Waikato Crew makes Great Race history in Perry Foundation Boat
On Tuesday night the Perry Foundation won the right to select The University of Waikato men's rowing eight to row in the Bryan Perry boat at the 4th running of the Great Race.
The University of Waikato men's rowing eight captain Andrew McCowan paid tribute to both Boat Naming Sponsors in the nights annual Gallagher Great Race Coin Toss.
McCowan a 3 year veteran of The Gallagher Great Race remarked that 2005 would be the first time his crew would boat The Brian Perry. "The Perry Foundation and Scottwood Group contribute hugely to the athletes of our community and that is why we would have been proud to represent either in The Gallagher Great Race against the University of Washington come September 10. However, this year for the first time we are rowing in The Brian Perry and it is a true honor to carry a name of this significance in our community".
The Gallagher Great Race Coin Toss, held at The Cook Caf� and Bar in Hamilton East, was won by Perry Foundation representative Barry Coombes after Lynda Keene (Scottwood Group) called an incorrect 'Tails'. Keene, undeterred by the outcome, made special mention of the dominant numbers within the University of Waikato men's and woman's crews individually supported by The Scottwood group through the Scottwood Foundation for Education Scholarships.
The Gallagher Great Race is held on the Waikato River on Saturday September 10th. Entertainment starts from 10am with The University of Waikato woman's crew taking on the Australian National woman's crew followed by the New Zealand men's Eight versus the Australian men's eight leading into The Gallagher Great Race of The University of Waikato men eight facing off against the University of Washington eight.