Rising stars are also confident in front of a microphone

Photo of author

Harrison Pudner
2017 athlete of the year: softball champion Harrison Pudner in action on the field.

So many talented athletes are coming through the South West Sydney Academy of Sport it won’t be long before we see their names up in lights.

That was the distinct impression guests would have got at last week’s annual academy graduation and awards dinner.

The 2017 gala function in a packed Cube at the Campbelltown Catholic Club showcased some of the exciting sportsmen and women rising up the ranks via our very own sports academy.

From rising netball star Natalie Sligar to softball champion Harrison Pudner, who was named athlete of the year, the academy is making sure local athletes have every opportunity possible to reach the top.

And thanks to another academy initiative, they will also be very good public speakers when they make all those victory speeches.

As part of the academy’s programs, athletes are given the opportunity at functions like last week’s gala dinner to gain confidence in public speaking.

And judging by the performance of athletes such as Natalie Sligar, who showed poise and confidence in opening proceedings alongside Gerry Knights, the executive director of the academy, the program is paying dividends.

Indeed all of the athletes given an opportunity with the microphone up on the stage did a commendable job.

Local Olympian, the hammer thrower Bronwyn Eagles, who was in the audience, would have been impressed with the public speaking skills of these local rising stars.

Natalie Sligar and Gerry Knights
Outstanding: rising netball star Natalie Sligar shared the opening address with executive director Gerry Knights.

There were tremendous nominations for 2017 athlete of the year from a range of academy sports.

Nominated were:

Lone Star Lachlan McLean

Netball Natalie Sligar

Development Rugby League Marcus Moore

Ten Pin Bowling Daniel Bourke

BMX Jessica McCormack

Triathlon Erin Wooldridge

Golf Brandon Vella

Softball Harrison Pudner

Basketball Rachel Dunlop

 Hockey Annabel Croker

Swimming Maclane Walmsley

Athlete of the year was Harrison Pudner.

There were a number of other honours give out on the night.

Coach recognition awards:

Netball

Girl: Amy Sligar

Umpire: Roslyn-Jane Chandler

Development Rugby League U13

Boy: Iopu Falefata

Development Rugby League U14

Boy: Riley Williams

Development Rugby League U15

Boy: Che Te- Rangi

Development Rugby League U17

Boy: Daniel Payne

Ten Pin Bowling

Girl: Emma Stephens

BMX

Girl: Rachel Long

Swimming

Boy: Damien Chandler

Triathlon

Girl: Caitlin Sendt

Golf

Girl: Lilian Kremmer

Softball 

Boy: Corey Gleeson

Girl: Gia-Luise Palma

Basketball

Boy: Dre Tooala

Girl: Mekdes Geist

Hockey

Boy: Daniel Moussa

Girl: Holly Rasmussen

Jim Medway Memorial Trophy – Rugby League Boy: Fale Alesana

Clive Graham Memorial Award  – Lone Star

Lone Star Para – Sports – Jessica Cronje

Lone Star Athlete – Lachlan McLean

Outstanding Service Award for staff members

Bronze – 3 years: Guy Creber, Chelsea Creber, Billy Hayward, Leo Clarke

Silver – 5 years: Van Nguyen

Outstanding Service Award – 10 years: Tony Jackson, Fiona Ioannou, Peter Doherty.

awards dinner
It was the most enjoyable trip up of the year for the Goulburn contingent of the Academy hockey program, from left Paige Willdin, Annabel Croker and Cailin Ebbott.
awards dinner
SWSAS netball girls are full of smiles and looking their best at the awards dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment