WRAS Presentation Evening
The Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS) held its annual presentation evening at Panthers Bathurst on Saturday 17 August 2019. The evening recognised the substantial achievements of WRAS athletes, the hard working squad staff and the other valuable supporters and volunteers.
The 360 guests in attendance were delighted by Master of Ceremony Mr Phil Cole, WRAS Life Member and General Manager, 2BS 95.1/ B-Rock.
Daniel Barber of Dubbo (Cycling) was awarded the WRAS 2019 Athlete of the Year. Danny is an Australian Record Holder after he broke the record for the 200m sprint twice in 2019. On top of this record, Danny is a 5 time Australian Champion taking home 5 gold, 2 silvers and the Champion of Champions title at the National Track Championships. Danny was named Cycling NSW- Cyclist of the Year for the junior 17 Men’s age group. Following on from this incredible year of achievements, Danny wad offered a scholarship with the NSW Institute of Sport.
The Chairman’s Award for Excellence was presented to Basketball, Jonathan Limbrick of Bathurst. Jonathan not only excels at a high level in basketball, but also is extremely committed to his education and community roles.
The Squad Athletes of the Year (highest achiever in their sport) were:
AFL Eloise Hiller- Stanbrook (Dubbo)
Basketball Senior Lewellyn Kingham (Bathurst)
Basketball Junior Development Eli Morris (Lithgow)
Cycling Daniel Barber (Dubbo)
Golf Cameron Jackson (Bathurst)
Hockey Sally Uttley (Millthorpe)
Netball Amelia Wilcox (Orange)
Lone Star- Football Cushla Rue (Bathurst)
Swimming Thomas Robinson (Grenfell)
The Coach’s Award recipients (for the most dedicated or improved athlete) were:
AFL Erin Naden (Orange)
Basketball Blake Goldspink (Lithgow)
Basketball Junior Development Ainsley Holmes (Orange)
Cycling (joint winners) Ben Anderson (Orange)
Haylee Fuller (Dubbo)
Golf Ella Murray (Dubbo)
Hockey Mackenzie Stewart (Wallerawang)
Netball Annalise Maier (Parkes)
The Chairman’s Award recipients (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)
The Strength and Conditioning Award recipients (for the most dedicated or improved athlete in S&C sessions) were:
AFL Amelia Chapman (Bathurst)
AFL Elizabeth Gibson (Orange)
Basketball Charlie Wilson (Orange)
Lone Star- Athletics Henry Palmer (Bathurst)
Lone Star- Football Cushla Rue (Bathurst)
The ‘Greater Bank Volunteer Coach of the Year’ was awarded to WRAS cycling co-ordinating coaches Vaughn Eather (Dubbo) and Marian Renshaw (Bathurst).
The Hon. Paul Toole MP announced Eloise Hiller-Stanbrook (Dubbo) and Cameron Jackson (Bathurst) as the two athletes that will attend the Regional Academy Parliament Function in Sydney on 17 September.
Photo credit – Julia Strang