Academy Events
Academy Awards Night, 21 May 2010
The Academy's Awards |
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The Tim Forsyth Award acknowledges sporting excellence and outstanding achievement. |
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The David Drane Award is an encouragement award for a dedicated athlete with improving performances. |
The Phil Shelley Award is for extraordinary commitment and support to a program or sport. |
Jeremy Meyer's third Tim Forsyth Award was an extraordinary achievement and thoroughly deserved.
Jeremy's international swimming appearances, Australian and Victorian titles, and Victorian age group records, all add up to a remarkable year. Jeremy has finished off his season with a move to Canberra to take up an AIS scholarship.
Sam Montague won the David Drane Award for his dedication to squash training and the progress he has achieved throughout the season, particularly his performances in the junior grade series played in Melbourne.
David Smythe has been the Volleyball Program's Head Coach for five years and his Phil Shelley Award recognises the contribution he had made in that time to the Academy's program, regional volleyball, and the game state-wide.
The evening's guest speaker was Amanda Drennan, a former Academy swimming squad athlete who is the youngest-ever Tim Forsyth Award winner. Amanda spoke of her international career, which began at age 14, and the events which have impacted on her achievements.
Tim Forsyth Award nominees were Lauren Matthews (Athletics), Stephanie Treloar (Badminton), Reanna Matthews (Golf), Sam Atkinson (Lawn Bowls), Kasey Soutar (Squash), Jeremy Meyer (Swimming), Mitchell Allman (Tennis), Max Rounds (Volleyball).
The David Drane Award nominees were Hugh Napier (Athletics), Grace Hanratty (Badminton), Mark Ferguson (Golf), Rhys Pywell (Lawn Bowls), Sam Montague (Squash), Kate Sommerfield (Swimming), Sophie Grumley (Tennis), Alex Bermingham (Volleyball).
The Phil Shelley Award nominees were Stephen Cain (Athletics), Trevor Mallett (Badminton), Daryl Matthews (Golf), Helen Grubb (Lawn Bowls), Pat Liddell (Squash), Jacqueline Madden (Swimming), Barry Stokes (Tennis), David Smythe (Volleyball).
Below are some pictures from the evening - click on a picture to see an enlarged view.
Academy Awards Night, 3 April 2009
Jeremy Meyer made it two in a row when he again won the Tim Forsyth Award as the Academy's highest achieving athlete.
During the year Jeremy had competed with distinction in a number of international events as well as achieving outstanding results in state and national championships.
Stephanie Barnett won the David Drane Award for her dedication to her tennis training and the extraordinary gains she has achieved as a result of it. Stephanie had lifted her Australian women's open ranking into the top 300, which is a considerable achievement for a 14 year old.
Rob Moore completed the double for swimming. Based at Sale, Rob's contribution to the Academy and the wider swimming community earned him the Phil Shelley Award.
Tim Forsyth Award nominees were Daniel Jackson (Athletics), Jack Burgess (Badminton), Geoffrey Drakeford (Golf), Scott Wegener (Lawn Bowls), Naomi Eaton (Soccer/Football) Darcy St John (Squash), Jeremy Meyer (Swimming), Jackson Varney (Tennis), Anna Williams (Volleyball).
The David Drane Award nominees were Lauren Grant (Athletics), Mihar Nandha (Badminton), Reanna Matthews (Golf), Tom Van Vugt (Lawn Bowls), Bella Scott (Soccer/Football), Kyle Hargreaves (Squash), Brayden Waltham (Swimming), Stephanie Barnett (Tennis), Cassie Trueman (Volleyball).
The Phil Shelley Award nominees were Abbie Freestone (Athletics), Divya Nandha (Badminton), Daryl Matthews (Golf), Karen Atkinson (Lawn Bowls), Peter Lietzau (Soccer/Football), Faye St John (Squash), Rob Moore (Swimming), Elizabeth Peers (Tennis), Sharlene John (Volleyball).
Below are some pictures from the evening - click on a picture to see an enlarged view.
Academy Awards Night, 2 May 2008
This year the Tim Forsyth Award was won by Jeremy Meyer. Jeremy is an outstanding breaststroke swimmer over 100 and 200 metres.
Jeremy represented Australia last year in the Trans Tasman series, winning three events and scoring a number of placings.
In the recent Australian Age Championships Jeremy won gold and silver in the 100 and 200 metres for 16 years swimmers.
The David Drane Encouragement Award was won by Reanna Matthews. Reanna is a worthy successor to fellow golf squad member, Harrison Savage, who won the award last year. Reanna's committed approach to her golf has resulted in greatly improved performances during the last season. She has brought her handicap down from 14 to a highly competitive 7.
Ray Throup won the Phil Shelley Award for his support of badminton. Ray was the inaugural head coach of the Academy's badminton squad, and has since continued to provide high level coaching support to Academy and non-Academy athletes alike.
