More than 240 guests gathered for our annual Boat Race Dinner, celebrating the rich history and enduring spirit of Wesley rowing. Rowers past and present joined coaches, parents and grandparents to reflect on the season and the strength of our rowing community.
It was a joy to see the hard work and dedication of all our rowers officially recognised. The depth of history in the room was truly remarkable, with OWs from the Class of 1947 joining current rowers from the Class of 2026 and the rowers of the future – supported by the ever-important crews who make it all possible.
Members of the 1970 First VIII crew
OWs from the 1991 rowing crews
Girls' First VIII crew with coach, David Webster
Boys' First VIII crew joined in the singing with Mark Stephens (OW1965)
A highlight of the Boat Race Dinner is the presentation of the Paul Guest Medal. Awarded to a member of the Girls’ or Boys’ First VIII crews, the medal was voted on by students and presented to the athlete who displays the values of inspiration, leadership and humility. Sadly, Paul (OW1957) passed away a few days before Head of the River this year, so the presentation of the medal held particular significance.
First awarded in 2019, this year’s winner was Year 12 student and Captain of Boats, Sonny. This particularly poignant moment was shared with Paul Guest’s daughter, Alex Guest (OW1989) and his grandson, Ryder. Paul’s values will continue to live on through the Wesley rowing program; a powerful reminder that rowing at Wesley College is more than a sport – it’s a tradition that connects generations.
