OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL, REFEREE, UMPIRE – SENIOR

Kevin Opele – Rugby, Rugby League, Netball

Kevin Opele is probably best described as a bit of a jack of all trades. In the past 12 months he achieved a feat unlikely to be matched by anyone – controlling three finals in three different sporting codes at the highest level possible. Kevin was in charge of the Division 1 Final of the Combined Country Rugby Final, The Watters Cup Final, the Aoraki Rugby League Grand Final and also umpired the Premier Netball final.

Summer Anderson – Basketball

It’s been a busy year on the side of the basketball court for Summer Anderson. As well as playing her sport of passion, the young official has also built up an impressive repertoire of achievements which has seen her controlling matches across the South Island. The crowning glory? Being in control of the New Zealand Masters Games women’s final, as well as appearances at various South Island tournaments.

OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL, REFEREE, UMPIRE – JUNIOR

Cathleen Anderson – Basketball

Cathleen Anderson is paving the way for a long career of officiating. She’s developed her skillset considerably over the past 12 months and is a rapid riser on the basketball umpiring scene both locally and across the South Island. After passing her national theory exam last year she went on to officiate and also notched up her first ever tournament at the Under 13 Southern Regionals.

Jacob Gray – Hockey

All umpires, irrelevant of age or experience, express a strong desire to reach the pinnacle of their role which is to be awarded the task of umpiring a final in a national tournament and for hockey official Jacob Gray, it was a case of lightning striking twice. Jacob was in charge of the whistle at the National Under 15 Premier Tournament, the Johnson Cup at Secondary School level, the National U18 women’s tournament as well as a host of other events.

OUTSTANDING COACH

Kaye Kennedy – Netball

It’s been a busy season for Kaye Kennedy at the helm of the Ashburton College A netball side. Winners of the Mid Canterbury Netball Premier competition, fourth at the South Island Secondary Schools and 15th at the Nationals, Kaye has supported her charges with aplomb, allowing them to grow both on and off the court.

Sarah Grieve – Gymnastics

In her second year as the head of Ashburton Gymnastics Club Sarah has shone. With her dedication, planning and expertise the club has grown in numbers and members are developing incredibly under her guidance. Part of a strong coaching team, there’s clear direction and the results are evident of all the hard work.

Thorsten Windhorst – Karate

The sport of karate is on a rapid rise in Mid Canterbury and that’s in part to the efforts of Thorsten Windhorst. Not only have his charges produced the goods in the arena, but he’s guided the sport to impressive growth in recent years with numbers as strong as ever. Across international, national, national school championships, South Island Championships and regional competitions, 19 golds have been achieved with a further 28 silver and bronze medals to boot.

Jack Tiller – Tennis

Jack has focused much of his time on finding new ways of engaging with people interested in tennis while also enhancing and adding value to the tennis experience for those already connected to the game. With an ability to relate, motivate and develop talent he’s added real value to the Mid Canterbury coaching scene.

OUTSTANDING ALL-ROUND SPORTS PERSON

Taylah Burrowes – Karate and Netball

It’s been a standout 12 months for Taylah Burrowes who is producing good results on the netball court and in her specialist sport of karate. Currently, she holds the Australian and New Zealand National Secondary School titles for Kumite Cadets (under 16) and is New Zealand Open Champion. With a busy karate schedule, Taylah still managed to find time to compete in other sports and help instruct.

OUTSTANDING SENIOR SPORTS TEAM

Mark Sheard, Maurice Sunbeam, Cecil Tubb and Charlie Cleghorn – Indoor Bowls

This indoor bowling quartet claimed National success in the Chartered Club championships, winning the men’s fours title. The team did extremely well as they beat some strong teams on their road to the final. All four players also represented Mid Canterbury during the year.

Mid Canterbury United Senior Football team – Football

If the task of travelling to Christchurch to play in one of the most competitive competitions in regional New Zealand is supposed to be daunting, no one told Mid Canterbury’s senior football side. Fresh off an unbeaten season the year prior, this group of talented men went and did it again in 2019 winning the Mainland Football Division One Competition and also picked up the Mainlaind Football Division One Cup. The side scored 95 goals during the season while only conceding 18.

Mid Canterbury Senior Basketball – Basketball

Despite venturing into the Christchurch Division 1 basketball tournament for the first time in 20 years, the Mid Canterbury side managed to walk away with the Division 1 title. Featuring a predominantly younger side and playing against ex-premier players in a tough competition, the side finished fifth qualifier but managed to work their way to the final and claim victory.

Mid Canterbury Target Shooting – Shooting

Target shooting is a sport on the rise in Mid Canterbury and despite only competing for the second time, the Association claimed victory in the South Island teams competition where more than 200 teams converged for the biggest shooting competition in New Zealand. They also claimed success in the National District Championships.

OUTSTANDING JUNIOR SPORTS TEAM

Ashburton College A – Netball

It was a busy and successful year for the Ashburton College A Netball side. Winners of the Mid Canterbury Premier Netball competition – in which they only lost two games across three rounds of play they also finished fourth at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Championships and then 15th at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Championships as well as performing with distinction in the SuperNet competition.

