MUBC Coaches & Support Staff

MUBC Director of Rowing

Alex Henshilwood

Alex Henshilwood Alex comes to MUBC from Eton College in the UK where he taught Geography and coached the senior boys to an enviable record of success, unparalleled in recent times. One measure is that he has coached crews to win the prestigious Princess Elizabeth Cup at Henley Royal Regatta four times in seven years. As an athlete, he represented Great Britain from '91 to '98 in various boat classes at both heavy and lightweight. He brings considerable experience and enthusiasm to MUBC and he coordinates and directs the club. In the 2010 - 2011 season, the MUBC men's group won all categories at the Head of the Yarra, and dominated mens U23 rowing at the Australian National Championships in Adelaide winning every U23 sweep boat class (2-. 4-, 4+ and 8). Alex coached the Victorian Youth VIII which won an extremely exciting race rowing through NSW to win in a record time of 5:30. At Henley, Alex also coached the UYRC crew to a win in the Thames Cup.

Contact Alex by clicking here.

MUBC Senior Coach

Pete Kupcis

Pete rowed as a lightweight for many years, winning numerous national medals, his rowing career culminating in rowing in Victoria’s Penrith Cup crew in 2007. In addition to his rowing experience, he has an extensive background in the science of coaching and preparing athletes; previous roles outside of rowing include working with the VIS Sport Science department, and the Strength & Conditioning team at Hawthorn Football Club. He recently completed his Honours in Exercise Science, winning several academic awards for research in lightweight rowing and the benefits of ergogenic aids on performance. He is currently looking to continue his research and undertake further study on rowing physiology to ensure athletes are at the forefront of modern training principles. Pete has won many state and national titles, and coached multiple athletes onto Under 23 Australian teams. In 2011 Pete coached the Victorian womens' lightweight quad at the Insterstate Regatta and was selected to coach on the Australian National Team, taking the men's junior quad to race at Eton in 2011.

Contact Pete by clicking here.

MUBC Volunteer Coaches

Simon Harrison

Simon is Director of Rowing at Xavier College where he also coaches the first viii. Simon has been involved in Melbourne rowing for many years and has had his hand in developing a considerable number of not only Victorian but Australia's best athletes, although this has been at Mercantile RC until recently. Simon is the lead coach for the men's youth program this year.

Mike Steele

Mike coaches the first eight (reigning schoolgirl state and national champions) at Melbourne Girls Grammar, whilst holding down a variety of other jobs to feed his rowing ambitions. He took an MUBC to Korea in 2011, and was lead coach on the junior talent development tour to NZ. Mike assists with the women's program when his school coaching duties allow

Lachie Millar

Lachie assists with the Youth Girls program and is the latest in a long line of rowing talent to come from Ballarat Grammar. He has considerable enthusiasm and ambition which he brings to the youth program. His name is one to watch for the future and MUBC hope to develop his talents over the years.

Vicky Roberts

Vicky assists the Youth Girls program. Vicky is a two time Olympian having raced in the Australian women's eight in both the Sydney and Athens games. She is currently studying for a Doctor of Philosophy and has found herself in Melbourne and at MUBC. Amongst her many sporting accomplishments, Vicky won gold in the 2001 World rowing Championships in both the eight and the coxless four. Vicky is a fantastic role model for women in sport and there is no one better to nurture the talent of MUBC's youth women.

Marc Douez

Marc is one of Australia's top coxswains from recent years, and loves a technical challenge. He currently assists with the men's program and has hand in developing the next string of top coxswains at MUBC. He coxed the Upper Yarra crew to win the Thames Cup at Henley Royal Regatta in 2011.

Peter Antonie OAM

Peter is a sculling and rowing expert and happily imparts his knowledge to all members of the club. Such is his commitment to MUBC (he is President) that he will row with anyone of any level, imparting touch and feel from inside the boat. He often works with the Youth Men's program and motivates the next generation of MUBC oarsmen.

MUBC Support Staff

Leah Fisher - Finance Officer

Leah joined MUBC in Jaunuary 2011 and is responsible for the membership data base, adminstration and most importantly the financial operations of the club. Leah graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and is currently studying a Masters of Business Administration at a rival university. Leah rowed for Sancta Sophia College at The University of Sydney and Grafton Rowing Club in sculls, fours and eights.

Leah brings to the club considerable management experience from a career in both the construction industry and with not-for-profit organisations. Her dog, Ben, can sometimes be found under the administrators desk. Be aware. He is a licker. Contact Leah by clicking here.

Fiona Milne - Peak Performance Physiotherapy

Fiona, a Canadian lightweight representative, operates a complete sport injury rehabilitation service from Spring Physio Gym in Malvern. Her knowledge of high level sport and particularly rowing has helped many athletes get back on track after injury. She is a physiotherapist and clinical pilates instructor. Contact Spring and Fiona by clicking here.