Annual Report 2005-2006 - Parliament of Western Australia
Transcription
Annual Report 2005-2006 - Parliament of Western Australia
The Western Australian Institute of 2005/2006 Yearbook and Annual Report Challenge Stadium, Stephenson Avenue, Mt Claremont, Western Australia, 6010. PO Box 139, Claremont, 6910, Western Australia. Telephone 08 9387 8166 Facsimile 08 9383 7344 Email: wais@wais.org.au Web: www.wais.org.au 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 2 Contents Premier’s Foreword 2 Contents 3 Premier’s Foreword 4 Chairman’s Report 5 Executive Director’s Report 6 WAIS Board 7 WAIS Structure 8 WAIS Staff 10 Hall of Champions FROM THE PREMIER OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, The Hon Alan Carpenter MLA 11 Members 12 Obituary 13 WAIS Athlete of the Year 14 Commonwealth Games 16 Sport Programs 49 55 60 3 18 Individual Scholarship Program 20 Athletics 22 Baseball 24 Canoeing 26 Cycling 28 Gymnastics 30 Hockey Men’s 32 Hockey Women’s 34 Netball 36 Rowing 38 Sailing 40 Softball 42 Swimming 44 Water Polo Men’s 46 Water Polo Women’s Having in mind the valued work being undertaken by the Western Australian Institute of Sport in providing world-class programs for the development our nation’s sporting talent, I was delighted and privileged to accept the position of Patron earlier this year. The high reputation of the elite programs at WAIS was further enhanced during 2005 when four of its athletes were successful in winning world championship events in rowing, triathlon, equestrian and slalom canoeing. I recognise the success of the WAIS programs in preparing athletes for the 2006 Commonwealth Games with 30 of Western Australia’s 35 participants in the Games being supported by WAIS. This level of representation from Western Australia was the highest ever and congratulations are extended to each athlete that was selected and particularly those 24 athletes, who were successful in winning medals. I commend the open and cooperative arrangement that exists between WAIS and the Western Australian Government, and I look forward to maintaining and developing this positive and constructive relationship. Congratulations are extended to the WAIS Board of Directors, Chairman Grant Boyce, Executive Director, Steven Lawrence and the Institute staff for their contribution towards another successful year in the development and support of our elite athletes. I am mindful of the great work undertaken by those members of the community, who provide their services in a voluntary capacity, within the huge number of sporting organisations across the State. Many of our elite athletes gained their initial opportunities from these grass roots volunteers, and I acknowledge their significant contribution. Western Australia is fortunate, in the support it receives from the corporate sector, and I am appreciative of their generous contribution towards WAIS programs and the athletes. The success of our WAIS programs is attributable also to the dedication and commitment from our elite athletes, who make enormous sacrifices in their endeavours to compete at the highest level and achieve success for their State and nation. This Government recognises the importance and value of sport to the community, and will continue to provide its support for the excellent work being undertaken by WAIS. Athlete and Coach Services 50 Sport Science 51 Strength and Conditioning 52 Clinical Services 53 Talent Search 54 Athlete Career and Education Corporate Services 56 Marketing and Sponsorship 58 Finance and Administration Sponsors Alan Carpenter MLA PREMIER 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 4 Chairman’s Report 5 Executive Director’s Report Athlete Success In the past year there have again been many outstanding performances from our dedicated athletes and these have been detailed in the various sport reports. We acknowledge all of the athletes who make so many sacrifices on a daily basis in their endeavour to achieve personal best performances and to compete against the best athletes in their sporting discipline in the world. University and Edith Cowan adding significant value to the operations of all partners. WAIS remains committed to the National Elite Sports Council (NESC) and its goals to assist in the leadership and coordination of the Australian elite sport system. NESC remains challenged by the need to ensure its member institute operations have the appropriate balance between competition within our national state based structure and maximising the utilisation of our collective resources through complimentary roles. There are many people who deserve acknowledgement for the success in the past year. Staffing The WAIS staff quality and commitment continue to be one of our key attributes. Surveys of the staff belief in and adherence to our values of people and excellence demonstrate that as a collective we remain committed to improving our already positive work environment. We are most grateful to the State Government and in particular the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon. John Kobelke, who in the short time he has held the portfolio, has provided valuable guidance and support to us. The State Government provides the majority of the funding to WAIS through LotteryWest and the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Board is very mindful that we are accountable for the way in which the funds are utilised. I would also like to thank Mr Ron Alexander, Director of the Department of Sport and Recreation, and his staff who have been very willing to assist us in any way that they can do so. There remain significant pressures on staffing levels in specific areas. Most notably the level of coaching in Athletics and service provision in strength and conditioning and performance analysis are influencing our operations. The WAIS Board has made the decision to employ an additional Athletics coach, by a reallocation of current funding, to provide additional support to our track and field athletes in the lead up to Beijing. We will continue to seek opportunities to resolve the other identified staffing level issues. WAIS is accommodated at Challenge Stadium and we are extremely grateful to Mr Dennis McInnerny, Chairman of the WA Sports Centre Trust, and Mr Graham Moss, Chief Executive Officer, for their continued support. Internal Processes One of our major goals in this area was to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the staff performance management system. While significant enhancements to this system were made during the past 12 months this area will remain a major priority for further development. The results that have been achieved this year would not have been possible without the tireless work of the Board and staff. The composition of the Board is the same as it was at this time last year and the Minister has just recently extended the terms of a number of the members. The current Board represents a wide range of talents and skill sets and I am personally very grateful for their continued commitment to WAIS. It is indeed a privilege for me to be the Chairman of this Board. GRANT BOYCE: CHAIRMAN. This year has again seen some outstanding achievements by WAIS athletes in both World Championship events and at the Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne in March 2006. Steve Lawrence has mentioned some of those athlete performances in his report and I reiterate the Board’s congratulations to all WAIS athletes who competed. The Commonwealth Games are a significant event in the sporting calendar and give us a good gauge of our prospects for the 2008 Olympic Games. We are very confident that our athletes are on track to deliver some fine performances in Beijing. Planning for the future Last year the Board prepared a Strategic Plan which covers the period to 2008. One of the major issues identified in that process was that WAIS athletes are not able to access adequate strength and conditioning, recovery and rehabilitation facilities. There is no doubt that without these facilities West Australian athletes will be disadvantaged in the future in comparison to their Eastern States counterparts and competitors from many other countries. I am pleased to report that the Board is working very hard to resolve this problem and our goal is to have these facilities in place by the start of the next Olympiad. Most people will be aware that there are plans for new sporting facilities to be built at AK Reserve and this and other developments will give rise to a unique sporting park in the area surrounding Challenge Stadium. WAIS is ideally located to be a part of these exciting infrastructure developments for sport in Western Australia. The successes of WAIS athletes is directly related to the efforts of Mr Steven Lawrence and his committed and talented team who strive for excellence in their daily work lives. Steve’s management team comprises Mr Tim Mahon (Sport Programs Manager), Mr Martin FitzSimons (Athlete and Coach Services Manager), Ms Stephanie Neesham (Marketing Manager), and Mr Kaushik Bhowmick (Finance and Administration Manager).These managers together with all of the staff have made a significant contribution to the operation of WAIS and the success of the athletes. I would also like to make special mention of the coaches who have the most direct impact on the athletes. They make enormous sacrifices including very early mornings and late evenings and they are often not recognised for their contribution to the success of the athletes. Grant Boyce Chairman WAIS STEVEN LAWRENCE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The WAIS purpose is very clear, to support elite and potentially elite Western Australian athletes achieve sporting excellence, as is our vision, To Produce Champions. WAIS supported athlete performances over the past twelve months clearly demonstrate that we continue to meet our purpose and our vision is in focus. Athlete Performance In 2005 four WAIS athletes were named World Champion in their chosen sport, Robin Bell (Canoeing – C1 slalom), Clayton Fredericks (equestrian – eventing), Sarah Outhwaite (rowing – women’s eight) and Peter Robertson (triathlon). This result surpass’ any previous in WAIS history of supporting athletes to these pinnacle events. In addition WAIS supported a record contingent of WA athletes to the 2006 Commonwealth Games who all performed with distinction and of whom 21 returned home with at least one medal. Detailed summaries of athlete performances throughout the year are provided within the various program reports. Partnerships WAIS is committed to open and honest communication with all stakeholders. This policy has allowed WAIS to clearly articulate positive aspects of our operations and that of our partners as well as issues negatively impacting performance. It is pleasing to note that our partners have been open to discussion on important issues and where appropriate and capable have committed to implementing solutions. The state government remains the major WAIS partner. The change in minister’s from the Hon. Bob Kucera to the Hon. John Kobelke during the past year was made relatively smoothly due to our excellent relationship with the minister’s office. The interest and advice Minister Kobelke has shown WAIS provides us with confidence that the positive support WAIS was provided by Minister Kucera will continue. The working relationship with the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) continues to improve with positive outcomes for our sport programs. I also acknowledge the specific project support provided by senior DSR staff that has resulted in WAIS being able to advance several important initiatives. The Western Australian Sport Centre Trust (WASCT) continues to be a valuable and active partner supporting our major infrastructure requirements. Our relationship with the tertiary sector remains strong with staff and post-graduate students from the University of Western Australia, Curtin The vast majority of WAIS internal systems have been clearly defined over the past three years and have inbuilt processes for assisting their continual improvement. We are therefore now able to commence development on information technology support systems to improve their integration and operational efficiency. It is anticipated that with current resources this project will take at least three years. Finance WAIS remains in a strong financial position due to detailed planning and monitoring systems and processes. However, the poor financial status of several state and national sporting organisations remains of concern to WAIS. While we have attempted to minimize the impact of partner financial difficulties the end result is we have been unable to provide athletes within several sports the level of services anticipated. On a positive note we are very pleased to acknowledge a significantly increased financial contribution by Netball Australia to the WAIS. The state government remains our major financial supporter with 68% of our operational budget provided by them. Some success was achieved during the year with corporate sponsorship for two sport programs. However, the previously identified national trend for declining corporate support of Institutes of Sport continues to erode our financial capacity. Infrastructure To achieve its infrastructure strategic goals WAIS has worked with DSR and WASCT on several planning projects directly related to Challenge Stadium and the AK reserve/UWA sport park precinct. These projects are nearing completion and we are very confident that the WAIS requirements have been appropriately identified within them. However, the opportunity to secure funding and build the facilities to ensure WAIS remains a competitive national level sports institute in the next Olympiad and beyond is reaching a critical stage. It remains a privilege for me to work with the WAIS Board and staff members who inspire me as much as does the dedication and commitment of our athletes. Steven Lawrence Executive Director WAIS 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 