WEST BEARCATS NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2007 CHAMPIONS!! How good does that sound?

A season that began with the slog of pre-season training, lasted through 18 home and away games and ended with the ultimate prize – the CABL premiership! What a ride. After losing their fi rst two games the girls won their next 6 to be 2nd mid-season. The regular season fi nished with a 12-4 record and 2nd place - consistent even though several players missed games throughout the season. Whoever took the court did their job, showing the Bearcat spirit and emphasizing that this is a champion team, not a team of champions. The qualifying fi nal against Norwood was a tight game ending with a 9 victory. Bring on Sturt! A run-away 83-69 victory against Sturt put the girls straight into the grand fi nal. A surprise to most was that Norwood defeated Sturt in a close game for the chance to challenge our girls in the grand fi nal. The support from the junior members of the club for the team on Grand Final Night was absolutely fabulous!! And the team didn’t let them down, outclassing Norwood, 77-57. All 12 players hit the court to get a feel of the atmosphere on the biggest stage in our local competition. Thoughts were with Lauren King who had considered giving up her place at the World University Games so she wouldn’t miss the grand fi nal. She won a gold medal there. Also with Cherie Smith who was injured and unable to take her place in the team. last won the title in 1993 so congratulations go to this group of young women and their coaching staff who have written another chapter in the tradition that is the West Adelaide Bearcats Basketball Club. The girls found the ABA fi nal against Ballarat tough, going down 59-70, but once again it was a great experience for the younger players to compete in the next level of competition. So a great season for our CABL teams ended with the women as CHAMPIONS and the Men’s team semi- fi nalists. Both teams are full of young talent so we look forward to another great year in 2008 when Sam Woosnam and David Spear take over as head coaches. GIVE IT A GO – HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE - KEITH MILLER, COACH YOU MIGHT ENJOY IT… Keith Miller enjoyed a distinguished playing career that saw Volunteers are a vital part of everyday Australian life him awarded the inaugural Woollacott Medal in 1947 as through their selfl ess service. the best and fairest player in the South Australian men’s competition, but it is as a coaching pioneer and innovator that One of the “Bearcats” core priorities is to support the he will be remembered most. game of basketball within the club and community. We He coached the South Australian men’s team between 1960 try and accomplish this through various activities and and 1964 and won three State titles and began coaching the the club encourages its members to get involved and Australian men’s team in 1962. He led them to contest the participate in those activities as volunteers. 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where the team fi nished ninth. Volunteering is critical role that assists in ensuring the Keith has been made a Life Member of West Adelaide success of the West Adelaide Basketball Club. Basketball Club, the Metropolitan Volunteer opportunities are a great way to meet other Amateur Basketball Association and the South Australian Amateur members of the club, build on and enhance leadership Basketball Association. skills, learn something new, get involved in helping In 1981 he was the deserved improve our local basketball community, or just have fun. recipient of an Australian Volunteering your time and talents to help within the Basketball Union Merit Award. club can be more rewarding than you know. Volunteers are always needed in a number of areas of club activity, ABA PLAYER PROFILE areas where you don’t have to donate more time than you have available. You can work on one-time projects, Lisa Coleman winter or summer (seasonal) projects or even choose D.O.B: 25/07/87 something that is year-round. Height: 166cm Depending on what volunteer opportunity you choose, Weight: 58kg it can enhance skills you already