Stephen Pennington
Riverside Rowing Club (SA)
31/03/1951 to 23/03/1926
Steve was not an Olympic Champion, but he was just as key to the sport as the great rowers. He was best known as a volunteer and a community minded person. A highly valued member of the sport who nurtured others in the sport as a coach, mentor, administrator, teacher and umpire. As was noted clearly in his funeral service, he enabled others to be the best versions of themselves.
Born into a rowing family, he was the youngest son of noted Adelaide Rowing Club rower and coach 'Brick' Pennington and youngest brother of Bob, another highly respected rower, coach and administrator.
After graduating in geology at Adelaide University, he worked as a geologist. But his true calling was as a teacher and counsellor. He had too much to give others.
His sporting life was not just rowing, he was a sailor which he practised with his family.
Steve learned his rowing craft at St Peter's College Adelaide where he raced in the first eight. He returned to the sport later in life as a group of Wilderness School fathers who returned to the sport at the Riverside Rowing Club. He again raced, this time as a masters rower. Then as his children also enjoyed the sport of rowing, he and his wife Anne raced together whilst their children trained.
Steve and Anne racing together
Photo from Hugh Orr's One Club Three Names - The History of Riverside Rowing Club
Training on the Torrens for the Banrock Station Riverland Matsers Games Feb 1999
Bow: Bob Bradley, 2: Rob Skipper, 3: Steve Pennington, Str: Rick Fitzgerald
Photo from Hugh Orr's One Club Three Names - The History of Riverside Rowing Club
Steve also took up coaching and club administration. He was Club Captain 1998-2000, committee for three years, coached many club crews, SA Masters Commissioner, Rowing South Australian board member, national level boat race official and for some years in charge of rowing at Adelaide High School. His Club elected both him and wife Anne as honorary life members for their significant services. More recently he was 2025 Boat Race Official of the year. Steve was a well-regarded Level 3 umpire who until last year worked regularly at championships and high-performance time trials. His happy demeanor, dependable competence and friendly practical approach will be greatly missed.
In an email advising the rowing community of Steve's passing, Andrew Swift on behalf of Rowing SA stated:
Steve was an incredibly valued and respected member of the rowing community, both in South Australia and nationally. His involvement in the sport spanned decades and across all facets — as an athlete, coach, administrator, Board member and highly regarded Boat Race Official.
Most recently recognised as the 2025 SA Boat Race Official of the Year, Steve was admired for his calm, fair and professional approach. He was also deeply committed to supporting others, generously giving his time to mentor and guide new officials, leaving a lasting impact on the rowing community.
Steve’s contribution to rowing in South Australia has been immense, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know and work alongside him.
Andrew Guerin
April 2026
Sources:
- One Club Three Names - The History of Riverside Rowing Club by Hugh Orr published by Riverside Rowing Club 2011
- Funeral of Steve Pennington as streamed from Berry Funeral Directors
- Email from Andrew Swift, CEO Rowing SA advising of Steve's passing