6 7 WAIS Board Key Result Areas Mr Grant Boyce (Chairman) Mr Ron Alexander Ms Meredith Eddington Mr Steven Lawrence (Executive Director) Ms Jennifer Morris Mr Michael O’Neill (Deputy Chairman) Mr Andrew Syme Mrs Fiona Tory Ms Amanda Wheeler WAIS has identified five key result areas that are critical to fulfilling our purpose. These KRA’s therefore provide focus for our strategic direction. Purpose WAIS requires effective and efficient internal processes to ensure organisational resources are directed and implemented to deliver maximum output towards its purpose. To provide opportunities for talented Western Australian athletes to achieve excellence in elite sport with support from their home environment. Vision Partnerships WAIS requires partnerships with the sporting community, government and other stake holders in order to access resources and knowledge to enhance its operations and opportunities for our elite athletes. Internal Processes Finance WAIS is dependent upon finances to purchase and deliver the vast majority of required resources, both human and physical, to achieve its purpose. Staffing As a service organisation focused on delivering quality services to athletes, WAIS requires staff who are capable of enabling the organisation to achieve its objectives. Infrastructure To enable and deliver services to athletes, WAIS requires access to suitable infrastructure WAIS Structure To Produce Champions Goals Minister To maximise Western Australian representation on Australian Teams Board To enhance the performance of Australian Teams Values Executive Organisational culture is core to WAIS achieving long term sustainable success. Our culture is defined by valuing people and excellence in all aspects of our operations. Guiding Principles The philosophies guiding WAIS operations are defined by the following principles. Performance Enhancement Athlete and Coach Services Sport Programs WAIS will allocate resources to support the ultimate attainment of elite athlete performance at the open international level. Sport Science Coaching Principle 2 Clinical Services Administration Athlete Career & Education Scholarships Principle 1 International Focus Western Australian Significance WAIS will focus its efforts on assisting athletes competing in sports that are culturally significant to the Western Australian community. WAIS will also be cognizant of local infrastructure and environmental factors potentially influencing elite and potential elite athlete training and competition performance. Principle 3 Partnerships WAIS recognizes that it is a specialist provider to sport and must act in partnership with sport. WAIS will allocate resources to enhance the support provided by sports to their athletes. Partnerships should reflect an inclusiveness of Western Australia in the national system. Principle 4 Community Values WAIS will maintain community values in all aspects of its operation. This includes the right and responsibility of athletes to train and compete in a fair, ethical, healthy and safe environment. WAIS also recognizes that its athletes are role models for the community and therefore must reflect community values and contribute to the community. Corporate Services Finance and Administration Marketing Talent Search Finance Sponsorship Strength and Conditioning Administration Public Relations Performance Analysis Human Resources Information Technology 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 8 9 WAIS Staff EXECUTIVE Carly Brockis, Coach (casual), Tatiana Lapchina, Choreographer/Coach (part-time) Heidi Rose, Coach (casual) Salli Wills, Coach (casual) Caroline Wright, Coach (casual) Strength and Conditioning Coaches Greg Morgan Geish Hori (Part time) (Commenced 25/07/2005) Executive Assistant Nicki Atkinson (resigned 28/02/2006) Cindy McIntyre (commenced 12/06/2006) Hockey (Men) Jason Duff, Head Coach SMARTER THAN SMOKING WAIS TALENT SEARCH Medical Co-ordinator Dr Carmel Goodman (part-time) FINANCE and ADMINISTRATION Hockey (Women) Neil Hawgood, Head Coach Program Co-ordinator Carlie Gooden Nutritionist Deborah Kerr (part-time) Executive Director Steven Lawrence Finance and Administration Manager Kaushik Bhowmick Finance and Administration Officer Honnie Butler Human Resources Officer Helen Rice (part-time) Administration Assistants Tina Price Marisa Leddin INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Software Developer Adrian Broughton MARKETING Marketing Manager Stephanie Neesham Netball Carol Byers, Head Coach Rebecca Elborough, Development Coach (resigned 11/07/2005) Michelle Wilkins, Development Coach (part-time) (commenced 3/01/2006) Rowing Antonio Maurogiovanni, Head Coach Jason Lane, Senior Coach Gonzalo Briones, Junior Development Coach (commenced 25/07/2005) Sailing Belinda Stowell, Head Coach Softball Kere Johanson, Head Coach Water Polo (Men) Andrei Kovalenko, Head Coach Water Polo (Women) Simone Hankin ATHLETE AND COACH SERVICES SPORT PROGRAMS Sport Programs Manager Tim Mahon Program Consultants Helen Baron-Hay (part-time) Elizabeth Booth (part-time) Andrew Smith (commenced 29/05/2006) Brian Glencross (part-time) Lucy Warhurst Jay Davies (resigned 24/3/2006) COACHING STAFF Athletics Lyn Foreman, Head Coach – Track & Field Alex Parnov, Head Coach – Pole vault Baseball Don Kyle, Head Coach Canoeing Ramon Andersson, Head Coach (part-time) Cycling Darryl Benson, Head Coach Gymnastics Elizabeth Chetkovich, Head of Gymnastics Nikolai Lapchine, Senior Coach Martine George, Senior Coach Vladimir Joura, Coach Dhana Antulov, Coach Athlete and Coach Services Manager Martin FitzSimons Athlete and Coach Services PhD Student Frankie Tan Technical Officer David Gould Placement Student Rebecca l’Anson SPORT SCIENCE Exercise Physiologists Ted Polglaze Claire Rechichi (part-time) Matthew Spencer Sport Psychologists Heather McGregor-Bayne Matthew Burgin Biomechanist Andrew Lyttle PhD Biomechanics Student Matthew Doyle STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Head of Strength and Conditioning Gilman Barnitt (commenced 17/10/2005) ATHLETE CAREER AND EDUCATION Athlete and Career Education Co-ordinator Heather McGregor-Bayne Athlete and Career Education Counsellor Angelique Wilson CLINICAL SERVICES 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 10 Hall of Champions 11 Hall of Champions Members 1985-2005 * * * * Photos: RAW Image RECHELLE HAWKES PAT NAYLOR FOR BERNIE NAYLOR The Hall of Champions project perpetuates the achievements of Western Australia’s best athletes. At the 2005 Annual Dinner three more champions were inducted into the Hall. They were: Rechelle Hawkes Bernie Naylor Bruce Reid Hockey Australian Football Australian Cricket Rechelle Hawkes, born in Albany on 30th May 1967, became the world’s most decorated hockey player. In an international career that spanned 16 years, she won three Olympic, two World Cup, five Champions Trophy and one Commonwealth Games gold medals. A mid fielder, Hawkes was renowned for her fitness, work ethic and skill. She was a pre-eminent member of the Hockeyroos during the team’s golden era 1988-2000. Bernie Naylor, born in Fremantle on 19th April 1923, was a recordbreaking goal-scorer for South Fremantle. He kicked 1034 goals in 195 senior games, at a remarkable average of 5.3 goals per game. He headed the WAFL’s goal-kicking six times – five with totals of more than 100 – and his 1953 tally of 156 stood as an Australian record for 15 years. His total of 23 goals against Subiaco in 1953 remains an Australian record for a single senior game. Bernie passed away on 26th September 1993. BRUCE REID Bruce Reid, born in Osborne Park on 14th March 1963, was an outstanding left arm fast bowler. Despite suffering with a debilitating back injury, he took 113 wickets, at an average of 24.63 runs per wicket, in a brief but highly successful Test career. In successive Boxing Day Tests at the MCG, he took 13 wickets against England and 12 against India. * The selection committee for the Hall of Champions comprises Ken Casellas, Liz Chetkovich, Alan East, Wally Foreman (chairman), George Grljusich, David Hatt, Glenn Mitchell and Pam O’Connell. The members of the committee provide their time and expertise freely and without recompense and the Board extends its sincere appreciation for their assistance. * * * * Terry Alderman (Cricket) Marian Aylmore (Hockey) Lynne Bates (Swimming) David Bell (Hockey) Trevor Bickle (Athletics) Steele Bishop (Cycling) Neil Brooks (Swimming) Sharon Buchanan (Hockey) Haydn Bunton Jnr (Aust. Football) Barry Cable (Aust. Football) Ian Cairns (Surf Riding) May Campbell (Hockey) Jack Clarke (Aust. Football) Ric Charlesworth (Hockey) Jodie Cooper (Surf Riding) Elspeth Denning-Clement (Hockey) Jerry Dolan (Aust. Football) George Doig (Aust. Football) Herb Elliott (Athletics) Peter Evans (Swimming) Ray Evans (Hockey) Graham Farmer (Aust. Football) Brian Glencross (Hockey) Ross Glendinning (Aust. Football) Mavis Gray (Hockey) Brian Griffin (Lacrosse) Brad Hardie (Aust. Football) Rechelle Hawkes (Hockey) Ern Henfry (Aust. Football) Connie Hicks (Lawn Bowls) Tom Hoad (Water Polo) Kim Hughes (Cricket) Lesley Hunt (Tennis) Shirley de la Hunty (Athletics) Dixie Ingram (Athletics) John Inverarity (Cricket) Ron Johnson (Speedway) Jeff Kennedy (Lacrosse) Frank Kersley (Harness Racing) Fred Kersley Jnr (Harness Racing) John Leonard (Aust. Football) Dennis Lillee (Cricket) Walter Lindrum (Billiards) Gary Marocchi (Soccer) Geoff Marsh (Cricket) Graham Marsh (Golf) Rodney Marsh (Cricket) Steve Marsh (Aust. Football) Bob Marshall (Billiards) Bob Massie (Cricket) * * * * * * Phil Matson (Aust. Football) Phil May (Athletics) Elsma Merillo (Netball) Lorraine McCoulough-Fry (Disabled Swimming) Jill McIntosh (Netball) Merv McIntosh (Aust. Football) Graham McKenzie (Cricket) Lyn McKenzie (Swimming) Stephen Michael (Aust. Football) George Moloney (Aust. Football) John Miller (Horse Racing) Frank Moore (Horse Racing) Don Morrison (Surf Lifesaving) Graham Moss (Aust. Football) Bernie Naylor (Aust. Football) David Neesham (Water Polo) Decima Hamilton (Athletics) Kevin O’Halloran (Swimming) Percy Oliver (Swimming) George Owens (Aust. Football) Ernest Parker (Cricket & Tennis) Brian Peake (Aust. Football) Eric Pearce (Hockey) Julian Pearce (Hockey) Jackie Pereira (Hockey) Wendy Pritchard (Hockey) Bruce Reid (Cricket) Jack Sheedy (Aust. Football) Barry Shepherd (Cricket) Annette Simper (Netball) Don Smart (Hockey) Christine Stanton (Athletics) Rolly Tasker (Yachting) Gaye Teede (Netball) John Todd (Aust. Football) Ian Tomlinson (Athletics) Frank Treen (Horse Racing) W.J. (Nipper) Truscott (Aust. Football) Ken Vidler (Surf Lifesaving) Barbara Wall (Squash) Bill Walker (Aust. Football) Terry Walsh (Hockey) Evelyn Whillier (Swimming) Clive Wilderspin (Tennis) Dean Williams (Squash) John Winter (Athletics) Graeme Wood (Cricket) Jean Wynne (Hockey) Bruce Yardley (Cricket) Foundation members 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 12 13 Obituary Athlete of the Year Don Morrison 17 JULY 1928 TO 25 MARCH 2006 2004/2005 Peter Robertson Triathlon Previous Winners Don Morrison was an outstanding figure on the Australian surf lifesaving scene for more than four decades. 1984/85 1985/86 1986/87 1987/88 1988/89 1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 As a competitor, he was one of WA’s best-ever performers, winning the blue ribbon Australian surf belt title four times between 1948 and 1953. In those days, belts were as prestigious as today’s ironman races. He led WA to four national titles in team events, the rescue and resuscitation event (1958 and 1963) and the surf belt championship (1951 and 1958). Don was selected in four Australian teams. He toured New Zealand, Hawaii and South Africa and represented Australia at the Royal Surf Carnival at Manly in 1954. Don dominated surf lifesaving competitions at a state level. He won ten State surf belt titles, the first eight in succession, and he won five State surf race titles. Don started his career at the Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club as a tenyear-old and was later honoured with a life membership and was an inaugural WA Hall of Fame inductee. He gave selflessly to all levels of the sport, as a competitor, coach, judge, examiner and administrator. In 1985, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his services to surf lifesaving. Jenny Byrne Robert Waller Christine Stanton Craig Parry Craig Davies Ian Brown Robyn Lambourne Sharon Buchanan Ramon Andersson Richard Nizielski Rechelle Hawkes Darryn Hill Darryn Hill Rechelle Hawkes Stuart Reside Belinda Stowell Dmitri Markov Peter Dawson Peter Dawson Ryan Bayley (Tennis) (Cycling) (Athletics) (Golf) (Hockey) (Swimming) (Squash) (Hockey) (Canoeing) (Ice Speed Skating) (Hockey) (Cycling) (Cycling) (Hockey) (Rowing) (Sailing) (Athletics) (Cycling) (Cycling) (Cycling) Don passed away on 25 March 2006 after a long illness. He was 77 years of age. The winner of the WAIS Athlete of the Year Award for 2004/05 was World Champion Peter Robertson. Following a post-Olympic break and a decision to stay in Perth and accept a WAIS individual scholarship, Peter achieved some top results on the national triathlon scene early in 2005. At the Australian Olympic Distance Championships in Geelong in March, Peter finished second by a mere 17 seconds. He put on a burst of speed to clinch the Australian Sprint Championship in St Kilda in April, winning the title of national sprint champion. A broken rib hampered Peter’s preparation for World Championship selection and he was included in the team only a week before the event after the withdrawal of another competitor. Despite worrying that he had not had enough time to prepare, he won the ITU World Championships in a sprint finish. The win, in September in Japan, was Peter’s third world championships victory and his fifth world championship medal from five starts. Peter won from a star-studded field that included two other world champions in Sarah Outhwaite (rowing - Women’s eight) and Clayton Fredericks (equestrian - eventing). DON MORRISON Photo: RAW Image PETER ROBERTSON WITH HIS 2004/05 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR TROPHY. 