Sculling success in CQ races

Bundaberg rowing stars Tristan Pagliano, Rebecca Surmon, Tayla Stumer, Sophie Jarvis and Bianka Dexter.

Darryn Smith

BUNDABERG'S secondary school rowers sliced through the waters of Rockhampton's Fitzroy River at the recent Central Queensland Rowing Championships for the girls to capture every gold medal in the single sculls races.

Tristan Pagliano left state champion Stuart Harris in his wake when he took out the under-17 sculls.

For Pagliano, who downplayed his sporting ability, it was his first major regatta.

“I was never really a sportsman, I played a bit of basketball but nothing serious,” Tristan said.

“Now I just love rowing because of the great atmosphere and all the supporters cheering you on.”

He credits the quality of coaching and mentoring from local rowing identity John Bigg, and coach Cassie White as being instrumental in his success.

Pagliano tasted further victory when he joined fellow Bundaberg State High School students Joel Graham and Luke Rayner, together with Daniel Brame of Shalom College to win the Year 11 coxed fours event.

Former Bundaberg State High School student and volunteer coach Cassie White said Pagliano deserved his success.

“I expected him to be in the top three,” White said.

“He's worked very hard and that hard work has paid off for him.”

Two lengths behind the leader, with 250m left, Shalom College's Rebecca Surmon was not aware the finish line was so close in her Open Schoolgirls' Single Sculls final.

“I knew I was behind, but when I looked around I thought, 'I can win this', so I went for it,” Surmon said.

“Next thing I knew, it was over and I'd won.”

Joining Surmon in the dominance of the girls' single sculls events were fellow Shalom College student Tayla Stumer (under-15), and Sophie Jarvis (under-16 and under-17) and Bianka Dexter (under-14) from St Luke's Anglican School.

Bundaberg rowers, notably Erin Gibson with three silver medals, took minor placings in six other races at the championships.