PHOTO: ODT FILES King by name, King by nature. Mathew King was crowned rower of the year at the Otago Rowing Awards this week. The Dunstan rower had another strong domestic season, making several A finals at the New Zealand championships, and was named in the New Zealand under-23 side last year. It was a glittering night celebrating the best of Otago on the water this season. Among the major award winners was Columba College rower Lucy Earl, who was named female school rower of the year after collecting three medals — including the under-16 single sculls title — in an impressive display at the Maadi Cup. Bayfield rower Alexander Hattrell was named male school rower of the year, after a strong season that led to him being selected in the national under-19 development squad. Lewis Meates (Dunstan) was named club rower of the year, and clubmate Andrew Jock Jolly scooped masters rower of the year and coxswain of the year. The Dunstan men’s senior and premier quad of Henry Clatworthy, Matt O’Meara, Charlie Manser and Harry Lightfoot were named crew of the year, and the Oamaru crew of Grace Webster, Matilda Isbister, Summer Brosnan, Hunter McLay, Milly Paterson, Kaiah Rason, Anabel King, Pippa McMillan and Greer Dickson were named best novice eight. Ivan Docherty (Oamaru) picked up coach of the year, Lauren Farnden (North End) was named official of the year, and Anna Spittle (Oamaru) was named administrator of the year. Athletes were also recognised at the event for individual class points, secondary school trophies and secondary school indoor rowing championships.
