2016 Coaches of the Year Announced
Basketball NSW is pleased to announce the winners of the Coach of the Year awards for 2016 Molten Waratah League.
The Waratah League Coach of the Year awards are determined by votes from the Head Coach and Team Captain of each team in these divisions. Voters were not permitted to vote for members of their own team.
Championship Men Coach of the Year
Newcastle Hunters Larry Davidson has been voted as the 2016 Molten Waratah League Coach of the Year for the Championship Men’s division. The Newcastle Hunters finished the regular season with a 15-5 win/loss record. Larry said on winning the award “Thank you to those who voted for me. The team has done a great job and the award is because of them.”
Championship Women Coach of the Year
Newcastle Hunters Mark Gledson has been voted the 2016 Molten Waratah League Coach of the Year for the Championship Women’s Division. Mark led his team and finished the season as minor premiers with a 15-1 record.
Mark wasn’t available at the time of this article being posted.
Division 1 Men Coach of the Year
Canberra Gunners Anthony Plunkett has been voted the 2016 Molten Waratah League Coach of the Year for the Division 1 Men’s League. Anthony led his team to finish the season as number 1 team in pool C with a 12-1 record this season.
Anthony said on winning the award “Appreciate the fact that this award comes from the other coaches in the league. My success directly relates to the team and great group of players coming through the ACT system.”
Division 1 Women Coach of the Year
Bathurst Goldminers Joanne Cafe has been voted the 2016 Molten Waratah League Coach of the Year for the Division 1 Women’s League. Joanne led her team and finished the end of the regular 2016 season in 2nd place with an 11-2 record.
Joanne said on winning the award “Thank you for this great honour. As a coach for over 20 years, its really humbling to be recognized with this award. I would like to thank my team who make it so easy to coach”!
Division 1 Youth Men Coach of the Year
Maitland Mustangs Mitch Rueter has been voted the 2016 Molten Waratah League Coach of the Year for the Division 1 Youth League Men. Juggling his playing commitment with the Maitland Championship Men’s team, Mitch and his young team have surprised many teams this year, and after finishing the season in 6th spot (12-10 record) they caused the upset of the year last weekend after defeating the 3rd placed team to advance through to the finals weekend.
Mitch said on winning the award “Thanks to Maitland basketball for allowing me to coach the team over the last two seasons. Thanks the boys for all the hard work and coming in with positive attitude and being so coachable.”
Division 1 Youth Women Coach of the Year
Central Coast Crusaders Eddie Whitemore has been voted the 2016 Molten Waratah League Coach of the Year for the Youth league women after an outstanding season finishing as minor premiers with a 16-4 record.
Eddie said on winning the award “Thank you to the players, my assistant coach and the association for the opportunity to coach. Thank you to my supporting wife and kids for allowing me to do what I love.”
Division 2 Youth Men Coach of the Year
Central Coast Waves Terry Johnson has been voted the 2016 Molten Waratah League Coach of the Year for the Division 2 Youth League Men’s competition. Terry led his team to finish the season as minor premiers with a 17-1 record.
Terry said on winning the award “Thanks to the other coaches for making it a great league to be a part of. Thanks to the boys as without them awards like this don’t happen.”