The Headmaster finally agreed for the race to be conducted in eights. The initial advocate for the change was Geelong Grammar but the final decision was made with great support. The crews used clinker built eights with sliding seats.
It was also the year in which the term Head of the River was first used.
The introduction of the eight oared crews was to temporarily bring to an end the scond crew racing. This was to be the last second crew race until 1917.
The race was rowed on 12th October on the Lower Yarra which enabled a first and final. Wesley won in fine style, 1 1/2 lengths in front of Scotch College.
The winning Wesley crew was coached for the first time by the great Charles Donald. Charles Donald was an oarsman of great repute who became "the Prince of Coaches". He coached Wesley for 40 consecutive years and won 6 times.
Time: NTT
Margin: 1 1/2 lengths
1st Wesley College - Bow: V R Bradbury, 2: R Bullow, 3: S B Gravenall, 4: E P Holmes, 5: N Cleeland, 6: R C Howell, 7: J Breen, Str: G F S Donaldson, Cox: W Palmer, Cch: Charles Donald
2nd Scotch College - Bow: Charles G Shaw, 2: John A Lees, 3: Joseph Love, 4: Edward P Oldham, 5: Claude H Magennis, 6: George C Ogilvie, 7: William C Knight, Str: Herbert B Shaw, Cox: Hugh W F Mitchell, Cch: Alexander B Sloan
3rd Geelong Grammar - Bow: J G Haines, 2: K C Waldeck, 3: D D Pinnock, 4: G T Griffith, 5: T C Ellis, 6: G R Collins, 7: N S Smith, Str: V H Gard, Cox: S S Lang, Cch: A F Garrard
4th Melbourne Grammar - Bow: W E Thompson, 2: C Bromby, 3: V Y Kimpton, 4: C H Anderson, 5: W E Moorhouse, 6: S M Bruce, 7: M G Robb, Str: W C H Webb, Cox: R W Heath, Cch: E I Robson
The 1901 Winning Wesley College Crew
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A formal picture of the Wesley Crew
Time: NTT
1st Geelong Grammar