Page 29 - Mansfield 2019/20

MCBC Report
Daniel Guest (Mathematics, 2017)
Triumphing over tribulations, Mansfield College Boat Club (MCBC) not only survived widespread flooding and a worldwide pandemic in 2019/20, but also bolstered its success and camaraderie both on and off the water. It remains one of Mansfield’s strongest sports societies.
As Michaelmas term 2019 commenced,
a group of enthusiastic returners placed MCBC in one of its best starting positions of recent years. Successful recruitment from the JCR and MCR reinforced this position, with five crews of keen novices ready to take to the water in preparation for Christchurch Regatta. The new recruits displayed impressive fitness during ergometer (‘erg’) tests, further increasing our confidence. Unfortunately, however, the regatta was not to be, as the heavens opened and torrential rain brought about the worst conditions of any Michaelmas since records began.
With the river closed for much of the term, the decision was made to cancel the novice regatta, and instead several indoor ‘ergattas’ took place. Four of our
‘ Only in late summer 2020 did we begin to see crews return to the water, albeit with the strict distancing rules that have become the new norm for us all.’
novice men decided to test their abilities. Despite an incredible effort, clocking the second farthest distance of the day in the 4x90-second relay, our athletes faced the eventual victors early in the draw
and were narrowly beaten, so could not progress to the later stages. Our newest members nevertheless gave an exceptional performance, doing the club proud and demonstrating strong potential for the coming bumps season.
The relentless rain of Michaelmas temporarily subsided over the Christmas vacation, allowing the river levels to drop sufficiently for a winter training camp to take place. We seized this opportunity to make up for a term of missed outings, with over 30 members of the team returning to Oxford prior to the start of Hilary.
Special thanks must go to MCBC alumnus Antonio Bonchristiano (PPE, 1984) for his hugely generous contributions to Mansfield sports this year, including rowing. His encouragement allowed several of us sports reps and College Fellows to create a new strategic ‘Sports Plan’, which aims to improve access and boost performance. The scheme enabled the club to cover all accommodation costs for our winter training camp. We made significant progress on the water during the camp, but just when crews were starting
to come together the rain returned and we were once again confined to land training for the majority of Hilary term.
Despite the disheartening weather, Hilary was not without success – Mansfield students Martha Birtles (English, 2018), Caspar Jopling (MBA, 2019), and Dan Holod (MBA, 2018) were all selected to
represent Oxford in the 2020 Boat Races. Martha’s achievements are particularly impressive, as she only learnt to row with MCBC last year. Although our women’s side faced further difficulties including a change of captaincy, they were able to persevere through weekly tank sessions, circuit training and ergs. This places them in a strong position for the coming year.
We also welcomed back several alumni for our first Torpids Dinner which, despite the lack of Torpids, was a fantastic evening featuring a relaxed atmosphere and some rousing speeches from the captains. This occasion, attracting old friends and new teammates, also proved to be a fitting close to the year as, unbeknownst to us, we would not be returning to Mansfield for some time. As Hilary came to an end the Covid-19 pandemic reached the UK, stopping all sports and dashing our hopes of racing for the remainder of the year. Only in late summer 2020 did we begin
to see crews return to the water, albeit with the strict distancing rules that have become the new norm for us all.
Despite the threat of future restrictions we are optimistic about the coming year. Our numbers remain strong, with many new second years keen to return to Longbridges Boat House. Sadly, we have had to say goodbye to some MCBC veterans, but our new committee is already busy planning a return to the water. This speaks to the fact that, as much as we are a rowing club, it
is the friendly and diverse community of athletes, coaches and alumni at the core of MCBC that attracts new students every year and brings back old members long after they graduate.
29