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 14 15 Commonwealth Games Melbourne 2006 Games Review Commonwealth WAIS had its biggest and most successful contribution to a Commonwealth Games at this year’s event in Melbourne. A record 30 (29 current and one former) WAIS athletes were among the 426-member Australian team, surpassing the previous WAIS representation of 22 athletes for Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and the 20 who competed in Manchester in 2002. The WAIS athletes then produced their best Commonwealth Games results, with 28 reaching finals in at least one event and 21 bringing home medals in 22 events across seven sports. This compared very favourably to 2002, when 13 WAIS athletes won medals in 19 events across six sports. Swimmer Jennifer Reilly and pole vaulter Paul Burgess competed in their third consecutive Commonwealth Games – and Jennifer came home with a medal for the third time. This year, she won bronze in the women’s 400m individual medley. While there were many inspiring performances, highlights included cyclist Ryan Bayley (WAIS/AIS) following up his two individual gold medals from the Athens Olympics with wins in the same events – keirin and sprint. His win in the sprint meant he also successfully defended his title from the Manchester Commonwealth Games. Sprinter John Steffensen was another of the team’s multi-gold medal winners. In winning the 400m, he became WA’s first Commonwealth Games track gold medallist since Dixie Willis in the 880 yards in 1962. John and WAIS team-mate Chris Troode were part of the winning 4x400m relay team. Pole vaulter Kym Howe set a new Commonwealth record of 4.62m to win her gold. Other gold medallists were swimmer Eamon Sullivan in the men’s 4x100m medley relay; the Hockeyroos, with WAIS players Emily Halliday, Kobie McGurk and Kim Walker and the Kookaburras, with Bevan George and Aaron Hopkins. Silver medals were won by heptathlete Kylie Wheeler, cyclist Peter Dawson (WAIS/AIS), netballers Jess Shynn and Susan Fuhrmann (AIS/ WAIS), shooter Pam McKenzie and swimmers Travis Nederpelt and Eamon Sullivan. Bronze medals went to javelin thrower Oliver Dziubak, cyclist Ryan Bayley, shooter Pam McKenzie, swimmers Lara Carroll, Travis Nederpelt, Jim Piper and Jen Reilly and triathlete Peter Robertson (WAIS/AIS). Medals were just out of reach for javelin thrower Kim Mickle – the youngest in the women’s final – and badminton player Travis Denney in the men’s doubles, with their fantastic performances resulting in fourth placings in their events. WA’s only Elite Athlete with a Disability representative was Bryan Stitfall, who finished a very credible 6th in the seated discus. WAIS staff contributed their skills to the Commonwealth Games. Nine staff and associates were included in coaching, medical team and support staff roles. Photo: Getty Images LARA CARROLL Emily Halliday* Kobie McGurk* Kim Walker* Eamon Sullivan Silver Kylie Wheeler Peter Dawson* Susan Fuhrmann** Jessica Shynn Pam McKenzie Travis Nederpelt Eamon Sullivan Bronze Oliver Dziubak Ryan Bayley* Pamela McKenzie Lara Carroll Travis Nederpelt Jim Piper Jennifer Reilly Peter Robertson* Photo: Getty Images RYAN BAYLEY Kym Howe John Steffensen Chris Troode Ryan Bayley* Bevan George* Aaron Hopkins* Athletics – pole vault Athletics – 400m and 4x400m relay Athletics – 4x400m relay Cycling – keirin and sprint Men’s Hockey Men’s Hockey Athletics – heptathlon Cycling – 4000m team pursuit Netball Netball Shooting – 25m air pistol pairs Swimming – 200m butterfly Swimming – 4x100m relay Athletics – javelin Cycling – team sprint Shooting – 25m air pistol singles Swimming – 200m individual medley Swimming – 400m individual medley Swimming – 200m breastroke Swimming – 400m individual medley Triathlon Other WAIS Performances Athletics Paul Burgess (pole vault) Kim Mickle (javelin) Vicky Parnov (pole vault) Ellen Pettitt (high jump) Lauren Shelley (marathon) Bryan Stitfall (T55.55 seated discus) Photo: Getty Images PAM M C KENZIE final 4th 6th 6th 8th 6th Badminton Travis Denney (mixed teams/men’s doubles/mixed doubles) quarter final mixed teams, 4th men’s doubles and quarter final mixed doubles Boxing Romesh Fernando (light flyweight) first preliminary Cycling Peter Dawson* (point race/4000m ind. pursuit/road race) 10th, individual pursuit, DNF road race Swimming WAIS Medallists Gold Women’s Hockey Women’s Hockey Women’s Hockey Swimming – 4x100m medley relay Lara Carroll (400m individual medley) Sally Foster** (200m breaststroke) Travis Nederpelt (1500m freestyle) Jim Piper (100m breaststroke) Eamon Sullivan (100m freestyle/50m freestyle) *WAIS/AIS ** AIS/WAIS 6th point race, (heat swim) 5th 7th semi-final 5th 100m and 50m Photo: Getty Images VICKY PARNOV 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 16 17 Sport Programs The 2005/06 year can be categorised as one of consolidation, where an emphasis was placed on the design and implementation of effective systems to enable WAIS athletes to maintain a competitive edge. All WAIS programs consist of a tri-partite agreement between State and National Sporting Organisations. These relationships ensure that a daily training environment is created that compliments a sport’s athlete pathway and allows athletes every opportunity to reach their potential. Sport Programs Continuous improvement is one theme that the Sport Programs team continually strives. Initiatives this year included - the realignment of all sport programs from financial to competition years, - an athlete monitoring system evaluating an athlete’s progress to achieve an expected performance, - an expansion of the WAIS athlete performance database, - the enhancement of relationships with key stakeholders within an athlete pathway and, - professional development opportunities for coaches through guest speakers, national duties and leadership & computer courses. The Sport Programs team continually strived to value-add to ensure that a sport program’s outcomes are met. There was an increase of one sport program this year with the establishment of pole vault as a separate sport program. In total, 20 coaches provided direction and leadership to 15 WAIS sport programs encompassing 12 sports, these being: Athletics – Track and Field Athletics – Pole Vault Baseball Canoeing Cycling Gymnastics (Women) Hockey (Men) Hockey (Women) Netball Rowing Sailing Softball Swimming Water Polo (Men) Water Polo (Women) In addition to this, WAIS assisted 39 athletes from another 15 sports or sport disciplines not directly supported through a WAIS sport program through its Individual Scholarship Scheme, these being: Archery Beach Volleyball Canoe - slalom Cycling - EAD Equestrian Ice skating Swimming - EAD Triathlon Badminton Boxing Cycling – BMX Diving Gymnastics – men Shooting Taekwondo Wheelchair Basketball All up, the total number of elite and development athletes WAIS assisted during the year totalled 300 through its sport programs and 130 through the individual scholarship scheme. The success of our programs was evident with the selection of 29 athletes and eight staff to the 2006 Commonwealth Games team. The total achievements for all sport programs and individual scholarship holders are detailed within this report. WAIS fare welled and welcomed a number of staff within the last twelve months. The netball program was able to regain the services of AIS and National Development coach Michelle Wilkins when Rebecca Elborough resigned to take on the new challenge of motherhood. Rowing development coach Rhett Ayliffe accepted the Head coach position at Sydney University Boat Club and was replaced by Gonzalo Briones, whose international coaching experience at the junior level has been a huge asset within the rowing development program. WAIS is indeed fortunate of being able to attract quality coaches that bring exciting different qualities that are able to enhance the Institute. Program Consultant and Performance Analysist Jay Davies took a break from high performance sport to undertake further tertiary studies whilst program administrator Lisa Kempthorn accepted a Marketing Coordinator position in commerce. The departure of Jay and Lisa allowed a reallocation of responsibilities within the Sport Programs team to enable the employment of Andrew Smith as a Program Coordinator. Andrew has come to WAIS via the English County and Cricket Board. A welcome addition back to the team was Helen Baron Hay who returned on a part-time basis from maternity leave. The continual challenge for the remainder of this Olympiad is to address the ever present challenges in high performance sport in an efficient and innovative manner to continue to achieve national representation and world class results. Photo: RAW Image L-R LIZ BOOTH, LIZ CHETKOVICH, BRIAN GLENCROSS, HELEN BARON-HAY, ANDREW SMITH, TIM MAHON AND LUCY WARHURST 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 18 19 Australian Representatives CANOE SLALOM Individual Scholarship Program Justin Eveson (Wheelchair Basketball) Paralympian Justin Eveson has been a star player for three wheelchair basketball teams in 2005/2006. At the start of the year, he played for the Perth Wheelcats when they finished runners-up in the 2005 National Wheelchair Basketball League. The Wheelcats lost narrowly to the West Sydney Razorbacks in the grand final. Justin averaged 31 points and 20 rebounds during the finals series. At the end of the National season, Justin moved to Italy to play for Roma in the Italian League. Roma became the Italian League Champions after winning the grand final in June. Photo: Anton Granhus CLAYTON FREDERICKS Clayton Fredericks (Equestrian) Clayton Fredericks had a sensational start to the year, winning the 2005 FEI World Cup (Eventing) in Sweden in August, with horse Ben Along Time. The top five riders from each nation were invited to the final and Clayton had qualified as Australia’s fifth-ranked competitor, having competed in only three of the World Cup qualifying events. Clayton, a finalist in the 2004-05 WAIS Athlete of the Year, is based in the United Kingdom and since March, has performed impressively at a number of European-based events in a bid to defend his World Cup title. Results have included a third in the Burnham Market World Cup Qualifier in April, riding Ben Along Time. He also finished 10th on one of his other horses, WP in Limbo. In mid-May he won the World Cup Qualifier at Chatsworth in Great Britain and a week later took first place at the 2006 Saumur CCI*** for Eventing with Ben Along Time. He placed fourth at the Saumur CCI*** on his second ride Nullabor. Clayton’s next major competition is the FEI World Equestrian Games in Germany in August. The 2006 FEI World Cup Final (Eventing) is in September. Pam McKenzie (Shooting) Pam McKenzie started her 2005/2006 scholarship year in July with all guns blazing. She won gold in the sport pistol and a silver medal in the air pistol at the Australian Shooting Games in Queensland. In September, she achieved impressive results at the 2005 Australia Cup Final and Sydney Grand Prix at the International Shooting Centre. Pam finished fourth in the 25m pistol and fifth in the 10m air pistol. Those early season performances earned her a place in the Australian team for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. While based in Italy, Justin has joined the Australian Rollers at competitions in Europe. In May, he was one of four WAIS scholarshipholders in the team that finished second in the Wheelchair Basketball World Cup in Manchester. The Rollers’ won all three round robin matches – against Canada, Sweden and Great Britain – and beat Sweden in the semi-final. The team played well in the grand final, but lost to Canada (64-49). In June, Justin helped Australia to place second behind Italy at the Guilia Nova International. The Rollers played teams from Italy, France and South Africa. Justin will finish the year playing for Australia at the World Gold Cup, the World Championships for Wheelchair Basketball, in Amsterdam in July. He will then return to Perth after that competition to play the rest of the National season for the Wheelcats. Robin Bell (Slalom Canoeing) Dual Olympian Robin Bell had a golden start to the year at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith. He won the C1 event, was part of the winning open men’s C2 crew and was in the second-placed C1 team at the October event. Robin’s gold in the C1 was another step up from the silver medals he had won in two of three World Cup events last year. Known for his technical proficiency, Robin continued his good form in the first half of 2006, winning the open men’s C1 and C2 races at the 2006 Australian Slalom Canoeing Championships. He followed that with an impressive result internationally, winning a C1 silver medal at the World Cup One in Athens in May. It was on the same course that Robin had finished fourth by less than a second at the 2004 Athens Olympics. In tough conditions at the second World Cup in Germany in June, Robin placed 11th. At the third World Cup in Spain the next week, he missed the final after being falsely awarded a 50-second penalty. Robin is looking forward to defending his C1 title at the coming Canoe Slalom World Championships in August. Kynan Maley* Robin Jeffrey* Clayton Fredericks 2005 World Cup Final, Malmo, Sweden 2005 CIC **** Badminton Horse Trials, Gloucestershire, England 2005 CCI **** Burghley Horse Trials, Burghley, England 2006 CIC *** World Cup Qualifier Burnham Market Horse Trials, England 2006 CIC *** Chatsworth Horse Trials, Chatsworth, England Sonja Johnson 2005 Adelaide International Horse Trials, Adelaide, Australia MEN’S GYMNASTICS Ian Greenwall Martin Jozwiak ARCHERY Chris Madeley Justin Eveson Shaun Norris Brad Ness Brett Nicholson SHOOTING Pam McKenzie Robyn Van Nus Travis Denney ROBIN BELL England Laura Downing DIVING Natasha Cocker Martin Suan BMX Nicole Callisto James Dixon Jane Armstrong Mark Le Flohic 2005 World Junior Championships, Paris, France 