Scotch College

The Second VIII rules the waves – in 1973 and 2006

In 1973, Scotch won the First, Second and Third VIII events at the Head of the River. It took another 33 years for this to happen again.

Craig and Peter Cooper

Back in 1973, the Second VIII had an outstanding season under coach Mr Vic Nash, including wins at the state titles and at the Ballarat Regatta.

At the Head of the River, they came from behind to beat Wesley by two lengths, with St Kevin’s in third place. The 5 man of the crew was Craig Cooper, who in the following year became a member of the First VIII. Craig went on to higher honours, representing Australia in the under 19 coxless pairs event at the World Rowing Championships.

Thirty-three years on, history repeated itself in 2006. The Scotch Second VIII had a dominant season, culminating in an all-the-way win at the Head of the River by a margin of over three lengths from Carey and Geelong Grammar. Making a key contribution in the 5 seat was Craig’s son, Peter!

Peter hopes to emulate his father’s achievement by rowing in the 1st VIII next year, but he also wants to go one better. He intends to be part of a winning First VIII in 2007.