have, or it can help you Place of Birth: Adelaide learn about something you’ve wanted to try. Plus, the Profession: Student/Waitress people you meet through volunteering can make your Favourite Food/Drink: experience even more valuable. Pasta & Malibu Participating as a volunteer within the club provides an Favourite Movie: opportunity to showcase the “Bearcats” culture to other The Notebook clubs, to demonstrate club unity, commitment, can-do Photo courtesy of Damrob Photography attitude, friendliness and most of all good humour. Favourite TV Show: Greys Anatomy You are never too old or too young to be a “Bearcat” Favourite Music/Band: Snow Patrol volunteer. First played Basketball: 1994 (7 years old) Biggest infl uence in Basketball: All my coaches, parents, So, how do you fi nd a volunteer opportunity or get team mates involved? Career Highlight: Making 07 ABA Grand Final Contact the Club Secretary: Best thing about playing Basketball: Sue Porter Winning, Friends I have made along the way Mobile: 0422 441 667 Worst thing about playing Basketball: Losing Email: [email protected] Best player seen: Sammy P.S. Thanks to all the current volunteers for your support Most respected opponent: Respect all my opponents Hobbies outside of Basketball: Relaxing, shopping, hanging out with mates Which team mate would be your “phone a friend” on millionaire: Laura - she knows a lot Who is the club clown: Kingy & Trudy Ian Walsh If you could be any person on earth who would you be: President Beyonce - she’s rich and hot! !+",-&, SAM WOOSNAM ABA WOMENS COACH " -", Our 2007 “Championship” coach, John Gillies has elected to vacate the ABA Women’s Head Coach role due to increasing Bearcat Clothing - Available from club offi ce: work commitments. With John and his Assistant Coaching panel’s involvement in the Women’s program over the last two Black Hooded Windcheater $50 seasons, the team was able to give the club it’s “fi rst” women’s Black Fleecy Windcheater $50 championship since 1993. John’s development and integration of junior players into the program has also provided the club with a Polo Shirt – Unisex number of high potential players within junior ranks. (black with red and white sides) $35 Moving on, the West Adelaide Bearcats Basketball Club is pleased to announce that Sam Woosnam has accepted the Head T-Shirt (black with red trim & large logo) $32 Coach role for the Women’s ABA team. Bomber Jacket (black – red sleeves/bands) $90 Sam Woosnam has been an integral component of the ABA team over recent years and it seemed a natural progression for Sam to Anorak (long-line winter jacket) $85 take on the Head Coach role. Sam’s experience at local, national and international level provides her with a strong foundation Bearcat Drink Bottle (750ml) $6 to start her coaching career. Some of Sam’s basketball player Bearcat Sports Bag $45 resume includes; Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship holder 1996 Bearcat Socks Size 6 - 8 $10 Australian Gems Silver Medalist @ Junior World Championships Size 7 - 11, k/size $11 in Brazil, 1997 Bearcats rubber wristbands (Club colour) $2.50 1997 – 2000 then 2005 – present Winner of WNBL Championship in 1998 Thermo Travel Mugs with fi rst fi ll free $8 Captain of the Adelaide Lightning 2005 – present Black Wool Beanie (same logo as windcheater) $15 Winner of Adelaide Lightning MVP 2006/07 European Professional Career: Austria, Germany, France & All prices include GST Portugal 2000 – 2004 Competed in FIBA European Cup Member of All Star 5 in Austria and Germany New Arrivals ABA Participation Polo Shirt – Ladies (black & white) West Adelaide Bearcats Captain – limited supply 4Ȑɑɑɴ $45 Winner of numerous club MVP & Bearcat medals Towels (black) embroidered with playing number (red) Halls Medalist 2006 Small hand tow ȣɑȨɕɜȹǸɕel $12 Winner of the Merv Harris Medal Large (usual bath towel size) $20 Numerous ABA All Star 5 selections (payment for towels must be As a player/coach Sam will be all out to achieve another Grand made in full at time of order) Final pennant for the Bearcats and the ABA Women’s team. We wish Sam well in her role with the club. Ian Walsh - President UPCOMING EVENTS

