Michael Morgan and Newington Rowing

Above videos are the 2012 (Right) and 2013 (Left) Head of the River Send off videos, created by Sam Evans.

Michael Morgan was a Newington Old boy with much involvement in various aspects such as Cadets, Rowing and Rugby.

Michael returned to Newington in 1974 to take up the role of Senior Coach at the College. It was reported that ‘…a more positive attitude to sport, noticeable in all crews was very much due to his presence…’ and that ‘…a style of rowing based on Michael’s observations and personal experience of top class competition [was] being introduced throughout the Shed…’ After four seasons Michael left in 1977 but returned again for the 1979 season, remaining as Senior/Head Coach until 2000. In 1981 he was also appointed a part-time Physical Education teacher and, in 1994, he was appointed Coaching Director in addition to his role as Senior Coach. As Newington’s Senior/Head Coach, Michael worked closely with other coaches. His most fruitful partnership was with Mr Robert (Bob) Buntine, the College’s Senior Master, with whom he coached the 1^st VIII from 1985 to 1999. Understanding the importance of building depth among the rowing group, Michael also coach junior ‘Tub’ crews at various times. In 2000 he left to take up the role of head coach at St Joseph’s College.

Michael’s record as Senior/Head Coach at Newington was remarkable.

Under his tutelage, the 1^st VIII took first place at the GPS Regatta on ten occasions (1976, 1977, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1997 and 1998), along with second place another ten times, and third place two times. His crews won seven National Schoolboy titles and a range of other trophies. Five of his crew members subsequently became Olympic medallists. The example set by the 1^st VIII’s successes during this long period benefitted the rest of the rowing group, with many of the other senior and junior crews also building strong records of success. His coaching and training methods, including the ‘Winning Edge’ training program introduced for the 1987 season, also benefitted not only the senior crew but the whole rowing cohort. During this period Michael was by far the most successful rowing coach in Newington’s history.

Michael’s support for rowing at Newington continues: he supported Mr Simon Pennington, Former Director of Rowing Coaching and former coach of the 1^st VIII, in coaching the crew in 2011.