Tim Forsyth Award nominees were Ryan Buttner (Athletics), Luke Peter (Badminton), Geoffrey Drakeford (Golf), Lisa Phillips (Lawn Bowls), Darcy St John (Squash), Jeremy Saunders and Jeremy Meyer (Swimming), Nicholas Tile (Tennis), Cassandra Hallam (Volleyball).
The David Drane Award nominees were Sherrie Hibbs (Athletics), Stephanie Treloar (Badminton), Reanna Matthews (Golf), Ashleigh Cotter (Lawn Bowls), Kasey Soutar (Squash), Kirsten Lieshout (Swimming), Ben Anderson (Tennis), Alix Porter (Volleyball).
The Phil Shelley Award nominees were Jenny Freestone (Athletics), Ray Throup (Badminton), Bruce Savage (Golf), Helen Grubb (Lawn Bowls), Neil Young (Squash), Brian Ford (Swimming), Julie Glynn (Tennis), David Rounds (Volleyball).
Below are some pictures from the evening - click on a picture to see an enlarged view.
Athletes Conference Day, 27 May 2007
Athletes from across all squads attended this year's Conference, again at Delhuntie Park
Aerial skier Jacqui Cooper told us her story, of success and tragedy, and her comeback after a back fracture. Jacqui told of her rehabilitation and the importance of the Live Clean Play Clean principles.
The challenging outdoor afternoon session aimed to build athletes’ confidence and self-control under pressure.
Below are some pictures from the day. (Click on an image for an enlarged view.)
Academy Awards and 10th Anniversary Celebration, 30 March 2007
Zachariah Nelson won the Tim Forsyth Award for his outstanding achievements in Victorian and Australian multi-event competitions. Zachariah follows in the steps of his elder brother Hamish, also a multi-event athlete, who won the award last year. Zachariah's results include Australian and Victorian u16 championship wins.
Harrison Savage was praised for his dedication and attention to his golf training program. As a consequence, Harrison's game has made rapid improvement, and he was a worthy candidate for the David Drane Award.
Phil Shelley prize was awarded to Brian Ford, for his substantial and tireless commitment to the swimming program, which involve many hours at the pool-side each week.
Tim Forsyth Award nominees were Zachariah Nelson (Athletics), Jack Burgess (Badminton), Geoffrey Drakeford (Golf), Lisa Phillips (Lawn Bowls), Darcy St John (Squash), Jeremy Saunders (Swimming), Sophie Vickers (Tennis), Brodie Watts (Volleyball).
The David Drane Award nominees were Abbie Freestone (Athletics), Chris Wong (Badminton), Matthew Higgins (Lawn Bowls), Harrison Savage (Golf), Kasey Soutar (Squash), Stephanie Morgan (Swimming), Tessa Hawke (Tennis), Casey Brei (Volleyball).
The Phil Shelley Award nominees were Ann McCurley (Athletics), Ken
Peter (Badminton), Helen Grubb (Lawn Bowls), Robert Goldie (Golf), Chris
Fuhrmeister (Squash), Brian Ford (Swimming), Linda Rawnson (Tennis),
Gordon Gibson (Volleyball).
Our anniversary celebrations were short, but we were honoured to have some key figures from our past, who spoke about the Academy's foundation:
- David Drane was the original instigator, and he acknowledged the role of role of the early steering committee, commencing in 1994.
- Phil Shelley, the first Executive Officer, from 1997 to 2002, explained the difficulties he had had in moving the Academy from the concept stage to a fully working and viable Academy.
- Anthony Brown, spoke of the early days, and his subsequent progress onto Australian and international PGA circuits. Anthony was the Academy's first Tim Forsyth Award winner.
- Don Elgin, an Academy Ambassador and long-time supporter, gave a bouyant and inspiring speech about, progress, achievement, and making the most out of life.
- Tim Forsyth held everyone with his stories of success and disappointment in his Olympic Games appearances. He spoke also of his work with Phil Shelley in the Academ's early days.
During the evening, David Drane, Phil Shelley and Tim Forsyth were also able to present the awards which were named in their honour.
Below are some pictures from the evening - click on a picture to see an enlarged view.
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Sponsors Day, 4 December 2006
The day provided an acknowledgement to our sponsors for the contributions they have made, as well as an opportunity for them to meet informally with each other, the Board members and Academy staff.
This was our second Sponsors Day, and again conducted at the Moe Racecourse.
Athletes Conference Day, 21 May 2006
This year’s Conference followed its usual format with information sessions in the morning and physical challenges after lunch. Our morning sessions included a Live Clean Play Clean presentation on sport.s achievement without drugs.
The outdoor afternoon sessions aimed to provide challenges which build athletes’ confidence and self-control when facing difficulties.
Below are some pictures from the day. (Click on an image for an enlarged view.)
Academy Awards, 7 April 2006
Hamish Nelson won the Tim Forsyth Award for his outstanding achievements as a Victorian and Australian decathlon champion. He also represented Australia in the World Youth Championships last year.