2005 World Junior Championships, Paris, France World Championships, Gamagori, Japan Hungary World Cup, Tiszaujvaros, Hungary Germany World Cup, Hamburg, Germany Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Continental Cup, Tongyeong, South Korea 2006 Paralympic World Cup, Manchester, England 2005 IPC European Championships, Alkermaar, Netherlands 2005 IPC European Championships, Alkermaar, Netherlands 2005 IPC European Championships, Alkermaar, Netherlands Major Title Winners ARCHERY Deonne Bridger 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2006 ISSF World Cup, Guangzhou, China 2006 ISSF World Cup, Munich, Germany 2006 International Air Gun Competition, Munich, Germany 2005 Oceania Championships, Brisbane, Australia Tina Morgan 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Oceania Championships, Auckland, New Zealand 2005 China Open, Ghanzhou, China 2005 Chinese Taipei Open, Taiwan, Chinese Taipei 2005 Swiss Open, Basel, Switzerland 2005 German Open, Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany 2005 Thomas Cup, Auckland, New Zealand 2005 World Tour events 2006 World Tour events Peter Robertson* 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 SHOOTING Belgium Open, Herentals, Belgium Dutch Open, Eindhoven, Netherlands Asian Championships, Bangkok, Thailand Belgium Open, Herentals, Belgium Dutch Open, Eindhoven, Netherlands Asian Championships, Bangkok, Thailand Asian Championships, Bangkok, Thailand 2006 FINA Diving Grand Prix, Rostock, Germany 2006 FINA Diving Grand Prix, Electrostal, Russia TRIATHLON 2005 World Championship Qualifier, Johannesburg, South Africa 2005 Chris Handy Cup, Christchurch, New Zealand 2006 Canada Cup, Burnaby, Canada 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, Colorado Springs, USA 2005 ISF Junior Grand Prix, Tallinn, Estonia 2005 ISF Junior Grand Prix, Montreal, Canada BEACH VOLLEYBALL England 2005 Asian Tour, China and Japan 2005 USA Tour 2005 China Tour Collette McCallum* 2006 U/20 series vs New Zealand, Canberra, Australia 2006 U/20 Women’s World Championships Qualifying Tournament, Thailand BADMINTON Photo: Unknown England Lisa de Vanna* Adam Corrigan Pam produced some medal-winning shots at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne to take a silver medal in the 25m air pistol pairs and bronze in the 25m air pistol singles. England SOCCER Amy Ash FIGURE SKATING Claire McLean Paralympic World Cup, Manchester, Guilia Nova International, Italy Paralympic World Cup, Manchester, Guilia Nova International, Italy Paralympic World Cup, Manchester, Guilia Nova International, Italy Paralympic World Cup, Manchester, China Open, Ghanzhou, China Chinese Taipei Open, Taiwan, Chinese Taipei Swiss Open, Basel, Switzerland German Open, Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany Thomas Cup, Auckland, New Zealand Emmanuel Fernando* 2005 Memorial Boxing Tournament, Debrecen, Hungary 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2005 Australia vs Croatia, Melbourne, Australia 2006 FITA World Cup, Porec, Croatia 2006 FITA World Cup, Antalya, Turkey 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 BOXING EAD CYCLING WHEELCHAIR RUGBY Grant Boxall Boyd Cooper 2005 World University Games, Izmir, Turkey 2006 Pacific Alliance Championships, Honolulu, USA WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL Tina Morgan She continued her impressive Commonwealth Games lead-up at the Australia Cup One in Sydney in January, finishing fourth in the 25m women’s sport final and third in the 10m air final. 2005 World Cup 1, Athens, Greece 2005 World Cup 2, Augsberg, Germany 2005 World Cup 3, La Seu d’Urgell, Spain 2005 World Championships, Penrith, Australia 2006 World Cup 1, Athens, Greece 2006 World Cup 2, Augsberg, Germany 2006 World Cup 3, La Seu d’Urgell, Spain 2005 World Cup 1, Athens, Greece 2005 World Cup 2, Augsberg, Germany 2005 World Cup 3, La Seu d’Urgell, Spain 2005 World Championships, Penrith, Australia 2006 World Cup 1, Athens, Greece 2006 World Cup 2, Augsberg, Germany 2006 World Cup 3, La Seu d’Urgell, Spain 2005 Pre-Junior World Championships, Solkan, Slovenia EQUESTRIAN TAEKWONDO In November, Pam won bronze in the women’s 25m pistol individual and contributed to Australia’s gold medal in the teams’ event at the Oceania Championships in Brisbane. She ended the year with a strong performance at the ISSF World Cup in Munich in June. Competing in the women’s 25m air pistol, Pam finished 10th in a field of 97, the highest-placed Australian. Robin Bell* *WAIS/AIS Robyn Van Nus TAEKWONDO Cameron Sutton 2006 Australian Women’s Recurve Target Champion 2006 Australian Women’s Recurve Field Champion 2006 Australian Women’s All-Round Champion 2006 Australian Open Air Rifle Champion 2005 2005 2005 2006 Australian Junior Male <51kg Champion Australian Male <54kg Champion Australian Female 63-67kg Champion Belgium Open Female 59-63kg Champion EQUESTRIAN Clayton Fredericks 2005 World Cup 3-day Eventing Champion MEN’S GYMNASTICS Martin Jozwiak TRIATHLON Peter Robertson 2006 Australian Gymnastics Championships, Under 18 Rings, Vault, High Bar, Sydney, Australia 2005 Triathlon Olympic Distance World Champion SLALOM CANOEING Robin Bell Robin Jeffery BMX Nicole Callisto BADMINTON Travis Denney Boyd Cooper EAD CYCLING Jane Armstrong Claire McLean 2006 C1 World Champion 2006 Australian C1 Champion 2006 22 years Australian C1 Champion 2005 BMX World Junior Champion 2005 New Zealand Open Men’s Doubles Champion 2005 New Zealand Open Mixed Doubles Champion 2005 New Zealand Open Men’s Doubles Champion 2005 European Championship (World Record) LC3 3000m Individual Pursuit 2006 Australian Champion (World Record) LC3 500m Time Trial 2006 Australian Champion LC3 3000m Individual Pursuit 2006 Australian Champion LC1 500m Time Trial 2006 Australian Champion LC1 3000m Individual Pursuit 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 20 21 Coaches Lyn Foreman Alex Parnov Athletics It has been a year of “personal bests” for many athletes in the WAIS Athletics Program. Their outstanding contribution to Australia’s Melbourne Commonwealth Games success was a highlight but many reached new heights – and lengths – at other meets during the year. The international season started with World Championships events, where WAIS competitors made their marks in history. Pole vaulter Vicky Parnov (15) was the youngest ever Australian representative at the IAAF World Youth Athletics Championships in Morocco in July 2005. She placed fourth in the final, clearing 4.10m – the highest vault by an Australian female at any world underage championships. John Steffensen and Kylie Wheeler performed well at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki in August. John, an Athens Olympic silver medallist, made his mark in Australian Athletics history, becoming just the second ever Australian to reach the men’s 400m final at a World Championships where he placed 8th. Kylie placed 15th in the heptathlon with a score of 5919 points, the fourth best performance by an Australian at a World Championships. Pole vaulter Paul Burgess was forced to withdraw from the team because of injury. Kym Howe Head Coach Senior Coach Individual Scholarship Holders best performer at the National Under-20 and Under-23 Athletics Championships in Adelaide in March. The 18-year-old won the long jump with a personal best jump and finished third in the Under 20 100m hurdles. Wally Meekins finished first in the Under 20 triple jump and Rachel Birtles was second in the pole vault. In May, Ebony Cope (Heptathlon) and Warwick Cregan (110 Hurdles) both toured China as members of the Australia Development Team. The year culminated with three WAIS athletes qualifying for the Australian team for the IAAF World Junior Athletics Championships in China in August. Pole vaulter Vicky Parnov, heptathlete Megan Wheatley and 400m hurdler Felipe De Castro Cruz have made the team. Pole vaulter Matei Tzvetanov has also been named but must achieve another qualifying performance to confirm his selection. John Steffensen ended his outstanding 2005/2006 season by being named Athletic Australia’s Emerging Athlete of the Year. Strong early season performances included Kim Mickle improving on her previous best javelin throw by 43cm and high jumper Ellen Pettitt’s personal best of 1.90m at an inter-club competition at Perry Lakes Stadium. Ellen’s jump was a Commonwealth Games ‘A’ Qualifier and 4cm higher than her previous best. Aleisha Anderson Warwick Cregan Oliver Dziubak Steve Hooker Michael McCagh** Ben Offereins Ellen Pettitt Eric Surjan** Miranda Tiong Matei Tzvetanov Megan Wheatley ** AIS/WAIS Elite Squad Members Paul Burgess Felipe De Castro Cruz Steve Hooker Kim Mickle Ben Offereins Ellen Pettitt John Steffensen Matei Tzvetanov Megan Wheatley Rachel Birtles Christopher Johnson Wally Meekins Andrew Storer Miranda Tiong Matei Tzvetanov Gilman Barnitt Martin FitzSimons Brian Glencross Carmel Goodman Andrew Lyttle Heather McGregor-Bayne Heather McGregor-Bayne Greg Morgan Chris Perkin Ted Polglaze Jocelyn Young Kym Howe had an impressive start to the year with a record-breaking win in the women’s pole vault at the Telstra A-Series in Canberra. She cleared 4.61m to set new Commonwealth and meet records. Other standout performances at the series included javelin thrower Oliver Dziubak, who threw his season’s best and second-best career throw of 80.62m to easily clear the rest of the men’s field and Chris Troode, who placed third in the men’s 400m with a personal best time of 45.42 seconds. Major Title Winners Paul Burgess The Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney at the start of February doubled as the Commonwealth Games trials. Ten WAIS athletes were selected in the Australian team and all achieved at least one Commonwealth Games ‘A’ qualifier. These athletes were part of WAIS’ most successful contribution to a Commonwealth Games. Oliver Dziubak Kym Howe Kimberley Mickle At the Games John Steffensen won two gold medals, an individual gold in the men’s 400m in a personal best time (44.73 s) and as part of the team with Chris Troode in the 4x400m relay. Ellen Pettitt John Steffensen Kym Howe broke her own Commonwealth record to win gold in the women’s pole vault, clearing 4.62m. Vicky Parnov cleared 4.25m to finish sixth. She was the youngest athlete in the Australian team and the second youngest to compete in athletics at the Games. Australian Representatives Photo: Getty Images CHRIS TROODE Lauren Shelley John Steffensen Kylie Wheeler Coaching Achievements Lyn Foreman Alex Parnov 2006 Australian Athletic Championships Pole Vault, Sydney, Australia 2006 Donesk - Indoor Pole Vault, Donesk, Ukraine 2006 Osaka GP Pole Vault, Osaka, Japan 2006 Australian Athletic Championships Javelin, Sydney, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Pole Vault, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Australian Athletic Championships Javelin, Sydney, Australia 2006 Australian Athletic Championships High Jump, Sydney, Australia 2006 Australian Athletic Championships 400m, Sydney, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 400m, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 4x400 Relay, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 4x400 Relay, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Australian Athletic Championships Heptathlon, Sydney, Australia Oliver Dziubak won bronze in the men’s javelin and Kim Mickle, competing in her first senior national team just missed a podium finish in the women’s javelin, throwing 58.18m to take fourth place. Lauren Shelley placed eighth in the women’s marathon; Ellen Pettit came sixth in the high jump and pole vaulter Paul Burgess, who had battled a calf injury in the weeks before the event, managed to compete but did not clear a height. WAIS Development Squad athlete Megan Wheatley was the Institute’s Ebony Cope Warwick Cregan Oliver Dziubak Ellen Pettitt Strength & Conditioning Physiologist Program Consultant Doctor Biomechanist ACE Coordinator Psychologist Strength & Conditioning Physiotherapist Physiologist Physiotherapist Chris Troode Paul Burgess Vicky Parnov Ebony Cope Michael Leask Brittany Pettitt Zoe Timmers Steve Tucker Megan Wheatley Kylie Wheeler achieved a personal best 6298 points to win silver in the heptathlon. It was her second consecutive Commonwealth Games heptathlon silver. Kylie was also given the honour of being the Athletics Team’s female captain. Kylie Wheeler Kimberley Mickle Chris Troode Warwick Cregan Oliver Dziubak Kym Howe Nicole Mladenis Vicky Parnov Lauren Shelley Chris Troode Luke Vedelago Kylie Wheeler Development Squad Members Service Providers The count-down for the Commonwealth Games began in earnest in January. Paul Burgess Felipe De Castro Cruz Pippa Hendon Kym Howe Kim Mickle Vicky Parnov Lauren Shelley John Steffensen Chris Troode Luke Vedelago Kylie Wheeler 2006 Commonwealth Games Pole Vault, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Australian Development Team, China 2006 Australian Development Team, China 2006 Commonwealth Games Javelin, Melbourne, Australia Photo: Getty Images KYM HOWE 2006 Commonwealth Games Pole Vault, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Osaka GP Pole Vault, Osaka, Japan 2006 Doha GP Pole Vault, Doha, Qatar 2006 Commonwealth Games Javelin, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Pole Vault, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games High Jump, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Marathon, Melbourne, Australia 2005 IAAF World Championships 400m, Helsinki, Finland 2006 Commonwealth Games 4x400 Relay, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 400m, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 4x400 Relay, Melbourne, Australia 2005 IAAF World Championships 2005 Heptathalon, Helsinki, Finland 2006 Commonwealth Games Heptathalon, Melbourne, Australia Assistant Coach Combined Events, Hurdles & Relays, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Australia Assistant Coach Pole Vault & Jumps, 2006 Commonwealth Games Australia 