WEST ADELAIDE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 25th November, 2007 ST CLAIR CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL - 14th, 15th & 16th December, 2007 2007 BEARCATS ANGLE PARK GREYHOUND NIGHT - December, 2007 BASKETBALL ASSOC. CARNIVAL - 9th & 10th February, 2008 STATE AND RESERVE CHAMPIONSHIPS - May 2008 2008 MID YEAR CARNIVAL - 11th - 13 July 2008 DAVID SPEAR APPOINTED For more information AS MENS ABA COACH about advertising in this

The West Adelaide Bearcats Basketball Club are newsletter please email pleased to announce that David Spear has accepted the Head Coach role for the Men’s ABA team, playing [email protected] within the Central ABL. The vacancy resulted from the resignation of the A BEARCAT IN PERTH previous coach, Dion Grieger. Justin Magin, (U/16 boys div 1) played in the U/16 boys, Dion has worked hard to develop the Men’s program, in South Australian Christian Schools Association particular the development of the junior players and as (SACSA) ( Perth August 2007 ) . a result of that good work, we see David having a solid His team won beating by 1 point in the Grand foundation to work with. Final. David’s broad experience as a club coach and player Justin received a mention for being the 2nd highest together with State and National League activities point getter of 56 points for the main rounds. will be well utilised by the Bearcats. Some of David’s Well done Justin! basketball resume includes; Played 140 NBL Games from 1983-1990 with West Adelaide and the Member 1986 Adelaide 36ers NBL Championship side Played in 3 NBL Grand Final Series, 1983, 1985 & WANTED 1986 Captained the Adelaide Buffalo’s to the 1987 National SECOND HAND UNIFORMS SEABL Championship The club will store and sell your current Bearcats Played in over 450 Senior State League games over 17 playing uniform, training singlet or other approved years with West Adelaide winning Championships in apparel for a small handling fee. 1988, 1994 & 1996 If you wish to buy or sell your secondhand uniforms Coach West Adelaide Senior Men from 1996 to 2002, please contact Pat Coppick on Tel. 8449 5741 playing in two grand fi nals, winning Championship in (answering machine) or A/H Mob 0407 619084 or 1996 alternatively leave the item in the Bearcats offi ce with Represented SA as a junior player from 1980 to 1983, the following information - winning National U/18 Championship in 1980, and Captain in 1981 & 1983 Price, Size (if known), Name & contact details. Coached West Adelaide in the U/18 National Classics winning the Championship in 1991 Coached South at the National SPADAVECCHIA ACADEMY MVP Championships in 1992 & 1993, winning Silver Medal in 1993 West Adelaides’ Anthony Spadavecchia has Worked in the Media with both Network 10 and Radio been awarded the trophy for 5AA as a media commentator during 1991-1993 the Most Valuable Player of the 2006/07 David will be all out to achieve another Grand Final Academy. (Academy) Coaches Kevin Brooks pennant as he did as Coach in 1996, the last time the and Richard Hill were unanimous in their Men’s team were successful at this level. selectionof the ‘Spud’ Spadavecchia has We wish David well in his role with the club. averaged 14.9 points, 5.