Rod Andrews Coaching Fund

Over the years I have had many, many memorable campaigns. It is almost impossible to single out any one period or crew, but some that come to mind are the 1986 M1, 1987 W1 rowing in the new ‘Rod,’ 1995 W1 beating Nereus Holland and 2005 W1 beating Osiris both at Women’s Henley.

My first HOR crew in 2014 is one of the highlights - W1 rowing in the new ‘Rod Andrews’ - and the start of our recent period of successes building on several generations of crew development. I have always worked with the women’s crews but long periods of coaching both sides of the club 50/50 have produced some equally memorable moments, both in my early years and again more recently with M1 reaching their highest positions of third in Torpids and fifth in Eights. It’s been a very successful time for the whole club over the last decade - and we always strive to have a single unified club regardless of differing levels of achievements.

I’m grateful for the continuing support given by the College and WCBCS to ensure the boat club has the very best equipment possible when it is time for upgrades. Everything comes to an end and although I’ll always be a part of the boat club story, it is time to start reducing my voluntary commitment, and work with the next generation of coaches to develop WCBC for the future.

What we are asking is to establish a financial legacy to ensure coaching is secured, with coaches from within our own community recognised for their time given and experience offered. Although I will help work to secure this it is time to accept it is unlikely there will ever be another long - standing Rod Andrews.

At OUBC, after a year in Isis (Oxford’s second boat), I competed in the 1987 and 1988 Boat Races, winning both. But while 1988 was relatively comfortable, 1987 was tumultuous, featuring what’s often called the Oxford mutiny, which I took part in – various accounts available!

Throughout, WCBC was an oasis, bringing me down to earth while having my back. And after being in some good crews - I especially cherish the 1984 1st Eight - we got blades in 1986, leaving my overall bumps record something like +18/-13.

Many of my best friends in the sport I met at Wadham, and I’m proud of its successes, that so many of us learn to row there, and that the club has been such a pioneer of Oxford women’s rowing.

I wish many more people had the opportunity to row - making boats go fast is a special sensation - and feel immensely fortunate that Wadham gave me that chance in the way it did. I want that door to be wide open for current and future generations.

We are starting this year strong, and have already attracted so many freshers who are keen to give rowing a go. We're incredibly grateful for the support of our coaches, who give so much time and have been instrumental in motivating us and keeping the boat club moving.

Last year we welcomed a couple of new coaches: Julian Fox, who has taken on the men’s first boat, combining years of experience with an infectious zeal for the sport; and Joe Hitchen, notable for being the only current coach with no prior attachment to Wadham, though he seems to be making up for lost time by utilising his coxing experience on top of his coaching.

Our committee this year is equally enthusiastic to make a difference, not just for this year, but to establish a solid foundation for next year’s committee. The club has been so important for us, and we want to leave a positive mark on its legacy for future Wadham rowers. Of course, we build on the support of hundreds of alumni who support us financially through the Wadham College Boat Club Society, which funds the equipment we need and helps us achieve so much as a club. We also currently rely on our coaches giving up their time, so the Rod Andrews Coaching Fund will secure a more sustainable system of coaching. Thank you.