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 22 Baseball 23 The Perth Heat competed in the Claxton Shield in Sydney in late January, where it finished fourth after being knocked out by eventual winners Queensland. WAIS Baseball Coach Don Kyle was assistant coach of the WA team that included Kent Dixon, Allan De San Miguel, Lachlan Dale, Luke Hughes, Dean White, Tim Kennelly, Mitch Graham, Scott Mitchinson, Mark Kelly, Brendan Wise and Dylan Peacock. Scott and Brendan pitched the first six innings of the semi-final, conceding only two runs to the powerful Queensland line-up. The Perth Heat followed that tournament with matches against the Chinese Taipei National Team in February. Chinese Taipei then played the Australian Senior Baseball Team in an eight-match series in Perth and Victoria. In an initial three-match series in Perth, the Australians – with Allan de San Miguel, Luke Hughes, Mark Kelly, Lachlan Dale, Tim Kennelly, Scott Mitchinson, Dean White and Brendan Wise – defeated Chinese Taipei 2-1. Luke and Dean travelled to Victoria with the team, where Australia lost the remaining matches 2-3, bringing the overall score to a 4-4 draw. Luke continued with the Australian Team to the World Baseball Classic in the United States in March. Back on the local scene, Liam Hendricks, Daniel Schmidt, Liam Baron, Chris House and Adam Courcha were part of the National Under-19 (AAA) Team that beat New Zealand in a qualification series on the Gold Coast in April. As the winner of the five-game play-off, Australia became eligible for the AAA Baseball World Championships in Cuba in September. The future of the WAIS Baseball Program is bright, with seven young WAIS players part of the runner-up WA squad in the Schoolboys National Baseball Championships in Adelaide in May. WA narrowly lost to NSW (4-5) in the final. The 17-person WA squad included WAIS players Dean Brendon, Jason Fisch, Liam Hendriks, Chris House, Cameron Lamb, Chris Lofthouse and Christian Wise. At the end of each match a “most valuable player” was chosen for each team and WAIS recipients were Jason, Cameron, Christian, Liam and Dean (grand final). Dean and Liam were named in the All Star Team and Liam won the Golden Arm award as the best pitcher at the tournament. To finish the outstanding year, WAIS Development Squad members Christian Wise, Dean Brendon, Corey Adamson and Jake White were chosen for the 18-man AA Team to play in the World Boy’s Tournament in Japan in August. Coach Photo: Getty Images For the first time since the 2000 Olympics, WAIS players were chosen for a major national team. Aaron McKenzie, Luke Hughes and Dean White competed at the World Cup in the Netherlands in September. The Australian team finished fifth in its pool in the 18-team competition but the international experience was valuable for the WAIS trio. During the season, Elite Squad players Matthew Kennelly, Daniel Schmidt and Chris House signed professional contracts. Matthew will join the Atlanta Braves, after also receiving an offer from the Philadelphia Phillies where his brother Tim plays. Daniel, a pitcher, and Chris, a catcher, signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays respectively. WAIS now has 14 athletes playing Minor League Baseball with professional baseball clubs in the United States. They return each year from around September to March to work within the program and be available for State and National commitments. WAIS had a strong representation in national teams this year. Adam Courcha, Matthew Sibley and Daniel Schmidt were the three players selected from four eligible for the AAA Under-19 National Team Head Coach Lachlan Dale Kent Dixon Chris House Mark Kelly Tim Kennelly Scott Mitchinson Ben Rowe Dean White Allan De San Miguel Mitchell Graham Luke Hughes Matthew Kennelly Aaron MacKenzie Dylan Peacock Daniel Schmidt Brendan Wise Elite Squad Members LUKE HUGHES The WAIS Baseball Squad has had an exciting year, with players breaking a five-year major national team selection drought and others signing to professional clubs. Don Kyle for the Asian Championships in Taiwan in August. The same month, Chris House, Matthew Kennelly and Jason Smit made the AA Under-17 National Team that won a bronze medal at the AA World Championships in Mexico. Liam Hendricks was selected but was unable to travel because of an injury. In January, WAIS players were among the star performers in WA’s win in the AAA (Under-18) National Youth Baseball Championships. The team went through the Championships in Victoria undefeated and became Australian Champions for only the second time in 52 years. Infielder Jason Smit led WA offensively, with a batting average of 0.421, with sixteen hits from 38 bats – three doubles, one triple, one home run and ten runs batted in. WAIS pitchers Liam Baron and Daniel Schmidt each threw three winning games, while Liam Hendricks closed out five of the ten games without conceding an earned run. Adam Courcha, Matthew Sibley, Allan De San Miguel, Matthew Kennelly and Chris House also played. This season, the high profile Perth Heat team was resurrected and 11 of WAIS’s 12 Elite Squad players made the cut. The only omission was Aaron McKenzie, who is playing in the USA. Four of WAIS’s younger Development Squad athletes were also named in the initial squad. The Australian Baseball League, and with it the Heat, had folded about seven years ago. Development Squad Members Corey Adamson Dean Brendon Nathan Driessen Liam Hendriks Matthew Kennelly Chris Lofthouse Daniel Schmidt Jason Smit Mitchell Williams Service Providers Helen Baron-Hay Matthew Burgin Carmel Goodman Craig Hewson Greg Morgan Ted Polglaze Angelique Wilson Liam Baron Adam Courcha Jason Fisch Chris House Cameron Lamb Warwick Saupold Matthew Sibley Jake White Christian Wise Program Consultant Psychologist Doctor Physiotherapist Strength & Conditioning Physiologist ACE Coordinator Major Title Winners Liam Baron Adam Courcha Allan De San Miguel Liam Hendriks Chris House Matthew Kennelly Daniel Schmidt Matthew Sibley Jason Smit 2006 U18 AAA National Youth Championships, Melbourne, Victoria 2006 U18 AAA National Youth Championships, Melbourne, Victoria 2006 U18 AAA National Youth Championships, Melbourne, Victoria 2006 U18 AAA National Youth Championships, Melbourne, Victoria 2006 U18 AAA National Youth Championships, Melbourne, Victoria 2006 U18 AAA National Youth Championships, Melbourne, Victoria 2006 U18 AAA National Youth Championships, Melbourne, Victoria 2006 U18 AAA National Youth Championships, Melbourne, Victoria 2006 U18 AAA National Youth Championships, Melbourne, Victoria Australian Representatives Adam Courcha Lachlan Dale Allan De San Miguel Chris House Luke Hughes Mark Kelly Matthew Kennelly Tim Kennelly Aaron MacKenzie Scott Mitchinson Daniel Schmidt Matthew Sibley Jason Smit Dean White Brendan Wise 2005 U19 AAA World Championships, Taiwan 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Perth, Australia 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Perth, Australia 2005 U17 AA World Championships, Mexico 2005 Baseball World Cup, Amsterdam, Netherlands 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Perth, Australia 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Melbourne, Australia 2006 World Baseball Classic, Florida, USA 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Perth, Australia 2005 U17 AA World Championships, Mexico 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Perth, Australia 2005 Baseball World Cup, Amsterdam, Netherlands 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Perth, Australia 2005 U19 AAA World Championships, Taiwan 2005 U19 AAA World Championships, Taiwan 2005 U17 AA World Championships, Mexico 2005 Baseball World Cup, Amsterdam, Netherlands 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Perth, Australia 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Australia v Chinese Taipei, Perth, Australia 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 24 25 Canoeing Performances by the WAIS Canoe Flatwater Squad exceeded expectations this year, with Development Squad paddlers joining Elite Squad representatives in national teams. Kate Forgione (WAIS/AIS) started her year overseas, competing at the 2005 World Championships in Croatia in August. Her crew finished a credible sixth in the final of the K4 1000m. Development Squad paddler Simon Roll was selected in his first Australian Team for the World Marathon Championships in Perth in October. Simon finished a respectable 20th in the men’s K1 event, in what was regarded as one of the most competitive marathon fields ever assembled. Athens Olympian Lisa Oldenhof (WAIS/AIS) created WAIS history with her exceptional performance at the first Grand Prix of the season in January. She won the women’s K1 500m race by three seconds, her first K1 victory at that level. Her result was also a significant achievement for WAIS. Although WAIS athletes had won races in crew boats and in non-Olympic K1 events over the years, it was the first time a WAIS athlete had won a K1 race in an Olympic event at either a Grand Prix or National Championships. Lisa was also a member of the winning crews in the K2 1000m and the K4 500m events. At the WA State Championships in February, Jesse Phillips had a spectacular, six gold medal-winning performance. Lisa won three gold medals at the event. The second National Grand Prix in February featured more outstanding performances by WAIS paddlers. Lisa paddled in boats that won the K2 500m, K2 1000m and the K4 500m and she finished fifth in the K1 500m. Kate Forgione paddled an exceptional K2 500m race with her partner to finish second. Kate was also second, with her crew mates, in the K2 1000m and third in the K4 500m. Men’s Elite Squad members produced some personal best results at the event. Lee Davey and Jesse Phillips finished fifth in the K2 500m – their best result yet. Jesse had his best K1 result, placing fifth in the K1 500m B Final, and recorded a personal best time in coming second in the Under-20 K1 500m. Reece Baker also recorded his best K1 result by finishing third in the B final of the K1 500m. Michael Baker showed his potential over longer distances by winning the Under-20 K1 1000m. There were also encouraging performances in the junior events, with preparatory squad athletes Tom Herrera and Joe Berry winning the Under-18 K4 1000m with their crew mates. Tom and Joe then paddled a great race to finish fourth in the Under-18 K2 500m. Melanie Schorer and Eleanor Grinceri who are both still eligible for the Under-16 category finished third in the Under-18 K2 500m and fourth in the Under-18 K2 1000m. In the Under-16 K1 1000m, they blitzed the field to finish first and second, with Eleanor the victor. Most WAIS athletes produced personal best times and results at the 2006 National Championships in March. Lisa continued her outstanding achievements by finishing second in the women’s K1 500m final, her best K1 result at a national championships and followed up with wins, with partner/s in the K 2 500m, K2 1000m and K4 500m all in world class times. This result contributed to her selection for the European World Cup tour. Kate Forgione and partner won bronze in the K2 500m and produced her best result in the K1 200m to win bronze. She also took home silvers in the K4 500m and K2 1000m. Reece Baker achieved personal best times and his best placings in the K1 1000m and K1 500m, finishing first and second in the respective B finals. With those results, he effectively had a nationally ranking of 10 in both events when visiting international paddlers were factored out; ensuring he qualified for the July selection regatta for the Under-23 team for World Cup 3. Jesse Phillips and Lee Davey also qualified for the selection regatta after placing fifth (fourth Australian) in the final of the K2 500m. The pair improved their previous personal best by about two seconds and beat opposition that included multiple world and Olympic medallist Daniel Collins (NSW). Lisa also had a successful international campaign. She won gold and silver in the first World Cup in Poland in May; comfortably winning the K2 1000m and placing second in the Olympic-distance K2 500m race. Lisa paddled competitively in her remaining overseas competitions, with results including a seventh in the Veolia Champions Cup, a series of 200m regattas. Coach Ramon Andersson Head Coach Individual Scholarship Holders Reece Baker Kate Forgione* Jesse Phillips *WAIS/AIS Lee Davey Lisa Oldenhof* Reece Baker Kate Forgione Jesse Phillips Lee Davey Lisa Oldenhof Elite Squad Members Development Squad Members Brody Baker Michael Baker Jenni Bateman Benjamin Mercer Simon Roll Tyrel Stedman Service Providers Brendyn Appleby Gilman Barnitt Matthew Burgin Carmel Goodman Andrew Hayden Andrew Lyttle Ted Polglaze Brett Slocombe Peter Steele Duncan Sullivan Lucy Warhurst Angelique Wilson Major Title Winners Lisa Oldenhof Strength & Conditioning Strength & Conditioning Psychologist Doctor Physiotherapist Biomechanist Physiologist Physiotherapist Doctor Doctor Program Consultant ACE Coordinator 2006 National Flatwater Canoe/Kayak Championships K4 500, Sydney, Australia 2006 National Flatwater Canoe/Kayak Championships K2 1000, Sydney, Australia 2006 National Flatwater Canoe/Kayak Championships K2 500, Sydney, Australia 2006 World Cup 1 K2 1000, Poznan, Poland Australian Representatives Kate Forgione Lisa Oldenhof Simon Roll 2005 World Championships K2 1000, Zagreb, Croatia 2006 World Cup 1 K2 1000, Poznan, Poland 2006 World Cup 1 K2 500, Poznan, Poland 2006 World Cup 2 K2 50,0 Duisburg, Germany 2005 World Marathon Championships K1 Slalom, Perth, Australia Photo: Getty Images LISA OLDENHOF 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 26 27 Ryan continued his domination in international cycling, winning the keirin and the sprint at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games to successfully defend his titles from the Manchester Commonwealth Games. Ryan was also part of the bronze medal-winning team sprint. Peter was also on the 33-member