OUTSTANDING SENIOR SPORTSPERSON

Matthew Clough – Multisport

His year might have been cut short by a broken leg, but that didn’t stop Matthew Clough from achieving once again. Clough claimed success in the World Under 20 Cross Tri Championships, seeing off his six rivals with ease. He was third in the NZ Xterra Championships for Under 25 men. On the comeback from injury he managed to finish third in the 2-Day Coast to Coast open men’s division.

Kimberley Bird – Equestrian

A member of New Zealand’s National Talent Development Squad, Kimberley jolted herself into the limelight in the past 12 months by winning the Taupo Xmas Classic World Cup – the highest level you can compete at in New Zealand. That result, coupled with a fifth placing in the Olympic Cup at Horse of the Year, third in the Norwood Cup at Horse of the Year and fifth in the World Cup series, despite only competing in two of the five events. Kimberley’s recent success has her inside the top 15 riders in New Zealand.

Logan McCorkindale – Croquet

In the past two years, Logan McCorkindale has moved from regional player to the elite level in both variations of the sport, golf croquet and association croquet. With outstanding results both locally, nationally and internationally he’s making his mark on the sport all over the world and has done so through hard work but with a strong mental fitness and attitude which stands him out.

Pip Johnstone – Basketball

Pip Johnstone has dominated the basketball courts over the past 12 months. A member of the Mid Canterbury side which won Christchurch’s Division One competition, he was also named competition MVP and selected in the All Star 5. Locally, Pip was the leading scorer in the Mid Canterbury competition and guided his side, the Donkeys, to success in the championship match with a 46 point haul.

OUTSTANDING JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON

Mia Pearson – Netball

2019 was an outstanding year for Mia Pearson on the netball court with her skill and talent being recognised in both local and national netball circles. She excelled as a circle defender and was a major contributor to the success of the Ashburton College A side. Mia was one of three players selected from the team for a talented players group and was also selected for the Netball NZ Development camp.

Brooke Edmond – Karate

A South Island and Canterbury champion as well as a nationally placed competitor, Brooke Edmond has enjoyed a good year in the karate world. Adding to her tournament success, Brooke took part in two gradings during the year and now holds the rank of purple belt. A regular trainer during the week she’s an active member of the Dojo community.

Diego Quispe-Kim – Tennis

One of New Zealand’s most exciting tennis stars of the future, Diego Quispe-Kim has made an immediate impact on the Mid Canterbury tennis scene since his arrival. The 14-year-old is currently ranked No.1 in New Zealand for his age. A New Zealand representative at the World Junior Teams Event in Malaysia, Diego was named in the Under 17 Canterbury side as well to cap off a huge 12 months on the court.

Carina Lupse – Karate

With a crowning glory of finishing second at the New Zealand Karate Championships, Carina also claimed victory at the South Island Schools’ Championships and various events across the Canterbury region. As well as her competitive achievements, Carina has earned her brown belt and helps as a junior assistant instructor every week.

Kotiti Patea – Softball

Kotiti Patea’s success on the softball diamond culminated with his selection as a non-travelling reserve for the Junior Black Sox side. His pathway to there was paved through his efforts as a member of the Canterbury Under 18 fastpitch side where he helped his side to finish fourth in the national championships. Despite a busy schedule, he still finds time to give back, coaching younger teams and playing for Ashburton College.

Caitlin Titheridge – Mountain Biking

Caitlin Titheridge has achieved some outstanding results across five different biking disciplines with her crowning glory being success in the New Zealand Under 19 National Cyclocross Championship as well as placings in the Oceania Downhill Mountain Bike Champs and the National Secondary Schools event as well. With dedication and perseverance to excel she’s set for an impressive career.

Angus Jemmett – Cricket

Angus Jemmett’s efforts on the cricket pitch over the past 12 months have been nothing short of outstanding. Despite his relative youth he found himself in the Mid Canterbury Senior Hawke Cup cricket side and marked that occasion with a century on debut. A member of the Mid Canterbury Under 17 team and the Ashburton College 1st XI where he was the leading run scorer and leading wicket taker. There’s a big future ahead.

Madison Edmond – Karate

A national champion for her age group in the sport of karate, Madison Edmond has had a standout year across a whole variety of tournaments. She has also advanced her skill level and made two rank progressions to brown belt as she continues to make her name known in the sport across New Zealand.

Riley Breen – Tennis

At the age of 10, Riley Breen has the tennis world at the end of his racquet. Currently the No.1 ranked player in New Zealand in the Under 11 age bracket, Riley has achieved great results in the next age group as well where he was selected for the Canterbury and National sides.

Cathleen Anderson – Basketball

Cathleen Anderson leads a busy lifestyle. As well as her work as a coach, the young star has gone through a rise and rise over the past 12 months in her chosen sport. With a strong determination to succeed both on and off the course, her record as both an umpire and an player holds her in high stead for the future. A member of the Mainland Eagles basketball side, Cathleen also somehow finds time to play premier level netball.

