Awards

U23 Stingrays

Elijah’s coach Alan submitted the following nomination: 

“I would like to nominate Elijah Mackie for the Dave Abel award. Elijah plays in the Stingrays U23 team and I believe he displays all of the behaviours that clubs look for in their players.
Elijah is at an age where it can be difficult for players to attend training because of school and work responsibilities, but he regularly attends. The Stingrays train with an Under 18 boys’ team, the Cavaliers and Elijah displays leadership traits by mentoring the Under 18 players during training drills. He consistently encourages his team mates during training sessions and is always looking at ways to help his team to improve.
Elijah is a player who displays great sportsmanship on the court, and his attitude and demeanour towards opposition and officials, is always respectful.
He also gives his time to assist in coaching an All-Abilities group of players at Eagle Stadium on Tuesday afternoons. I doubt that many of his Stingray team mates are aware of this but I think it says a lot about the calibre of person he is and the value he puts on helping others.
For the reasons I have outlined above I think Elijah would be a very worthy recipient of the Dave Abel award.” 

U23 Giants

Zander’s coach Chris submitted the following nomination: The key trait of Zander is determined consistency. He always turns up to training and games with a positive attitude. I’ve never seen him argue with anyone around basketball, but Zander is always watching what is going on and responds accordingly to support his team mates and myself as coach on and off the basketball court. He consistently goes up against larger and taller opposition players to gain control of the ball. He is always ready to step up and help his team. I really admire him for these traits as a quiet achiever for The Giants.

The deserving recipients of the award this year were the Wymer Family. 

The Wymers have been involved in St Andrews Basketball Club since eldest daughter Mia started playing as an under 10. Younger sister Oliva joined her soon after. Kym has been on the committee since 2018 first as a general member, then as treasurer/secretary and currently holding the office of treasurer. However, as well as these ‘official’ duties, Kym gives so much more of her time and energy to the club. If there is a job that needs doing, you can generally assume Kym will be putting her hand up to do it and she has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the running of the club and is always available to answer questions and offer advice. As well as being a committee member, Kym has also coached junior teams, is team manager and is a founding member of our inaugural senior women’s team, the Belles. Both of the Wymer daughters played with St Andrews right through juniors, with Olivia currently still playing in our under 20 Aces. Both sisters also regularly play in our senior women’s team with their mum and grandma! Mia & Olivia have both coached junior teams at the club, with Olivia set to re-enter the coaching fraternity again this coming Summer season. Lachlan is always on hand to support any club functions, manning the BBQ’s, transporting goods and setting up & packing down. Special thanks also for always providing space in his shed and garage to store various club paraphernalia! Without families like the Wymers, willing to put in their time and effort, sporting clubs like ours would not be able to exist, and provide our kids with a place to nurture their love of the game. Big thanks to all of you for everything you have, and continue to put into our club.

Club President & Founding Member

This years very deserving recipient of this award was club stalwart, our current president, Peter Smith. Peter was recognized for his outstanding long-term contribution to our club across every facet. He was one of the founding members of the club and instrumental in the set up of the club and establishing teams. He was President for many years and coached numerous teams. His commitment and passion ensured we had a successful club, that is still going strong today. After a number of years as Registrar, Peter returned to the role of President, and continues to work tirelessly to establish new teams and ensure all our club members enjoy playing the sport. You will find him down at Eagle stadium regularly on training nights and game days, always on hand to provide assistance and advice and still stepping in to coach when required! His dedication to our club, over such a long period of time, makes him a very worthy recipient of the Paul Mollica Award, and Paul’s parents were delighted to present this award to Peter.