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds over the 2007 CABL season. Ian Walsh The club congratulates Anthony on his President West Adelaide Bearcats Basketball Club achievement. 22 August 2007 2007 JUNIOR TROPHY WINNERS PARTICIPATION TROPHY Under 16 Boys Div 1, Most Valuable Player Nathan Spehr, Most Improved Player James Marshall. U10 Girls Div 1 Olivia Coppick, Tahlia Fejo, Francoise Wilson- Negri, Alexandra Tuit, Chelsea Stirling, Ellen Matschke, Kayla Under 16 Boys Div 2, Most Valuable Player Bradley Hinrichsen, Jasmine Fejo. Bunting, Best Team Player Zane Benzija. U10 Girls Div 2 Sophia Engelhardt, Matilda Raynes, Riley Under 16 Boys Div 3, Most Valuable Player Kristian Dickie, Kayla Dickie, Jemma Ahern, Holly Verdon, Alicia Mitkas, Most Improved Player Ben Bauer. Engelhardt, Alex Pearce, Hannah Kelly. Under 16 Boys Div 4, Most Valuable Player Dylan Edson, U10 Boys Div 1 Lachlan Mossop, Tynan Benzija, Elio Arruzza. Most Valuable Player Joshua Blackman. Cody Wikaire, Lachlan Rennie, Bradley Skuce, Jesse Berleman. Under 18 Girls Div 1, Most Valuable Player Rebecca U10 Boys Div 2 Hayden Hoare, Brodie Hewitt, Kienan Benzija, Riggs, Most Dedicated Player Jess Martin. Hugh Waxmann, Michael Pinnuck, Aaron Elliott, Romel Cuadra, Under 18 Girls Div 2, Most Valuable Player Elle Finos, Koen Sapwell. Most Dedicated Player Laura Spence. Under 12 Girls Div 1, Most Consistent Player Madeline Under 18 Girls Div 3, Most Valuable Player Stella Wormald, Most Improved Player Mackenzie Lum. Ferreira, Most Dedicated Player Bianca Hollow. Under 12 Girls Div 2, Most Consistent Player Keeley Under 18 Boys Div 1, Most Valuable Player Kurtis Pearce, Most Improved Player Teliesha Kelly. Phillips, Most Improved Player Jack Stearne. Under 12 Boys Div 1, Most Valuable Player Ben Rennie, Under 18 Boys Div 2, Most Valuable Player Simon Most Improved Player Daimon Goode. Talanskas, Most Improved Player Ramah Ahmed. Under 12 Boys Div 2, Most Consistent Player Brayden Under 18 Boys Div 3, Most Valuable Player Matthew Wylie, Most Improved Player Matthew O’Connor. Zacharjak, Most Consistent Player Lachlan Pols. Under 12 Boys Div 3, Most Dedicated Player Jackson Under 18 Boys Div 5, Best Team Player Dylan Kidd, Leditschke, Most Improved Player Nick Tepohe. Most Consistent Player Nathan Hartley. Under 14 Girls Div 1, Most Valuable Player Mackenzie Vic Robinson Junior Coaching Award - Male Brown, Most Improved Player Grace Taylor. Chris Bridgman Under 14 Girls Div 3, Most Consistent Player Morgan Treloar, Most Dedicated Player Lauren Dolman. STATE PLAYERS Under 14 Boys Div 1, Most Valuable Player Patrick U16 Girls Metro Nicole Harris Thomas, Best Team Player Joseph Arruzza. U18 Girls Metro Alana Nairne, Rebecca Riggs Under 14 Boys Div 2, Most Consistent Player James U16 Boys Metro Nathan Spehr, Chris Steele Drake, Most Improved Player Zac Spehr. U16 Boys Country Scott Grenville Under 14 Boys Div 4, Most Valuable Player Davis Teakle, Most Improved Player Kieren Robinson. U18 Boys Metro Kurtis Phillips U20 Men Metro Chris Molitor Under 14 Boys Div 5, Most Consistent Player Peter Lagos, Most Dedicated Player Bradley Tonkin. WABC CLUB RECOGNITION Under 16 Girls Div 1, Most Valuable Player Paige Hooper, Most Improved Player Nicole Harris. U19 Australian Emu Squad Under 16 Girls Div 4, Most Valuable Player Simone Riley, Nathan Spehr, Scott Grenville Most Improved Player Renai Fejo.

