Otago takes home the silverware from NZ University Rowing Champs

Otago retuned home from the University Rowing Championships at Karapiro this week with a swag of trophies and medals.

The wins place the university firmly in the top spot.

The wins culminated in a convincing  victory over rivals Auckland University who finished with 61 points to give them second place.

With a team of 90 competitors, Otago finished with 140 points overall taking home 16 gold medals, 11 silvers, and 8 bronzes.

The men’s crews came in first and third taking out the Hebberley Shield, the women’s crews followed suit bringing in a first, fifth and sixth to win the Tamaki Cup.

With 335 competitors representing eight universities across New Zealand over 33 events the competition was challenging.

Hazel Cunliffe, gold medalist for the women’s intermediate double said the win was a relief.

“It [was] super rewarding to win gold after such a tough race,” Cunliffe said.

Not unlike the secondary schools rowing champs at Karapiro earlier this year, the weather was temperamental but held up well with plenty of sunshine.

Used to training at 6am, the Otago team was used to the elements and the weather was not a problem.

Part of the Otago rowing team, 19-year-old Taylor Cooney says the win came down to dedication.

“Our team’s success was definitely a representation of all the hard work and dedication that the coaches put into us throughout the season.

“We had a pretty even split of men and women, and also a really strong team of novices who managed to take out almost every title it seemed like.”

Waikato kept the event light-hearted with a cheeky theft.

“Cheeky Waikato took off with the Hebberley Shield before it could be awarded to us. Luckily Waikato boys returned it so it was able to come back to its true home,” Cooney said.

Waikato University finished on 28 points in fourth place taking home three gold medals.