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The Elis White Memorial Trophy for most improved rower

Since 2010, the Memorial Trophy has been awarded annually to the Club’s most improved novice in recognition of their efforts and progress made during the year.

Elis, who attended Porthcawl Comprehensive School in Wales, had always been enthusiastic about and committed to sport. He was a Tottenham Hotspur fan and loved playing football and rugby, and represented Glamorgan at cricket whilst at school.

His introduction to rowing came in his first year at Oriel. Despite his initial impression that the sport was not for him, as training started too early in the morning, Elis very soon became an avid enthusiast. He worked tirelessly to achieve his goal of making the Men’s First Boat, which went on to have many years of Torpids headship success. Elis enjoyed the camaraderie of team sport, and he felt it particularly strongly when in the boat.

In memory of Elis’s life and his passion for rowing, in 2008 Elis’s family created the Elis White Memorial Trophy to recognise the achievements of novice rowers. His family says, “We felt that above all else at Oriel, Elis was happiest when involved with the Boat Club. He would be delighted to think that each year another novice rower would be recognised for efforts in the cause of Oriel.”

Previous recipients of the Elis White Memorial Trophy

2022 – Bea Vernon

2021 – Harriet Tubb

2020 – Peter Morris

2019 – Hannah Nentwich

2018 – Charles Fletcher

2017 – Edward Shields

2016 – Josie Wilkes

2015 – Sam Olyha

2014 – Ciara Lenoach

2013 – Alec Trigger

2012 – Callum Arnold

2011 – Bridget Fryer

2010 – Oliver Bent

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