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION If you have any club or team information, photos or ideas that you would like to be printed in the Newsletter, send them to [email protected] SENIOR PRESENTATION NIGHT ABA Women, ABA Men, Div 2 Women. Div 2 Men, Div 3 Men, Div 4 Men, Div 5 Men, U21 Women, U20 Men

SUNDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2007 6.15 pm - to be seated by 6.30 pm GREYHOUND SA Menu - Buffet approximately $35 per head drinks are not included in the price.

0LAYERS Here at last! #ODEOF"EHAVIOUR CLUB TRACKSUIT

C 0LAYBYTHERULES $99 C .EVERARGUEWITHANOFlCIAL)FYOUDISAGREE (Tracksuit pants included) HAVEYOURCAPTAIN COACHORMANAGER APPROACHTHEOFlCIALDURINGABREAKORAFTER from Port Road Sports. THECOMPETITION C #ONTROLYOURTEMPER6ERBALABUSEOFOFlCIALS More details on the website. SLEDGINGOTHERPLAYERSORDELIBERATELY DISTRACTINGORPROVOKINGANOPPONENTARE NOTACCEPTABLEORPERMITTEDBEHAVIOURS INANYSPORT WEST ADELAIDE C 7ORKEQUALLYHARDFORYOURSELFANDORYOUR TEAM9OURTEAMSPERFORMANCEWILLBENElT ANDSOWILLYOU C "EAGOODSPORT!PPLAUDALLGOODPLAYS WHETHERTHEYAREMADEBYYOURTEAMOR THEOPPOSITION C 4REATALLPARTICIPANTSINYOURSPORTASYOULIKE TOBETREATED$ONOTBULLYORTAKEUNFAIR ADVANTAGEOFANOTHERCOMPETITOR C #OOPERATEWITHYOURCOACH TEAM MATES ANDOPPONENTS7ITHOUTTHEM THEREWOULD BENOCOMPETITION C 0ARTICIPATEFORYOUROWNENJOYMENT ANDBENElT NOTJUSTTOPLEASEYOUR PARENTSANDCOACHES C 2ESPECTTHERIGHTS DIGNITYANDWORTHOFALL PARTICIPANTSREGARDLESSOFTHEIRGENDER ABILITY CULTURALBACKGROUNDORRELIGION A big thankyou to Bakers Delight West Lakes for donating the bread on Presentation night West Adelaide Basketball Club HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE - RACHAEL SPORN Rachael Sporn represented Australia Annual General at three Olympic Games, winning two Silver Medals and one Bronze as part of a core group of athletes that Meeting 2007 stamped the Australian Opals fi rmly on the world basketball map. She was the Female Sunday, 25 November 2007 International Player of the Year in 1993 and is a seven-time at 1.00 pm WNBL All-star fi ve member, fi ve-time league champion and two-time league MVP. Venue: She is the all-time leading points scorer and rebounder in Port Adelaide Recreation Centre WNBL history and continues to hold the league record 50 St Vincent Street for most rebounds in a game, with 27. She was drafted to Port Adelaide the WNBA by the in 1998 and went on to play 71 games in that league. An outstanding West Adelaide Junior player who went on to represent SA at Junior and State Levels as well the Bearcats in the WNBL. ADELAIDE 36ERS VISIT WEST ADELAIDE West Adelaide Bearcats were visited by Brett Maher & of the Adealide 36ers and were greeted with more than 50 Energetic Bearcat juniors from U10’s to U14’s. Brett and Mike were great ambassadors for the 36ers and their enthusiasm and time were very much appreciated. Finalists 2007 WEST ADELAIDE JUNIOR TEAMS IN FINALS The club would like to congratulate the following teams for making it through to the fi nals BOYS GIRLS U12 Div 1 Boys U10 Div 2 Girls U14 Div 1 Boys U14 Div 4 Girls U16 Div 4 Girls U16 Div 1 Boys U18 Div 1 Girls U18 Div 1 Boys U18 Div 2 Girls U18 Div 2 Boys U18 Div 3 Girls U18 Div 5 Boys U20 Div 1 Girls U20 Div 2 Boys U20 Div 2 Girls Under 12, Division 1 Boys West Adelaide Grand Final Winners

U16 Div 1 Boys - Coach Bob Hunnerup U21 Div 1 Women - Coaches Donna Noone, Carlee Patterson U18 Div 1 Girls - Coach Joe Noone

U18 Div 5 Boys - Coach Sandy Franceschinis U21 Div 2 Women - Coach Heather Westwood

