With the euphoria of AusChamps2017 success only just barely in the background and with all the pats on the back still going around, it is fitting that we recognise yet another whose tireless work has got us to the position we are today.

On this occasion, I’d like to single out Cat Besido, the other half of the Sea Dragons co-captaincy.

Cat is a strong woman driven to the task of performing at her best and motivated to see her team ascend as a top competitive team in Victoria. We can all still remember how shattered we all felt at the end of VicChamps2016 when we had faltered yet again to make a semi-final. In my mind, this emotion was expressed most pronouncedly in Cat. I believe it was at that moment that she said to herself ‘enough is enough. We are going to work harder. I never want to feel this way again!’

Captain Cat captured in the moment; tears of joy at AusChamps2017

So with the close of the 2015/16 race season, Cat personally pursued and initiated a team land training program at the local YMCA gym in Docklands. The prime objectives of the program were to encourage continuous fitness as a team over the off-season to complement our water training in early preparation for the next season. This was well adopted by many members of the team (who still continue with group land training to this day, albeit at different sites).

Not only did Cat facilitate the huge improvements in physical strength, endurance and conditioning, but also the development of the mental fortitude required for the switched-on athlete.

Cat, along with Carlos, Benny and John, went on to represent Team Victoria that year at AusChamps2016 in Adelaide. They all attested to how invaluable that experience was and together, helped to motivate each other and other Sea Dragons to

(1) achieve finals success at VicChamps2017
(2) have a strong showing at AusChamps2017 
(3) make the Victorian State Team
(4) make Auroras selection.

Today, I can safely say that Cat, our other club leaders and coaches (Coach Joe and Phil) delivered.

(1) We medalled in multiple categories at VicChamps2017, including our own women's team
(2) We made semi-finals and a final at AusChamps2017 (5th best in Australia for the Open 200m small boat)
(3) 14 of our members represented Team Victoria
(4) Captain Palmy made the national team.   

So with that, we say thank you Captain Cat. Cheers to the pocket rocket who lit our spark.

Fung
on behalf of all the team