Reflections on rowing at Reuben College 2022-2023
Reuben College celebrated a fantastic year of success in rowing during the academic year 2022-2023. Throughout the year, Reuben rowers were part of the Linacre Boat Club - a collaboration between Reuben, Nuffield, and Linacre colleges. The club was led by a committee involving Reuben students, Max Brzezicki (Men’s captain), Ambre Bertrand (Women’s captain), and Elliot Barbeary (Captain of Coxes). The club achieved remarkable success in various rowing events. The club's captains reflect on the impressive accomplishments of the Reuben College rowers below.
External races
One of the highlights of the year was the triumph at the Henley Town & Visitors Regatta, held at the renowned Henley course. Representing the Oxford University colleges of Reuben, Linacre, and GTC, Max Brzezicki and the crew emerged victorious against formidable opponents, including crews from Wolfson College and the Royal Air Force. While regulations prevented them from taking the trophy home, their names will forever be engraved on the Mixed Open category cup—a challenge cup that has been fiercely competed for since the 1850s. Max has also gained a bronze medal at the Reading Amateur Regatta earlier in the summer. The women’s squad also put up strong performances at various external races including Peterborough Regatta, Reading Amateur Regatta, and Henley Town & Visitors. Congratulations to Reuben students Nijia Zhou, Thea Guy, Zoe Wong, Eliza Rayner, Sofia Della Salla, and Ambre Bertrand for representing the women’s side across the country in coxed eights and fours, quads, and small boats.
Novice Regattas
The club's success continued as the women’s squad reached the semi-finals of the Nephthys Regatta, whilst men reached the quarterfinals of the Michaelmas Novice Regatta. This achievement showcased the dedication and hard work put in by the Reuben novices (Jakub Hantabal, Daniel Revach, Zoe Wong, Sofia Della Salla), illustrating the promising future of Reuben College's rowing program. It was the first time in the club’s history that two boats competed from both men and women side.
Training camp in France
We usually row on the Isis (the Oxford stretch of Thames), but this year we had a unique opportunity to train in France. This was organised by the women’s captains: Ambre Bertrand and Sophia Ungermann (Linacre). We got to visit the beautiful Basque country, taste the French cuisine and row on the picturesque river Adour. We all enjoyed fantastic hospitality from our friends at the Société Nautique de Bayonne. We hope to go on a training camp abroad this year too.
Torpids and Summer Eights
In the two major rowing events in Oxford, Torpids and Summer Eights, Reuben rowers demonstrated their exceptional skills and resilience yet again…
Max Brzezicki and Elliot Barbeary secured their spots in the first men's eight (M1) as the 2-seat rower and coxswain respectively. Additionally, Jakub Hantabal showcased his talent as bow seat in the second eight in Torpids.
The M1 made club’s history by achieving the highest position on the river, solidifying their place in division 2. This was an incredible accomplishment which confirmed their status among the university's top rowing teams. Max (7-seat) and Jakub (3-seat) continued their exceptional performance in Summer Eights, achieving an almost unheard-of feat of "bumping" an entire division.
The women’s squad put up an impressive show against tough crews across the board in both Bumps 2023. W1 fought a hard battle both in Torpids and Bumps to maintain their spot within the competitive 3rd and 2nd divisions in Torpids and Eights, respectively. Note that Reuben rowers made up half of the women’s first squad! W2 had a challenging time in Torpids, recovering valiantly from an accident on the second day, and gained a couple positions up the river in Eights. W3 performed particularly brilliantly in Torpids, bumping on three out of four days and thus narrowly missing blades. Finally, for the first time ever and with the contribution of Reuben female athletes, Linacre Boat Club was able to field a fourth women’s boat in Eights 2023 – a feat that had never been achieved before on either side of the club! A shoutout must go to all Reuben athletes competing in Oxford Bumps this year: Ambre Bertrand (W1 rower, W2 cox), Nijia Zhou (W1), Thea Guy (W1), Lilli Freischem (W1), Zoe Wong (W3), Eliza Rayner (W3), and Sofia Della Salla (W3).
Henley Royal Regatta
Reuben college also made an appearance at the Henley Royal Regatta, one of the most prestigious rowing events in the world. The regatta features some Olympic medallists and world champions, as well as promising young rowers who may compete in future Olympics. Max (bow seat) was selected to compete in open coxed four squad in the Prince Albert Challenge Cup. This event saw some of the best university crews competing for very few qualifying spots. The Reuben Oxford squad beat University of Birmingham and the representation from China, which was not an easy feat!
New Reuben Boat Club
As the academic year drew to a close, we parted ways with Linacre. Reuben College’s own boat club is now officially established, marking an exciting milestone for the college. This initiative presents an incredible opportunity for both experienced rowers and novices to join the thriving rowing community at Reuben College.
The boat club's training sessions provide a platform for students to develop their rowing skills and have fun on the river. No prior knowledge or commitment is necessary to participate!
Whether you are an experienced rower or a complete novice, come join us to try the best sport in the world! Together, we can start an amazing boat club and contribute to the rich history of rowing at Oxford. Beware, it is addictive! Whether you want to row once a week or commit to more frequent training sessions, rowing is an excellent opportunity build lasting friendships while maintaining fitness!
If you’re interested, please email the Reuben BC captains:
maksymilian.brzezicki@reuben.ox.ac.uk
jakub.hantabal@reuben.ox.ac.uk
