John Marshall

Sandy Bay Rowing Club (Tas) Adelaide Rowing Club (SA) Monash University Rowing Club (Vic)

Early Years and Schoolboy Success

John Marshall’s lifelong connection with rowing started when he was a schoolboy at Sydney’s Shore School. In 1938, he was part of the winning 1st VIII that took out the NSW GPS Head of the River, rowing in the three seat. This was an early taste of success in a sport that would play a big role in his life. Shortly after, John served with the Australian Imperial Force from 1939 to 1942 during the Second World War. When he returned to civilian life, he built a career with Angus & Coote, where he became a Senior Executive and Board Director, serving from 1950 to 1987.

Building a Powerhouse at Pulteney Grammar

John’s coaching career started in Adelaide at Pulteney Grammar School in 1958, when he and Norm Stokes established the rowing program. From the beginning, his crews achieved notable success — in their first year of competition, Pulteney won the First Eight and Four at the South Australian Head of the River. John's crews became a dominant force throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. Under his guidance, Pulteney secured four First VIII titles and four runner-up finishes at the Head of the River. His focus on detail, ability to instil discipline, and talent to motivate young athletes earned him a reputation as one of the finest school coaches in the country.

State and National Achievements

John’s talents quickly gained recognition at the senior level. In 1970, he coached the South Australian King’s Cup crew to a narrow second place at the Interstate Regatta — the state’s best result in over 30 years. The young and relatively inexperienced crew pushed the experienced Victorian team to the finish line. Two members, Jack Hume and Rod Elleway, were later selected for the Australian Men’s Eight at the 1970 World Rowing Championships in St. Catherines, Canada, where they finished fifth in the final. John also coached senior eights at Adelaide Rowing Club and Adelaide University Boat Club. In 1971, he guided Adelaide University’s Men’s VIII to third place at the Australian Intervarsity Championships.

Monash University Triumphs

In 1972, business commitments saw John relocate to Melbourne with his family. He took up the role of senior coach at Monash University Boat Club, where his impact was immediate. In 1973, Monash won the Victorian Eight-Oared Championship and claimed the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Cup for Men’s Eights at the Australian Universities Championship. These victories cemented his reputation as a coach capable of building winning crews across different states and competitive environments.

Family Legacy in Rowing

Rowing was central to John’s family life. His son Tim enjoyed a stellar school career at Pulteney Grammar, stroking the First Eight to three Head of the River victories under his father’s coaching. Tim later rowed for Adelaide Rowing Club, was an emergency for the 1970 South Australian King’s Cup crew, and competed for Monash University in Victoria. John’s younger son, Sandy, rowed for Pulteney Grammar and later Melbourne Grammar’s First VIII in 1973. He became a highly successful lightweight oarsman at Melbourne University Boat Club, representing Victoria in the Penrith Cup and winning two national titles in the Lightweight VIII. He also trialled for the Australian team and later coached the Australian Lightweight Four to victory in the 1993 Trans-Tasman Series. The legacy continued into the next generation. Sandy’s son, Lachlan, rowed for Scotch College, Melbourne, winning the 2015 APS Head of the River First VIII, the 2014 Second VIII, and the 2013 Year 10A VIII. All of John’s grandchildren have been involved in rowing, testament to the enduring family passion for the sport.

Complete Coaching Record

1938 – Shore School NSW GPS Head of the River First VIII – Three seat – 1st
1958 – Founded Pulteney Grammar School Rowing Club with Norm Stokes
1962 – Pulteney Grammar School SA Head of the River – Open IV – Coach – 1st
1963 – Pulteney Grammar School SA Head of the River – Open IV – Coach – 1st
1964 – Pulteney Grammar School SA Head of the River – First VIII – Coach – 2nd
1965 – Pulteney Grammar School SA Head of the River – First VIII – Coach – 2nd
1966 – Pulteney Grammar School SA Head of the River – First VIII – Coach – 2nd
1968 – Pulteney Grammar School SA Head of the River – First VIII – Coach – 1st
1969 – Pulteney Grammar School SA Head of the River – First VIII – Coach – 1st
1970 – Pulteney Grammar School SA Head of the River – First VIII – Coach – 1st
1970 – South Australian King’s Cup Crew – Coach – 2nd
1971 – Adelaide University Boat Club – Intervarsity Men’s VIII – Coach – 3rd
1971 – Pulteney Grammar School SA Head of the River – First VIII – Coach – 1st
1972–74 – Senior Coach, Monash University Boat Club (Vic)
1973 – Monash University Boat Club – Victorian VIII Championship – 1st
1973 – Monash University Boat Club – Oxford & Cambridge Cup, Australian Universities Championship – 1st
1974 – Monash University Boat Club – Intervarsity Men’s VIII – 1st

Legacy and Influence

John Marshall was more than a successful coach; he was a mentor, leader, and role model. His crews respected him deeply for his technical knowledge, fairness, and dedication. As one contemporary described, he was “one of rowing’s true greats.” It has been a pleasure for me to profile John Marshall, an outstanding school and senior coach. John coached the 1970 South Australian King’s Cup crew during my first year in the Penrith Cup crew. He mentored me, especially after my retirement from rowing and when I entered the business world.” Through his decades of service, John Marshall’s influence extended far beyond the water—shaping athletes, enriching rowing programs, and fostering a family legacy that continues to this day.

Colin Smith
August 2025

Editor's note: We are fortunate to have such an important contributor as Colin Smith who is a past Director and President of Rowing Australia (1999–2014) and a skilled lightweight rower. Colin won five Penrith Cups—first representing South Australia, then Victoria—and represented Australia at the World Rowing Championships, earning multiple medals. His work for this site provides a depth of personal knowledge and detail which only a person of his background and experience can offer.