Australian Cycling Team and won silver in the 4000m team pursuit. Cycling Cameron Meyer As members of the Cyclones, Peter and Ryan won medals at the 2006 World Track Championships in France in April. Peter won gold in the team’s pursuit event, while Ryan won bronze in the team sprint. Peter then travelled to Italy to ride with road team South Australia.comAIS. The future of the cycling program looks bright, with WAIS achieving its highest ever representation for junior world championship teams. Cameron Meyer and Josie Tomic will compete in the World Junior Road Championships, after qualifying from the two junior road selection events in Canberra in April and Mooball, NSW in May. Cameron and Josie both had two time trial wins and two road race wins each. Also at these high profile selection events, Travis Meyer had two second placings and Michael Fitzgerald had a third and a fifth road race placing. Cameron, brother Travis, Josephine Butler and Scott Sunderland will compete in the World Junior Track Championships. Both competitions are in Belgium in August. WAIS head cycling coach Darryl Benson has again been selected as national junior sprint coach. Coach Darryl Benson Travis Meyer Douglas Repacholi Scott Sunderland Head Coach Individual Scholarship Holders Kristine Bayley Peter Dawson* Cameron Meyer *WAIS/AIS Elite Squad Members Kristine Bayley Peter Dawson Cameron Meyer PETER DAWSON WAIS’ gold medal-winning Olympians Ryan Bayley (WAIS/AIS) and Peter Dawson (WAIS/AIS) returned to top form this year but it was the achievements of the younger athletes that created excitement for the future of the WAIS Cycling Program. A record number of WAIS athletes were chosen for junior world championships teams. Scott Sunderland and Cameron Meyer achieved outstanding results at the UCI 2005 Junior World Track Championships in August, winning four medals between them for Australia. Scott, competing as a first year junior, won bronze medals in the team sprint, then the 1000m time trial, improving on his previous best time by more than 1.4 secs. Scott also achieved a fourth position in the individual sprint. Cameron won bronze medals in the Madison and the team pursuit. Cameron then competed in the World Junior Road Championships. He finished an impressive seventh out of 65 riders in the 23.5km time trial and 72nd out of 171 riders in the gruelling 126km road race, including 64 who did not finish. In other overseas competitions, Kristine Bayley finished third in the 2005 Hanover Grand Prix in Germany in August. She followed that with her first win at the Dudenhofen Grand Prix in the sprint event and third in the keirin. Back in Australia, WAIS athletes performed outstandingly at the National Road Championships in Queensland in September. Peter Dawson won the senior men’s criterium championship for the third time, while Cameron Meyer won the junior under-19 men’s time trial championship. Adam O’Connor finished an unlucky fourth in the junior men’s under-19 road race, after setting up the winning breakaway of four. His frame broke with 500m to go, leaving him unable to contest the four-man sprint to the line. Travis Meyer finished second in the under-17 individual road time trial. Josie Tomic had a successful event, winning the under-17 women’s time trial and teams time trial, coming second in the criterium and third in the road race. Rebecca MacPherson came second in the under-17 teams time trial, with WAIS Talent Search athlete Camille Pallet. Ryan Bayley* Hayley Brown (nee Rutherford) Scott Sunderland Josephine Tomic Ryan Bayley Hayley Brown (nee Rutherford) Scott Sunderland Australian Representatives Development Squad Members Photo: Adrian Broughton Peter Dawson helped Australia win gold in the team pursuit in the opening round of the UCI 2005 Track World Cup Classic in Moscow in November. Kristine Bayley was in Australia’s three-member sprint group, finishing sixth in the women’s sprint and ninth in the keirin. Travis Meyer created history at the Tasmanian Christmas Carnival, becoming the first Western Australian to win the prestigious Launceston Wheelrace. Fellow under-19 cyclists Cameron Meyer, Duane Johansen and Scott Sunderland also performed well among the international open field. WAIS athletes won 23 of WA’s 25 medals at the 2006 Australian Senior, Junior and Multi-Disability Track Championships in Adelaide in February. It was WA’s best ever result at these championships. Highlights included Kristine Bayley winning her first national senior title in the women’s 500m sprint, defeating dual Manchester Commonwealth Games champion Kerrie Meares. Kristine won bronze in the women’s team sprint with Preparatory Squad rider Sophie Cape. Ryan Bayley finished third in the men’s sprint and Peter Dawson won silver in the men’s individual 4km pursuit. In the junior under-19 division, Cameron Meyer won the four gold medals and one silver in addition to the Ride of the Series Award and Scott Sunderland won three gold medals and a bronze. Josephine Butler won silver in the women’s 500m time trial, the keirin and sprint, while Josie Tomic won silver in the points score and scratch race and also bronze in the women’s individual pursuit. WA won the junior men’s team sprint with Scott Sunderland, Jason Holloway and Duane Johansen and also won the teams pursuit title with Cameron Meyer, Travis Meyer, Duane Johansen and Doug Repacholi. Both titles were won with Australian junior records. As a member of the Australian Cycling Team the Cyclones, Kristine came agonisingly close to a medal at World Track Cup 4 in Sydney in March. She missed a bronze in the 500m time trial by a minuscule twothousandth of a second. However, Kristine has had a remarkable season, being selected for three of the four world cups; compared with only one of the four in each of the past three years. Josephine Butler Duane Johansen Travis Meyer Byron Page Service Providers Matthew Burgin Brian Glencross Carmel Goodman Deborah Kerr Andrew Lyttle Greg Morgan Ted Polglaze Angelique Wilson Jocelyn Young Major Title Winners Kristine Bayley Ryan Bayley Peter Dawson Jason Holloway Duane Johansen 2005 National U19 Road Championships Individual Time Trial, Queensland, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Individual Pursuit 3000m, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Madison, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Points Race, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Madison, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Men’s Sprint, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Team Sprint, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships 1000m TT, Adelaide, Australia 2005 National U17 Road Championships Individual Time Trial, Queensland, Australia 2005 National U17 Road Championships Team Time Trial, Queensland, Australia Michael Fitzgerald Rebecca MacPherson Adam O’Connor Josephine Tomic Psychologist Program Consultant Doctor Dietitian Biomechanist Strength & Conditioning Physiologist ACE Coordinator Physiotherapist 2006 Australian Senior Track Championships Women’s 500m TT, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Men’s Sprint, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Men’s Keirin, Melbourne, Australia 2005 National Road Championships Criterium, Queensland, Australia 2006 Track Cycling World Championships Team Pursuit, Bordeaux, France 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Team Sprint, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Team Sprint, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian U19 Track Championships Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia Kristine Bayley Ryan Bayley Peter Dawson Cameron Meyer Scott Sunderland Coaching Achievements Darryl Benson 2006 World Cup - Sydney Women’s Sprint, Sydney, Australia 2006 World Cup - Sydney Women’s 500m TT, Sydney, Australia 2006 World Cup - Sydney Women’s Keirin, Sydney, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Men’s Sprint, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Men’s Keirin, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Team Sprint, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Track Cycling World Championships Team Sprint, Bordeaux, France 2006 Commonwealth Games Road Race, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Points Race, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Individual Pursuit 4000m, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Team Pursuit, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Track Cycling World Championships Team Pursuit, Bordeaux, France 2005 World Junior Road Championships Road Race, Vienna, Austria 2005 World Junior Road Championships 23.5km Time Trial, Vienna, Austria 2005 World Junior Track Championships Team Pursuit, Vienna, Austria 2005 World Junior Track Championships Madison, Vienna, Austria 2005 World Junior Track Championships Team Sprint, Vienna, Austria 2005 World Junior Track Championships 1000m TT, Vienna, Austria 2005 World Junior Track Championships Men’s Sprint, Vienna, Austria Head Coach 2005 World Junior Track Championships 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 28 29 Gymnastics In late 2005 WAIS Gymnastics farewelled Allana Slater, who retired after being a member of the programme for 15 years (1990 to 2005), becoming the most decorated gymnast ever in Australia during that time. She competed in a remarkable 43 international events including two Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games and four World Championships, and won more than 40 international medals. Her career highlights included being captain of the team which won the bronze medal at the 2003 World Championships and winning three Commonwealth Games gold, four silver and one bronze. Despite Allana’s absence, WAIS gymnasts still made some outstanding achievements in international competition during the year. In July, at the Australia v China Apparatus Challenge, Daria (Dasha) Joura (WAIS/AIS) scored 9.750 on Floor to win the gold medal against Athens Olympic Games finalist, Cheng Fei from China. Dasha also added a second gold medal to her tally, this time on Beam, as well as taking the bronze on Uneven Bars. In September, Dasha competed in the Japan Junior International in Yokohama reaching three apparatus finals. All Around final in the Senior International division, as well as winning three gold medals – on the Floor, Beam and Vault – and a silver on the Uneven Bars in the apparatus finals. Olivia Vivian took the gold medal on the Uneven Bars, her pet event, making a clean sweep for WAIS. Competing for the first time in the junior international division, Jade Martin finished fourth in the All Around final. In the apparatus finals, she won silver on the Vault. WAIS newcomer Georgia Simpson had a gold rush in the International Level 8 division, winning the All Around final, the Vault, Beam and Floor; with a silver medal on the Uneven Bars. Ashley Cooney, also competing in international Level 8, won silver on the Vault. Young WAIS gymnasts performed well under pressure to finish second in the International Level 6 Team final, only 1.75 points behind Queensland. In the individual competition, Jessica Thompson finished with a silver on the Floor. Olivia Vivian, in her senior international debut, represented Australia in November at the 2005 World Championships which were hosted by Gymnastics Australia in Melbourne. Olivia competed on Uneven Bars, and with a superb routine in the qualification round, placed 13th with a score of 9.312 - missing out on the final by only 0.088 points. Coaches Liz Chetkovich Nikolai Lapchine Martine George Vladimir Joura Dhana Antulov Carly Brockis Heidi Rose Salli Wills Tatiana Lapchina Coaching Achievements Martine George Individual Scholarship Holders Daria (Dasha) Joura * Olivia Vivian *WAIS/AIS Elite Squad Members Shannae Brydon Kiara Isard Jade Martin Lauren Mitchell* Nikolai Lapchine Joanne Bunney Emily Little Tain Molendijk Development Squad Members Alisha Abeliotis Gabrielle Barham Courtney Barnard Julia Buri Nikola Chung Stephanie-Louise Collins Jul 05 - Oct 05 Ashley Cooney Samarah Demarsonae Karina Donatti Coralee Evitt Lauren Fane Rae Gidley Sally Hackett Stine Helm Sian Holtzman Kate Langton Jul 05 - Mar 06 Serena Martin Claire Mooney Claire Newbury Courtney Peoples Claudia Perry Jul 05 - Jan 06 Emma Prunty Rachel Purdy Jamison Ruscoe Emily Salotti Georgia Simpson Breanna Skinner Kesley Smith Jessica Thompson Daniella Wasserman Jul 05 - Dec 05 Shanae Withers With a new international judging system being introduced by the Federation of International Gymnastics in January 2006, all gymnasts were challenged to upgrade their routines to respond to the open ended system which was put in place (with scores as high as 15.00 or more now being possible). Three WAIS gymnasts – Dasha Joura, Lauren Mitchell (WAIS/AIS) and Olivia Vivian – were among the final 12 competing for Melbourne Commonwealth Games selection, with Dasha in particular being highly fancied to be selected. A disappointing trial left Dasha out of the team, however the WAIS gymnasts did not let the Commonwealth Games setbacks stop them from impressing on the world stage at other competitions. Service Providers Olivia Vivian competed in the Friendship Classic in Pennsylvania USA in March, a prestigious annual invitational competition. She finished fourth All Around with a score of 54.050 and third on the Uneven Bars with a high score of 14.950. Matthew Burgin Deborah Kerr Andrew Lyttle Ken Maguire Greg Morgan Joanne Norcott Claire Rechichi Alison Slattery Angelique Wilson Dasha Joura also bounced back at the Pacific Alliance Championships in Hawaii in April. She was part of the Australian Women’s Senior Team that won a silver medal behind the strong USA team. Lauren Mitchell had been named in the Junior Team but had to withdraw due to injury. At the end of the year, Dasha Joura was in final preparation for her first World Cup event in Shanghai, China Major Title Winners Throughout the year, WAIS gymnasts continued to benefit from attendance at both national