"Einstein’s Definition of Education: "is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school."

This refers to the experiences, values, lessons learned and education outside the classroom - This is where sport has a critical role to play.

In just 20 years, from 1970 to 1990, the Saints rowing teams achieved extraordinary success against the odds. Rowing was introduced by the first rowing master, Jock Dickson, in the 3rd term of 1969.

Sixteen pioneers attended the first rowing camp “in order to master the more difficult art of handling a coxed four”. Three pairs entered the 1970 Transvaal finals and all placed 1st.

In 1970 Saints won the Juniper Trophy (Transvaal Schools Rowing Trophy) which, until then, KES had won for 16 consecutive years.

By 1972 Saints crews recorded 19 wins, 28 second places and 14 third places, and in 1973 77% of Saints entries earned places in regattas.

In 1973 Saints raced 1st IVs for the first time, placing 2nd to the unbeaten Germiston crew and also placed 1st in four events at the Buffalo Regatta.

The first Honours awards were presented to two of the original 1969 pioneers.

The fleet increased with the arrival of the coxed four, Avocet, and scull, Pintail. The Goodbrand Trophy was presented for the first time.

In 1974 the U14 crew won 10 out of their 11 events in the season. Although Vllls events were introduced for the first time in the 1971-72 season, Saints acquired its first VIII boat, Darter, from Australia, only in 1975.

Saints hosted its first regatta in 1976.

The following year the U15 VIll won SA Champs and the 1st VIII beat KES for the first time.

In 1978 Saints won all the Vllls events at the first Roodeplaat regatta in its new carbocraft.

By 1979 Saints oarsmen made their mark nationally with three boys (including Mark Nofal as captain) in the SA Junior Trident Rowing team that participated in the prestigious Henley Regatta on the Thames.

In 1980, Saints coach, Mr Peter Jones, was selected as the Springbok Rowing Coach for the team including three Old Boys: Russell Bruton, Andrew Pike and Rodney Tritton.

1982 was the ‘best season ever". The 1st VIII broke the 2-minute barrier in the Wemmer Sprints. In 1984 the 1st VIII won the SA champs in the new boat Harrier, and half of the Transvaal School's VIII were Saints oarsmen.

In the 1985 SA Champs, Saints took five 1st places, including 1st VIII, as well as six 2nd places. Rowing Honours were awarded to nine oarsmen, of whom seven were selected to row for Transvaal Schools.

In 1986 the U15A won both the IVs and Vllls events at SA Champs.

The 1987 season garnered 50 first places and 66 second places and Saints made a clean sweep at the Buffalo and SA Champs for the 1st, 2nd and U15A Vllls. During an overseas tour, the 1st VIII placed 3rd to Germany (who broke the world record in the event) in an international regatta held on the River Rhine. Saints placed 1st in both the Lugano & Heidelberg International regattas. In his final speech to the school, the 1988 Head Boy commented that ‘John Callie and the top rowers have won so many cups that the school will be offering carpentry lessons next year in an effort to build sufficient cupboards to store them all". John Callie went on to row for SA in the Olympics. Honours were awarded to 7 oarsmen in 1988.

In 1989 the 1st VIII won all 10 races in the season, including SA Champs for the 3rd year in succession.

St Stithians College. Inspiring Excellence. Making a World of Difference.