The Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS) held its annual presentation evening at Panthers Bathurst on Saturday 17 August. The evening recognised the substantial achievements of WRAS athletes, the hard working squad staff and the other valuable supporters and volunteers. Mr Phil Cole, WRAS Life Member and General Manager, 1503 2BS Gold/B-Rock was Master of Ceremony for the evening attended by 360 guests.
Daniel Barber of Dubbo (Cycling athlete) was awarded the WRAS 2019 Athlete of the Year. Danny is an Australian Record holder – he broke the 200m sprint record twice in 2019. Danny is a 5 time Australian Champion taking home 5 gold, 2 silvers and the Champion of Champions title from the National Track Championships. Danny was Cycling NSW – Cyclist of the Year for the junior 17 men’s age group. Following on from this incredible year of achievements, Danny was offered a scholarship with the NSW Institute of Sport.
Cushla Rue (Lone Star – football athlete from Bathurst) was Runner-up Athlete of the Year. Cushla represented NSW in the state team at the National Youth Championships and the National Training Challenge held at the Australian Institute of Sport. Cushla travels to Sydney 3 times a week for training and to compete for the Football NSW Institute of Sport in the National Premier League which is one level below W-League. Very impressive for a 15 year old.
The Chairman’s Award for Excellence was presented to Jonathan Limbrick of Bathurst. Jonathan not only excels at a high level in his sport but is committed to his education and community.
Squad Athletes of the Year (highest achiever in their sport) were:
AFL Eloise Hiller-Stanbrook (Dubbo)
Basketball Senior Lewellyn Kingham (Bathurst)
Basketball Junior Eli Morris (Lithgow)
Cycling Daniel Barber (Dubbo)
Golf Cameron Jackson (Bathurst)
Hockey Sally Uttley (Millthorpe)
Individual Cushla Rue (Bathurst)
Netball Amelia Wilcox (Orange)
Swimming Thomas Robinson (Grenfell)
Coach’s Award recipients (for the most dedicate or improved athlete) were:
AFL Erin Naden (Orange)
Basketball Senior Blake Goldspink (Lithgow)
Basketball Junior Ainsley Holmes (Orange)
Cycling Ben Anderson (Orange) and Haylee Fuller (Dubbo)
Golf Ella Murray (Dubbo)
Hockey Mackenzie Stewart (Lithgow)
Netball Annalise Maier (Parkes)
Chairman’s Award for Excellence nominees (overall excellence) were:
AFL Mikelli Garratt (Cowra)
Basketball Jonathan Limbrick (Bathurst)
Cycling Kalinda Robinson (O’Connell)
Golf Ben Davis (Bathurst)
Netball Isabella Attwater (Narromine)
Swimming Emilee Curran (Bathurst)
Strength and Conditioning Award recipients (for the most dedicate or improved athlete in S&C sessions) were:
AFL Amelia Chapman (Bathurst) and Elizabeth Gibson (Orange)
Basketball Charlie Wilson (Orange)
Individual Henry Palmer (Bathurst) and Cushla Rue (Bathurst)
The Coach of the Year was awarded to WRAS cycling co-ordinating coaches Vaughn Eather (Dubbo) and Marian Renshaw (Bathurst). This award was sponsorsed by Greater Bank to support the valuable contribution of community volunteers.