and international camps and clinics. The WAIS Gymnastics Elite Squad spent two weeks in Russia in October 2005 and gained tremendously from training intensively at the famous Dinamo Club in Moscow. They were also able to visit the national gymnastics training centre in Krugloye to watch the Russian junior and senior national teams in action. It was also an opportunity to meet up with Andrei Rodionenko, who had been the WAIS head gymnastics coach from 1991 to 1996, and now had returned home to be the Technical Director for Artistic Gymnastics (Men and Women) for the Russian Gymnastics Federation. Olivia Vivian Daria Joura Georgia Simpson As members of the 2005-2006 AIS/GA Olympic Squad, Dasha Joura and Lauren Mitchell attended numbers of camps held regularly at the AIS. These continued to be most beneficial. WAIS gymnastics included in National Invitational camps were Olivia Vivian and Shannae Brydon, with Kiara Isard, Tain Molendijk and Emily Little being invited to participate in a camp in Canberra in December for gymnasts preparing for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic cycles. WAIS gymnasts performed outstandingly at the National Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Sydney in May. Seventeen girls competed with standout performances including Dasha Joura claiming gold in the Olivia Vivian Head of Gymnastics Senior Coach Senior Coach Senior Coach Coach Development Coach Development Coach Development Coach Coach / Choreographer Psychologist Dietitian Biomechanist Doctor Strength & Conditioning Physiotherapist Physiologist Masseur ACE Coordinator 2005 International Apparatus Challenge Beam & Floor, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Australian Gymnastics Championships Senior International All Around, Vault Beam, Floor, Sydney, Australia 2006 Australian Gymnastics Championships Senior International Uneven Bars, Sydney, Australia 2006 Australian Gymnastics Championships International Level 8 All Around, Vault Beam, Floor, Sydney, Australia Australian Representatives Daria Joura Photo: Etsuko Ikeda OLIVIA VIVIAN 2005 Australia v China, Canberra, Australia 2005 International Apparatus Challenge, Melbourne, Australia 2005 Japan Junior International, Yokohama, Japan 2006 Pacific Alliance Championships, Honolulu, USA Photo: Adrian Broughton LAUREN MITCHELL 2005 World Championships, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Friendship Classic, Pottsville, USA Personal Coach 2005 Personal Coach 2005 Apparatus Challenge Personal Coach 2005 International Personal Coach 2005 Championships Personal Coach 2006 Personal Coach 2006 Championships Australia v China International Japan Junior World Friendship Classic Pacific Alliance 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 30 31 Hockey mens In Jason Duff’s first full year as head coach of the WAIS Men’s Hockey Program he continued to implement strategies to develop more Australian representatives. These included a training and competition tour to Malaysia for young WAIS players and a series in Perth against Japan. WAIS hopes to add to its achievements of four players in the Australian squad, three in the national development squad and three in the national junior squad. Jonathon Charlesworth, Ian Burcher and Fergus Kavanagh (WAIS/ AIS) were part of Australia’s Under-21 Men’s Hockey Team (Burras) that finished second in the Men’s Rabo Junior World Cup in the Netherlands in July. The Burras lost 2-1 to Argentina in the final. The loss took the Australian Under-21 World Cup silver medal tally to three, with similar losses in 1982 and 1989. Australia won its only Under-21 World Cup in 1997. Jonathon’s future in the sport looks promising, with his performance at the Cup earning him an invitation to a national senior squad camp at the end of 2005. The Australian Senior Men’s Hockey Team (Kookaburras), with Bevan George (WAIS/AIS), Ben Bishop and Aaron Hopkins (WAIS/ AIS), finished second in the Men’s Rabobank Trophy in August. The Kookaburras started slowly but improved during the tournament and were defeated 4-3 by Pakistan in the final. Michael Boyce (WAIS/AIS) had been selected for the Kookaburras’ European tour but was forced to withdraw with an ankle injury. The Kookaburras took on the might of the world in December at the prestigious Champions Trophy, featuring the top six nations of the world. Australia has won the tournament on seven occasions but had not brought the trophy home since 1999 in Brisbane. Bevan George and Aaron Hopkins were both instrumental in the demolition (3-1) of arch rival Holland in the final. Bevan and Aaron continued on the Kookaburras tour, playing in the World Cup Qualifier in Fiji. The Australians beat New Zealand 5-1 to qualify for the BDO World Cup in Germany in 2006. WA won the 2005 Men’s Under-18 National Hockey Championships. Tristan Clemons, Tom Edwards and Tyler Lovell were part of the WA team that defeated Victoria 4-2 in the final. In 2006, Michael Boyce returned to the Australian team. He joined Bevan and Aaron in the Kookaburras team that won a five-match test series against Spain in January; then won two games against Malaysia in March. Bevan and Aaron were then named in their second consecutive Commonwealth Games team. The Kookaburras defended their perfect gold record, having won both Commonwealth Games men’s hockey tournaments in 1998 and 2002. Bevan was also in the team that won gold at the Athens Olympics. Coach Jason Duff Individual Scholarship Holders Ben Bishop Michael Boyce* Ian Burcher Brent Dancer* Aaron Hopkins* Jason Vuletich *WAIS/AIS Elite Squad Members Ben Bishop Michael Boyce Ian Burcher Brent Dancer Richard Gibson Andrew Jacobs Jul - Sep 05 Dean Pover At the end of the year, WA finished an unlucky fourth in the Under-18 National Championships. WA had finished the minor rounds unbeaten but was unable to take its winning form into the finals. Preparatory Squad player’s Justin Knapp and Justin McDougall were standout performers in the semi-final match. Geoffrey Boyce Steven Boyce Jonathon Charlesworth Bevan George, OAM* Fergus Kavanagh* Geoffrey Boyce Steven Boyce Jonathon Charlesworth Bevan George, OAM Aaron Hopkins Fergus Kavanagh Jason Vuletich Development Squad Members Lloyd Anderson Tristan Clemons Judd Dyer Tom Edwards Andrew Jacobs Oct 05 - Jun 06 Tyler Lovell Leon Martin Alistair Park Andrew Smith Cameron Tremayne Chris Watkins Daniel White Service Providers Martin FitzSimons Geish Hori Andrew Lyttle Heather McGregor-Bayne Matt Spencer Peter Steele Lucy Warhurst Dean Whittington Angelique Wilson Michael Wood Major Title Winners Michael Boyce Ian Burcher Jonathon Charlesworth Tom Edwards Bevan George, OAM WAIS players were in the Smokefree WA Thundersticks team that finished fourth in the 2006 Australian Men’s Hockey League season. The team improved during the season but many of the young players lacked finals experience. In May, Michael Boyce, Bevan George, Aaron Hopkins and Fergus Kavanagh were awarded AIS men’s hockey scholarships based on their strong performances in the first half of the year. Jason Vuletich and Geoff Boyce were both selected in the Australian senior development squad. Head Coach Aaron Hopkins Fergus Kavanagh Daniel White Physiologist Strength & Conditioning Biomechanist Psychologist Physiologist Doctor Program Consultant Physiotherapist ACE Coordinator Physiotherapist 2006 Spain Series, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Spain Series, Hobart, Australia 2005 Malaysia Series, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2005 Malaysia Series, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2005 U18 Nationals, Woollongong, Australia 2005 World Cup Qualifier Suva, Fiji 2005 Champions Trophy, Chennai, India 2006 Spain Series, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Spain Series, Hobart, Australia 2006 Malaysia Series Perth, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games Melbourne, Australia 2005 World Cup Qualifier Suva, Fiji 2005 Champions Trophy, Chennai, India 2006 Spain Series, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Spain Series, Hobart, Australia 2006 Malaysia Series Perth, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2005 Malaysia Series, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2005 U18 Nationals, Woollongong, Australia Photo: Getty Images AARON HOPKINS Australian Representatives Ben Bishop Michael Boyce Ian Burcher Jonathon Charlesworth Bevan George, OAM 2005 Rabo Bank Trophy, Amsterdam, Holland 2006 Spain Series, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Spain Series, Hobart, Australia 2005 Malaysia Series, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2005 Junior World Cup 2005, Rotterdam, Holland 2005 Malaysia Series, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2005 Junior World Cup 2005, Rotterdam, Holland 2005 Rabo Bank Trophy, Amsterdam, Holland 2005 World Cup Qualifier Suva, Fiji 2005 Champions Trophy, Chennai, India 2006 Spain Series, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Spain Series, Hobart, Australia 2006 Malaysia Series, Perth, Australia 2006 18th Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Aaron Hopkins Fergus Kavanagh Coaching Achievements Jason Duff 2005 Rabo Bank Trophy, Amsterdam, Holland 2005 World Cup Qualifier, Suva, Fiji 2005 Champions Trophy, Chennai, India 2006 Spain Series, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Spain Series, Hobart, Australia 2006 Malaysia Series, Perth, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2005 Malaysia Series, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2005 Junior World Cup 2005, Rotterdam, Holland Head Coach 2005 AIS Development Tour Japan Test Series, Japan Assistant Coach 2006 Azlan Shah Cup, Malaysia 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 32 33 Major Title Winners Stephanie Andrews Hockey womens Fiona Boyce Jemma Buckley The WAIS Women’s Hockey Program has enjoyed a successful year, with increased representation in national senior and junior teams. Six of the nine WAIS players who competed in the National Under-21 Women’s Hockey Championships made the Australian team for the Junior World Cup in Chile in September. Fiona Boyce, Kate Hubble, Rheannin Kelly, Shelly Liddelow, Kobie McGurk (WAIS/AIS) and Jayde Taylor (WAIS/AIS) made up an impressive third of the Jillaroos team and WAIS women’s head hockey coach Neil Hawgood was named as an assistant coach. WAIS athlete Amy Shaw was selected as an additional squad member. The Jillaroos finished an unlucky fourth in the World Cup, losing 2-1 to the Netherlands in the playoff for third and fourth. It was the first time the Jillaroos have not had a podium placing in four Junior World Cup attempts. Chantelle Ciallella Paige Collins Hannah Cook Kate Denning Emily Halliday Kim Walker (WAIS/AIS) joined Emily Halliday (WAIS/AIS), Sian Smithson and Kobie McGurk on the Australian Women’s Senior Team for the Holiday Inn Women’s Challenge in August. The Hockeyroos completed a 6-0 clean sweep of Korea in the event. The Hockeyroos continued their good form to win their second Indira Gandhi International Gold Cup in India, with a 5-3 win against the home side in the final. The Australian team, with Emily and Kim, also qualified for the 2006 World Cup, after defeating New Zealand two matches to one in November. Kate Hubble In October, WAIS’ two youngest female hockey players, Paige Collins and Holly White, were part of the WA team that became Under-15 National Champions for the first time. Holly was named player of the tournament. Rheannin Kelly At the end of 2005, Emily, Kobie and Kim were selected for the Samsung Champions Trophy in Canberra. The Hockeyroos made it to the gold medal match but lost the penalty stroke shoot-out to The Netherlands 5-4. It was still a successful outing, with Australia’s result moving the team from fourth to second in the World Rankings. Early in 2006, the WAIS trio were in the Hockeyroos team that finished third at an invitational tournament in Argentina then beat Canada in a test series in Perth. Emily, Kobie and Kim were part of the gold medal-winning Hockeyroos team for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. The Hockeyroos previously won the gold in 1998 but had been relegated to third in 2002. Fiona Boyce, Jemma Buckley and Ashleigh Nelson were named in the 16-player National Junior Women’s Squad after the Under-18 and Under21 National Championships finished for the year. The start of 2006 saw the State Under 18 Team win the National Championship title in Adelaide in April. WAIS athletes Stephanie Andrews, Jemma Buckley, Paige Collins, Hannah Cook, Kate Denning and Holly White were members of the successful team. The SmokeFree WA Diamonds won the 2006 Australian Hockey League title in May. Emily Halliday won the player of the grand final award. Kate Hubble, Fiona Boyce, Kim Walker, Chantelle Ciallella, Paige Collins, Hope Munro, Shelly Liddelow (WAIS/AIS), Jayde Taylor, Ashleigh Nelson, Emily Halliday, Sian Smithson, Kobie McGurk, Jemma Buckley and Amy Shaw were also in the team. It was the Diamonds’ third national title, but their second in three years. Emily, Kim and Kobie have been selected in the 2006 National Squad and Shelly Liddelow has made the National Development Squad. The three national squad athletes are part of the team for the Champions Trophy in the Netherlands in July. Seven WAIS athletes were named in the WA Under-21 team preparing for the Nationals Championships in July. Jayde Taylor, Chantelle Ciallella, Ashleigh Nelson, Rheannin Kelly, Amy Shaw, Fiona Boyce and Melissa Luff will contest these championships. Fiona, Paige Collins, Chantelle Ciallella and Stephanie Andrews were awarded AIS visiting scholarships to train for a week with other potential Sydney Youth Olympic athletes. Shelly Liddelow Kobie McGurk Photo: Getty Images EMILY HALLIDAY Coach Neil Hawgood Head Coach Individual Scholarship Holders Fiona Boyce Kate Hubble Shelly Liddelow* Sian Smithson Kim Walker* Elite Squad Members Fiona Boyce Emily Halliday Rheannin Kelly Kia Mansell Hope Munro Amy Shaw Jayde