Riley Sa – Basketball

Selection to attend the Basketball New Zealand selection camp for Under 17 players, Riley Sa is a basketball name of the future. A member of the Canterbury Under 17 Basketball side and the Mainland Eagles, Riley’s also been a presence locally as a part of the Ashburton College Junior and Sernio sides, the Ashburton College Club team and the Junior A 3×3 team. His efforts have been well recognised with multiple awards at Ashburton College for his deeds on the court.

Sophie Adams – Basketball

A member of the National Under 17 Oceania team, Sophie Adams’ basketball star continues to skyrocket. She’s had an impressive 12 months as a member of the Canterbury Wildcats women’s side as well as the Waitara Under 19 side and the Senior Mid Canterbury basketball side. But it’s not just on the basketball court either. Sophie has shown her ability in athletics as well with strong results in shot put.

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER

Mindy Morrison – Basketball

Appointed the manager of the Canterbury Wildcats for the 2019-2020 season, Mindy Morrison has dedicated her time to delivering the best results for the side she was a part of from budgets, uniforms, travel and rentals. That alongside the host of work she does for Mid Canterbury Basketball as an organiser, floor manager she is a key cog in the wheel that keeps the sport churning both locally and further afield.

Kara Gilbert – Gymnastics

A volunteer coach for the Ashburton Gymnastics Club for the past three years, Kara Gilbert’s dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm for all things gymnastics locally is appreciated by members, committee and competitors alike.

Richard McLea – Cricket

Richard has been an indefatigable worker for Coldstream Cricket Club and Mid Canterbury junior cricket for the last 15 years, serving as chairman of the Junior Committee (MCC) for a number of years, and is the backbone of the Coldstream Cricket Club, first as a player and then as a committee member. Richard does all of this with a willing heart and a ready smile on his dial.

Alexander Tommerby Harpoth – Gymnastics

Alex has been a volunteer coach with the Ashburton Gymnastics Club for over five years. He is described as having a special rapport with the pupils he coaches and is known for his dedication to the sport and as a whizz when it comes to pack up time.

Eva Kelly – Basketball

Despite a hectic playing schedule and a promising career on the basketball court, Eva has also made her presence known off the court in both netball and basketball where she gives back to the sport. A coach at the Mid Canterbury Basketball Academy each week, Eva was also selected to coach and assistant coach Mid Canterbury rep basketball sides.

Tessa Thompson – Basketball

With a busy schedule officiating across the Canterbury region, Tessa Thompson has balanced her time well which has allowed her own refereeing development, but also giving her the opportunity to encourage the participation and development of the players she has been coaching. A vital cog in the basketball make up locally, Tessa is a valuable member of the sport.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 30 May 2020

A stern test faces the Mid Canterbury Combined side in its UC Championship opener.

The squad will travel north to face off with defending UC Championship and South Island 1st XV champions Nelson College.

“It’s fantastic,” Combined head coach Shane Enright said.

He said the Combined side will definitely not be daunted by the challenge ahead, after making some key acquisitions in the off season.

Eighteen-year-old Michael Hennings has arrived from Suva and has been touted as an exciting prospect.

Mid Canterbury Heartland coach Jason Rickard has also been brought into the fold after the cancellation of the Mitre 10 Heartland Championship and will manage the forwards.

In line with the community rugby framework, the UC Championship is set to kick off on June 20, running through until September.

The structure of the competition has escaped any overhauls due to Covid-19 and will operate as a standard round of 14 championship.

The players were let loose for their first pre-season training yesterday afternoon.

“The team is fizzing,” Enright said.

Community rugby shifted into a prepare-to-play phase this week following the Government’s softening of mass gathering limits.

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 29 May 2020

Ashburton College student executive members are making the most of having food, phones and furniture as they lead into next week. Photo Susan SandysSchool days will be particularly challenging for Ashburton College student executive members next week.

On Tuesday, they will go without food, Wednesday without furniture, Thursday without talking, and Friday without their cellphones.

The sacrifices they are making are leading up to the World Vision 40-hour Famine from June 5 to 7.

This year, the money is going to support climate-vulnerable communities in Malawi.

“Considering they have a challenge every day, the things we have specifically chosen are the things we usually take for granted,” said head of student welfare Rowiri Howell.

And he had no doubt which of the sacrifices would be the most difficult.

“For us it would be no talking, because naturally, as students, we connect with our teachers and our peers,” Rowiri said.

Most student executive members agreed, and head girl Poppy Kilworth said they were considering taping their mouths to make it easier.

However, head boy Henry Chapman was more concerned about Tuesday, believing the hours between 9am and 3pm would be the most difficult of the whole week.

He said he would particularly miss the peanut butter sandwiches he usually always packed into his school lunch box.

None of the students were too worried about being without their phones, or having to sit on the floor or stand for classes on Wednesday when they can’t use furniture.

Indeed, they are all looking forward to the week, particularly being able to raise money for a cause they feel passionate about.

Even one or two dollars can make the difference between struggle and failure for Malawians, they said.

Most Malawians were subsistence farmers, and one poor harvest due to drought or flood could cause widespread  hunger.

By Susan Sandys © The Ashburton Guardian - 27 May 2020