WHA 2008 Presentations Review

Season 2008 winds up
An estimated 200 people attended the presentation dinner at the Kaniva Shire Hall, representing 19 teams from 6 clubs.
Kaniva president Christian Stimson welcomed everyone to the day and evening.
The new WHA executive committee for 2008 was also announced during the brief AGM held before the dinner. President – Simon Farmers, Yanac; Vice President – To Be Confirmed, Kaniva; Secretary – Christine Dufty, Nhill; Treasurer – Richard Kemp, Horsham; Records Secretary – To Be Confirmed, Warracknabeal; Umpires Convenor – Michelle Searle, Dimboola; Draw – Nhill; (Non Exec) Public Officer – Suzanne Puls.
The vote counts each saw some close results, with the junior boys having an equal result for runner up.
The winner of the junior girls best won enough votes to have been runner up for the juniors overall, although the awards have been separated for the past several years.
Nathan Jorgensen of Dimboola Kangaroos took out junior boys best and fairest, with a haul of 25 votes ahead of joint runners up Nathan Alexander of Warriors and Kendal Meyer of Raiders with 18 votes.
Horsham Bombers junior Monique Schwedes took out the girls’ top award with 19 votes ahead of last year’s winner Erin Blackwood who was awarded runner up with 12 votes.
James Klinge of Kangaroos was awarded the Peter Colbert Medal for best on ground in the junior grand final.
The women’s count was the closest with the winner being decided by the tally of the final round. Votes were locked at 25 each between Elizabeth Klinge and Kate Ferrier. Kate was awarded 2 votes in the final round to take her to 27 and the crowd hushed as they awaited the call for the final game by Elizabeth’s team Dimboola Women. One vote was read out, then two votes…there was silence before Elizabeth’s name was called for 3 votes to take the award!
Interestingly, Kate received two more votes than she received last year as runner up, and was also runner up to a Dimboola Women player this year being Elizabeth Klinge who scored 28 votes the same as last year’s Dimboola winner Michelle Searle.
Robyn Creek of Horsham Highlanders was awarded the Jane Gregson Memorial Medal for the women’s best on ground in the grand final.
In the men’s Tim Jorgensen scored three more votes than he scored last year as runner up, and was again runner up to a Hurricanes player, this year being Will Hewitt (last year goalie Steve Grose). Will recorded 23 votes ahead of Tim on 18.
Matt Kube of Yanac Tigers was awarded the Ken Flack Trophy for best on ground in the men’s grand final.
Wimmera Messengers Encouragement Awards are presented to four people each year in recognition and encouragement of their involvement in representing the WHA, their support of hockey at a club and association level, and their provision as an excellent role model for others involved in hockey. Recipients are not necessarily playing members.
Senior Male: Jarryd Bendall from Nhill – Jarryd has participated at country week, has attended many club committee meetings and has been an excellent role model to the junior players in his club as a player, coach and umpire.
Senior Female: Heather McDonald from Kaniva – Heather has served on various committees at club level including president and coach, has been actively involved in country week for 10 years, and umpires. She has instigated a summer competition of hockey at Kaniva which has proven very popular at promoting the sport of hockey to the community as well as being a great pre-season fitness program.
Junior Male: Tim Eastwood from Kaniva – Tim has become a reliable brick wall of defence in his junior team as he progresses in his career and often fills in for his senior men’s side. He has participated at country week for the past 5 years. He has showed keenness towards learning the skills of umpiring, especially during the minkey competition and helps out with club duties such as the canteen. In particular he is very encouraging to the younger players helping them with stick skills and field positioning as a good role model.
Junior Female: Ashlee Crowhurst from Dimboola – Although Ashlee has been a hockey player for only a couple of years she has been a cooperative member, willing to play where she is required, encourages her teammates and has built her confidence quickly, playing several games with the women’s team. She has also displayed concern for the well being of her teammates which is to be encouraged and commended.
Just Hockey Award: Meaghan Pohlner of Dimboola – Meaghan has displayed exemplary sportsmanship in all aspects of the game, listening well to coaches and umpires and acts on suggestions on how to improve her game. She is respected by her peers for her calm demeanor, attends all training sessions and participates in club and association activities. She played junior country week for the first time this year. She is a steady and skilful player often overlooked by the umpires when giving their votes each week. This is predominantly a sportsmanship award generally given to junior player.
Various certificates were handed out during the presentation evening and via End of Season Club Packs in recognition of efforts during the season from umpires, executives, top goal scorers and participants in country week hockey.
Kaniva Hockey Club was commended for their efforts of hosting the day and evening, providing superb grounds for the three finals.
During the evening a powerpoint presentation was also made of a proposed Wimmera Hockey Centre to be located at a new Dimboola Community Health and Fitness Centre. The centre would incorporate use by both hockey and tennis on an artificial surface. More information will follow on that in the future as an exciting prospect for hockey in the Wimmera.
- Rachel Clark