Nicole Bennett, 11 June 2026
From Otago Boys' to Ivy League Brilliance: Reuben Cook’s Success
It has been an unforgettable few weeks for the former Deputy Head Boy and Class Act of 2021, OBHS alumnus Reuben Cook , who has capped off a phenomenal career at Princeton University with a string of massive academic and athletic achievements.
Reuben officially graduated with a major in Molecular Biology, proving himself to be just as sharp in the lab as he is on the water. During Princeton’s historic three-day graduation events, he proudly wore his OBHS Rowing tie with his Class of ’26 jacket, keeping his school colors close to his heart before donning his traditional commencement gown.
Reuben's final weeks in the U.S. saw him accumulate some of the highest honors in collegiate sport:
Top Boathouse Award: Named the MVP for Princeton Men’s Lightweight Rowing.
National Silver: Secured a silver medal at the National Collegiate Rowing Championships.
Princeton Male Athlete of the Year: Named a finalist for the university's top sporting honor.
The season isn't over yet, either; Reuben heads to the UK this week to compete at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.
Reuben's mother, Sharron Bennett, is still a vital part of our community, capturing memorable moments through her photography, particularly at Maadi Cup and providing recent imagery for our new website.
OBHS Rowing Alumni Dominating Globally
Reuben isn't the only former rower making waves internationally right now. The strength of the OBHS rowing program is on full display across the globe:
Henry Kirk has taken his talents to Asia, recently celebrating a massive victory as part of a winning crew in the Japan National Rowing Championships.
Ben Mason is currently in Europe representing New Zealand on the world stage, having just competed in the Men's Double Sculls at the World Rowing Cup I in Seville, Spain, before moving on to Bulgaria for Cup II.
Harrison Thode has been donning the silver fern across the Tasman, competing brilliantly with the U22 South Island Team to compete at the Oceania U22 Rowing Championships in Brisbane
Whether in Princeton, Japan, Europe, or Australia, our OBHS rowing alumni continue to represent the hoops with immense pride and world-class excellence. Congratulations to all of our old boys!