Grand Final Runner-ups

U12 Div 1 Boys - Coach Bob Hunnerup

U18 Div 3 Girls - Coach Peter Leach

Under 16, Division 4 Girls CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL TEAM PROFILE UNDER 10 GIRLS - DIVISION 2 Helping to keep the tradition of the proud and competitive Bearcats. What a year 2007 has been for the Under 12 Division 2 Girls. It culminated in a nail biting 3 point extra time loss to Sturt in the preliminary fi nal. This in itself was an amazing effort by the girls given that they had only been beaten by the same team quite easily a week before. After some very good wins and some narrow losses during the minor round the team fi nished third. The improvement in all of the players since the beginning of the year has been a joy to watch. While we started with 9 players we lost two players mid way through the season sportsmanship did not waiver. Thank you PS: From the parents: which meant the remainder had to step up Bearcats for the opportunity. I am sure they and take extra responsibility. Which they will all put their hands up to play in the 2008 We would like to thank Alison for her did without exception as shown by the carnival. time, commitment, effort and particularly preliminary fi nal result. I am so proud of how my girls have behaved understanding throughout this year. We can’t The girls also took part in the Bearcats mid through the year, showing great team think of a better start our future champions year carnival. This was the fi rst carnival any commitment as well as true sportsmanship could have got. of the players had participated in and while to the opposition and I wish them all the losing to several of the division one teams by best for their future with the Bearcats Well done Alison and our team. big margins their enthusiasm, effort and Alison Hill - Coach

First played Basketball: Greatest achievement in coaching career: COACHES PROFILE Primary School The improvement by the group of players I had in U18 in 2007, I have coached them every What was your greatest achievement in second year since U12s, they are just a special Joe Noone your playing career: group of people (players and parents) and Retirement D.O.B: 5/11/75 worth remembering when we started in U12s we used to get thrashed by Norwood who Biggest infl uence in Basketball: Place of Birth: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, we beat in the fi nal in 2007. A Silver Medal www.positivecoach.org and just my own Woodville at the Classics in 2006 is another general internal motivation to get better, massive highlight. Marital Status: Married change, improve and learn new techniques and skills. Hobbies outside of Basketball: Hanging Profession: Social Planner/Scientist out with my wife and new daughter, Playing What lead you to coaching: Opportunity, Soccer, Cycling, Reading, Fantasy Sport. Favourite Food/Drink: continued involvement in the sport and the Shallot Pancakes, Chilli and Quesadillas challenge If you could invite 3 people to dinner, who and why? (Current or historical fi gure): Favourite Movies: Best thing about coaching: The challenge Jeff Buckley - very intelligent and Garden State, Field of Dreams, Band of of trying to get the best out of your players, knowledgeable about music, plus could bring Brothers teaching them new skills, the enjoyment and his guitar and play some songs. satisfaction from seeing improvement in your Favourite TV Shows: players and team. Dali Lama- everything he says is special and Friday Night Lights, Boston Legal, Scrubs, sharing any time with him would be amazing West Wing Worst thing about coaching: Parents with tunnel vision and/or white line fever Phil Jackson- his stories of players and his Favourite Bands: worldly views would be great to converse Iron and Wine, The Lucksmiths, Okkervil River Best player seen: Steve Nash, Yao Ming about and Cuttino Mobley CALLING ALL BEARCAT JUNIOR GIRLS – In a few short years this could be you!!! This season our senior women have won: Central ABA premiership Reserves premiership U21 Div 1 premiership U21 Div 2 premiership U18 Div 1 premiership

A feat never before accomplished – what a performance!!

The senior women’s captain, and now coach, Sam Woosnam has played for West Adelaide since her family moved from Victoria, as has Cherie Smith, whilst Laura Breeding and Irene Sourlatsis have played for the club for several years. Lauren King and Jess Mahony joined the club this year.

Many of the squad are long time club juniors: U10 Steph Urakalo, Emma Riggs, Meg McLeod, Alice Gee, Amy Porter U12 Lisa Coleman, U14 Kate Jenner, Tash Urakalo, Tamra Cross U16 Trudy Holland, Kate Shierlaw

So get all your friends out to play for this great club, because more players mean more competitive teams and more fun! You never know it may lead on to something great in your basketball future and the future of the West Adelaide Bearcats Basketball Club!!

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