Head of the Lake: Loreto College in profile

Years of building since developing a rowing program in 2007 has the all-girls school entering this year’s Head of the Lake regatta with arguably the brightest outlook to date.

Not only are there more crews and rowers than ever before (19 crews in total), the girls’ open division one crew is considered a genuine contender to take out the main race.

And with two of the girls from last year’s crew again taking a seat, it’s not hard to see why.

Loreto finished in third position last year, but only just went down to both Ballarat Clarendon College and Ballarat Grammar by narrow margins.

And that was with a crew made up entirely of year 11s.

“It was a crew of all year 11s last year, so to get that close shows we are really competitive these days,” rowing director Nathan Sims said.

“The year 12 girls (Catterson and Fradd) have been good with the year 11 girls – they tell the girls what to do and how to go about it and what to expect.”

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The build-up to the biggest day on the rowing calendar has been nothing short of promising for Loreto.

The college dominated the 2015 Wendouree Ballarat Regatta earlier this month, winning more medals than any other Ballarat school.

The firsts crew also has the confidence that it has beaten every other school in various races in the lead-up.

However, Sims said all schools had given indications they could cross the line first on the day.

“We’ve raced against all of the other schools in the build-up and it’s sort of been we might win one, then someone else will win another,” he said.

“It’s anyone’s race this year, it’s pretty level-pegging. It’s going to be an exciting race, I think.

“There are no clear favourites that stand out.”

CREW

ELLA CATTERSON, STROKE, YEAR 12

Ready for another crack at Head of the Lake glory, this will be Catterson’s second year competing in the division one race. Fully knowing what to expect can only serve as a benefit. “It’s all tough competition this year; it will be interesting to see what happens,” she said.

ROISIN FRADD, THREE SEAT, YEAR 12

Fradd believes the step-up in training this year, combined with the support of the Loreto army, can help her crew break through for its maiden victory. “It’s really motivating when you hear the girls – their support is massive,” she said.

EVA GILLETT, TWO SEAT, YEAR 11

Preparing to compete in her first Head of the Lake race in division one, Gillett says having two crew members who have been there before provides invaluable experience. “I’m nervous but excited at the same time. But having the other girls go through it before helps a lot,” she said.

LAURA FAY, BOW, YEAR 11

FAY knows exactly what racing in division one is all about – to a certain degree anyway. Climbing through the ranks, she has competed in year 9 division one and year 10 division one in the past two years. Now, she is in the biggest race of all.  “It’s pretty exciting, but I think it will keep building,” she said.

ELISE KARSLAKE, COX, YEAR 12

Karslake will not have an oar in hand, but her contribution is just as important as her fellow crew members. “I like motivating the girls; it’s good to be able to give them a boost when they are doing it tough,” she said.

patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au