Alexandria Bantock has shown great dedication to her golf training in the last year with significant improvements in her performances. She won the David Drane Award.
Dr Ralph Richards was awarded the Phil Shelley prize for his longstanding dedication to the swimming program, including the introduction of cutting-edge training techniques.
Tim Forsyth Award nominees were Hamish Nelson - Athletics, Ben Dunlop - Golf, Lichelle Clarke - Swimming, Brad Soutar - Squash, David Donchi - Tennis, Laura Nelson - Volleyball, and Jack Burgess - Badminton.
The David Drane Award nominees were Zachariah Nelson - Athletics, Alexandria Bantock - Golf, Andrew Cameron - Swimming, Darcy St. John - Squash, Edward Hawke - Tennis, Harley Atcheson - Volleyball, and Daniel Belfield - Badminton.
The Phil Shelley Award nominees were Ann McCurley - Athletics, Robert Goldie - Golf, Dr Ralph Richards - Swimming, Mike Lang - Squash, Jeff Hawke - Tennis, Aaron Magnuson - Volleyball, and Fred Stanlake - Badminton.
Our guest speaker was Drew Ginn, a former Oarsome Fousome team member and gold medal Olympian (Atlanta and Athens). Drew told us about some of his rowing experiences and spoke of the inspiration and support he had received from his rowing peers. Drew also emphasised the importance of fun and its contribution to the special moments in team success.
Below are some pictures from the evening - click on a picture to see an enlarged view.
Sponsors Day, 15 November 2005
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To mark appreciation to our sponsors for their support for our sports programs, the Academy conducted a Sponsors Day at ther Moe Races.
Academy staff and Board members appreciated the opportunity to meet with our sponsors and their representatives, sometimes for the first time. The day also helped to foster a greater understanding about the Academy.
Athletes Conference Day, 22 May 2005
The Conference Day was held on Sunday 22 May at the Delhuntie Park venue at Trafalgar East. Athletes attended from across all of the Academy's sports programs. The morning session consisted of presentations from Ian Needham on media interviewing, and Damian Brown, international weight lifter, about the Live Clean Play Clean Program.
The afternoon session used outdoor activities to develop leadership and team-building skills. The challenges in these activities should have given athletes lots to talk about afterwards!
Highlights are below - click on a picture for an enlarged view.
Academy Awards Night, 1 April 2005
The Award winners were Lichelle Clarke, Kate Marshall, and Vern Curnow.
Lichelle Clarke was awarded the Tim Forsythe Award for for her outstanding swimming achievements, which she capped of with medal-winning performances at the 2004 Athens Paralympics.
Tennis squad member, Kate Marshall was selected for the David Drane Award from a large number of dedicated athletes. Judges believed that she demonstrated most successfully the benefits of serious committment.
Athletics covers a large number of events, some with specific equipment and event management demands. Vern Curnow was awarded the Phil Shelley Award for his commitment to the athletics program and his support of athletes across their events.
Our Guest speaker for the evening was Sarah Fitz-Gerald, former world number one ranked squash player. Among her achievements were 5 World Championships and a Commonwealth Games gold medal. Ms Fitz-Gerald spoke of her career and her path to the top.
Below are award nominees and winners - click on an image for an enlarged view.
Sports Memorabilia Auction Dinner, 25 November 2004
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The dinner was a pulic promotion and fund-raising event for the Academy. Guest speakers and commentators were Sir Richard Hadlee (NZ cricketing legend), Tamsyn Lewis (athletics Olympian, Sydney and Athens), and Brendan Fevola (Carlton Football Club forward)
Coaches' Conference, 8 August 2004
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The first Coaches' Conference generated lots of discussion about common coaching issues which enable athletes to reach their potentials.
Leading the ideas were the VIS Programs Manager, Peter Spence, and VIS Golf Head Coach, Denis McDade.
Coaches and Program Managers came away with new ideas about their roles. Amongst the concepts discussed were the development of supportive relationships for athletes, and how to develop athletes' awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses.
Academy Awards Night, 27 February 2004
Nominations for the three major awards were made by every sport. The award winners were Raff Laurins, Brenton Ford, and Howard Williams.
Raff Laurins had successfully competed at the state and national levels, and had recently been selected to compete in the World Junior Championships. Raff was presented with the Tim Forsyth Award.
Brenton Ford won the David Drane Award for his swimming performances and dedication to high training workloads. His commitment has provided a model for other Academy swimmers.
Howard Williams is dedicated to Volleyball, and has not only had a significant role in its fostering in the Academy, but also junior volleyball programs outside Gippsland. Howard's work in the Academy's program was acknowledged with the Phil Shelley Award.
Guest speaker for the evening was Lisa Alexander, coach of the National Netball League premiers, Melbourne Phoenix.
Some pictures from the evening are below - click on an image for an enlarged view.