Taylor Emily Halliday* Rheannin Kelly Kobie McGurk* Jayde Taylor* *WAIS/AIS Service Providers Liz Booth Fiona Chromiak Martin FitzSimons Carmel Goodman Geish Hori Heather McGregor-Bayne Angelique Wilson Ashleigh Nelson Amy Shaw Sian Smithson Jemma Buckley Kate Hubble Shelly Liddelow Kobie McGurk Ashleigh Nelson Sian Smithson Kim Walker Development Squad Members Stephanie Andrews Paige Collins Kate Cumming Melissa Luff Jessica Stanley Holly White Hope Munro Jayde Taylor Kim Walker Chantelle Ciallella Hannah Cook Kate Denning Melita Morriss Caitlin Wales Program Consultant Physiotherapist Physiologist Doctor Strength & Conditioning Psychologist ACE Coordinator Holly White 2006 Australian Women’s Under 18 Championships, Adelaide, Australia 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2006 Australian Women’s Under 18 Championships, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2006 Australian Women’s Under 18 Championships, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2006 Australian Women’s Under 18 Championships, Adelaide, Australia 2006 Australian Women’s Under 18 Championships, Adelaide, Australia 2005 The Holiday Inn Women’s Challenge, Adelaide & Queensland, Australia 2005 Indira Gandhi International Gold Cup, Delhi, India 2005 Women’s Oceanic Qualifier, Auckland, New Zealand & Sydney, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2005 The Holiday Inn Women’s Challenge, Adelaide & Queensland, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2005 The Holiday Inn Women’s Challenge, Adelaide & Queensland, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2005 The Holiday Inn Women’s Challenge, Adelaide & Queensland, Australia 2005 Indira Gandhi International Gold Cup, Delhi, India 2005 Women’s Oceanic Qualifier, Auckland, New Zealand & Sydney, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Women’s Australian Hockey League, Various, Australia 2006 Australian Women’s Under 18 Championships, Adelaide, Australia Australian Representatives Fiona Boyce Emily Halliday Kate Hubble Rheannin Kelly Shelly Liddelow Kobie McGurk Sian Smithson Jayde Taylor Kim Walker Coaching Achievements Neil Hawgood 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2005 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup, Santiago, Chile 2005 The Holiday Inn Women’s Challenge, Adelaide & Queensland, Australia 2005 Indira Gandhi International Gold Cup, Delhi, India 2005 Women’s Oceanic Qualifier, Auckland, New Zealand & Sydney, Australia 2005 Women’s Champions Trophy, Canberra, Australia 2006 4-Nations Tournament, Cordoba, Argentina 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2005 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup, Santiago, Chile 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2005 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup, Santiago, Chile 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2005 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup, Santiago, Chile 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2005 The Holiday Inn Women’s Challenge, Adelaide & Queensland, Australia 2005 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup, Santiago, Chile 2005 Women’s Champions Trophy, Canberra, Australia 2006 4-Nations Tournament, Cordoba, Argentina 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2005 The Holiday Inn Women’s Challenge, Adelaide & Queensland, Australia 2005 4-Nations U21 Women’s Tournament, Jiangsu, China 2005 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup, Santiago, Chile 2005 The Holiday Inn Women’s Challenge, Adelaide & Queensland, Australia 2005 Indira Gandhi International Gold Cup, Delhi, India 2005 Women’s Oceanic Qualifier, Auckland, New Zealand & Sydney, Australia 2005 Women’s Champions Trophy, Canberra, Australia 2006 4-Nations Tournament, Cordoba, Argentina 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia National Junior Assistant Coach 2005, Under 21 4-Nations Tournament Jiangsu, China National Junior Assistant Coach, 2005, Junior World Cup Santiago, Chile National Assistant Coach 2006, Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 34 35 Netball State representation was strong throughout the year, a good indication of the success of the WAIS development programs. Eight WAIS players were members of the 21-and-under team that won its National Netball Championships. After the Championships, Jasmine Keene, Josie Janz, Susan Fuhrmann (AIS/WAIS), Nikala Smith and Janelle Lawson were named in the 22-player Australian 21-and-Under Netball Squad. Kate Beveridge**, who was playing with the AIS but returned to WAIS in 2006, was also named. Other WA players for the Championships were Amber Metcalfe, Kerri-Lee McGranaghan, Karly Hoar, Kyra Neal, Amber Harvey and Ashleigh Neal. The WA Open Netball Team finished third in its National Netball Championships. Helen Aravidis, Emma Beckett, Kodie Blay, Melissa Johnston, Kate Lazenby, Kym Mitchell, Stacey Rosman and Larrissa Willcox played for WA. Centre-court player Jess Shynn and defender Susan Fuhrmann were part of the silver-medal winning Australian Netball Team in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. The team played strongly but was unable to defend its gold medal from the 2002 Manchester Games. Kate Beveridge had also attended the final selection camp and just missed the final squad. WAIS had a strong representation at the 2006 17-and-Under and 19and-Under National Championships in NSW. Jade Carmody, Lauren Emmens, Kaitlyn Lilly and Briony Carlyon played in the 17-andUnder team that finished equal fourth. The 19-and-Under team also finished fourth. WAIS athletes representing WA were Jasmine Keene, Nicole Schaillee, Ashleigh Neal, Paula Markham, Sarah Ebbott, Sarah Geddes and Andrea Gilmore. Perth Orioles’ goal shooter Caitlin Bassett has been rewarded for her outstanding performances in 2006, being added to the Australian 21and-under Squad. The Orioles’ youngest player was also selected in the U-19 Australian Talent Identification Squad for 2006. Jess Shynn and Susan Fuhrmann are preparing for Australian team matches against New Zealand in July. Coaches Photo: Courtesy of WA Netball KATE BEVERIDGE The WAIS Netball Program has gone from strength to strength this year, building on the successes achieved in 2005. The Perth Orioles (WAIS Elite Netball Squad) finished the 2005 Commonwealth Bank Trophy season in sixth position, their best in recent years. They continued to improve in the 2006 season and had their most successful start to a season in their 10-year history in the competition. At the end of June, the Orioles had won four of their matches and lost five. On the State front, WAIS Power (WAIS Development Netball Squad) finished the 2005 Smokefree State Netball League in fourth but was ineligible for finals because WAIS players play for the Institute and their club teams in the same division. Jessica Shynn retained her spot in the Australian Netball Squad for 2005/2006, when the squad was announced in September. At the end of 2005 she played international tests against New Zealand and Jamaica and was named as a standout player in the third and final game against Jamaica. WAIS athletes dominated the 2005 WA Netball Awards. Nikala Smith, who scored 316 goals in the 2005 season, was named Perth Orioles Player of the Year; mid-court player Stacey Rosman won the Perth Orioles Coaches Award; The Jill McIntosh Medal was awarded to centrecourt player Catherine Devitt; Anna Vidler was named the Division 1 SmokeFree Player of the Year and the WA Players’ Player Award went to Emma Beckett. Carol Byers Michelle Wilkins Sue Kenny Head Coach Development Coach Orioles Assistant Coach Individual Scholarship Holders Kate Beveridge** Jessica Shynn ** AIS/WAIS Elite Squad Members Helen Aravidis Emma Beckett Kate Beveridge Catherine Devitt Melissa Johnston Kate Lazenby Kym Mitchell Jessica Shynn Larrissa Willcox Susan Fuhrmann** Photo: Courtesy of WA Netball KODIE BLAY Caitlin Bassett Kirby Bentley Kodie Blay Amber Harvey Janelle Lawson Sam Lee (nee Andrews) Stacey Rosman Nikala Smith Development Squad Members Briony Carlyon Sarah Ebbott Sarah Geddes Amber Harvey Josephine Janz Jasmine Keene Alison Lunt Kerri Lee McGranaghan Teena Miller Kyra Neal Nicole Schaillee Jade Carmody Lauren Emmens Andrea Gilmore Karly Hoar Melissa Johnston Kaitlyn Lilly Paula Markham Amber Metcalfe Ashleigh Neal Michelle Schaillee Service Providers Helen Baron-Hay Jacinta Downey Carmel Goodman Andrew Lyttle Heather McGregor-Bayne Greg Morgan Claire Rechichi Angelique Wilson Major Title Winners Amber Harvey Karly Hoar Josephine Janz Jasmine Keene Kerri Lee McGranaghan Amber Metcalfe Program Consultant Physiotherapist Doctor Biomechanist Psychologist Strength & Conditioning Physiologist ACE Coordinator Ashleigh Neal Kyra Neal Jessica Shynn Australian Representatives Jessica Shynn 2005 National ACT, Australia 2005 National ACT, Australia 2005 National ACT, Australia 2005 National ACT, Australia 2005 National ACT, Australia 21&U Championships, 21&U Championships, 21&U Championships, 21&U Championships, 21&U Championships, 2005 National 21&U Championships, ACT, Australia 2005 National 21&U Championships, ACT, Australia 2005 National 21&U Championships, ACT, Australia 2005 Jamaica v Australia Test Series, Kingston, Jamaica Susan Fuhrmann 2005 New Zealand v Australia Test, Auckland, New Zealand 2005 Jamaica v Australia Test Series, Kingston, Jamaica 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 36 37 Morag McCallum Rowing The WAIS Rowing Program continued its successful achievements of high national representation and international success this year, culminating in a record number of WAIS rowers being chosen for the coming World Championships. Six WAIS athletes represented Australia at the first World Under23 Rowing Championships (previously known as the World Under-23 Regatta) in Amsterdam in July. Jessica Huston and partner won bronze in the women’s lightweight double scull, one of only two Australian medals. At the 2005 World Rowing Championships in Japan in August, WAIS rowers won medals in three events. Sarah Outhwaite rowed with Natalie Bale to win silver in the women’s pair, before winning gold as a member of the women’s eight. Amber Bradley continued her World Cup successes to win bronze in the women’s double scull. In his first time in a senior team, Todd Skipworth was a member of the fourthplaced men’s lightweight four. Back in Australia, WAIS athletes won most of the open titles at the State Rowing Championships while young rowers represented WA in the Youth Cup in Adelaide. At the Youth Cup, Peder Olsen, Jeremy Ellis, Perrin Franks and Rhys Grant were members of the winning eight, Peder and Jeremy also won the men’s four while Perrin was third in the men’s lightweight double scull. Karolina Hayes and Libby Alderman were second in the women’s eight. Following the 2005 international season Amber Bradley returned to Perth and the WAIS program for her preparations for the 2006 season. WAIS rowers performed well at the 2006 National Championships and Interstate Regatta in Tasmania in March, which doubled as a national selection regatta. WAIS athletes contributed to nine open, three Under23 and seven Under-19 medals. After the final national selection regatta, Morag McCallum, Emily Rose, Brittany Mann and Georgia Baker were chosen to represent Australia in the coxless four at the World Junior Rowing Championships in the Netherlands in August. The crew is preparing in Perth under the guidance of WAIS Junior Development coach Gonzalo Briones. Eight WAIS rowers will represent Australia in the World Under-23 Championships in Belgium in July; an improvement from six named last year. Jayden Edwards, David Kelly, Peder Olsen and Josh Williams will combine for the men’s heavyweight coxless four, while Perry Ward will race the lightweight coxless pair. The women’s squad includes former World Junior Champion Annika Naughton and cox Conor McCombe in the heavyweight eight crew. Jessica Huston will compete in the lightweight double sculls. WAIS Senior coach Jason Lane will continue to coach the Under-23 men’s coxless four crew in Perth. The national senior representation has also increased. Last year six WAIS and one AIS/WAIS rowers made the Australian senior squad for the World Rowing Championships and this year, eight WAIS rowers were selected. The 2006 World Championships will be in the United Kingdom in August. Athens Olympians Stefan Szczurowski (bronze medallist) and David McGowan, with Jeremy Stevenson, are in the men’s heavyweight sweep squad, James Gatti is in the men’s heavyweight sculling squad and Todd Skipworth and Athens silver medallist Ben Cureton are in the men’s lightweight squad. Amber Bradley and former world champion Jo Lutz will compete in the women’s heavyweight squad. WAIS Head coach Antonio Maurogiovanni is coaching the men’s lightweight squad in Perth. The senior team recently competed in two World Cup events, with WAIS rowers among the medal-winners. In Germany, WAIS rowers contributed to five bronze medals and in Poland they helped Australia win one gold and one silver medal. Development Squad member Karolina Hayes will compete for Australia at the World University Games in Lithuania in August. In her first national representative team, Karolina will contest the women’s quad scull event. Coaches Antonio Maurogiovanni Jason Lane Gonzalo Briones Head Coach Senior Coach Junior Development Coach Robert Alderman Amber Bradley Ben Cureton Steven Fletcher James Gatti Jessica Huston David Kelly David McGowan Sarah Outhwaite Todd Skipworth Stefan Szczurowski Natalie Bale Ross Brown Jeremy Ellis Perrin Franks Karolina Hayes Brenton Jenke Jo Lutz Annika Naughton Sally Robbins Jeremy Stevenson Perry Ward Natalie Bale Ross Brown Steven Fletcher Jessica Huston David Kelly David McGowan Sarah Outhwaite Todd Skipworth Cade Zulsdorf Amber Bradley Ben Cureton James Gatti Brenton Jenke Jo Lutz Annika Naughton Sally Robbins Jeremy Stevenson Libby (Elizabeth) Alderman Jayden Edwards Sian Flynn Karolina Hayes Peder Olsen Joshua Williams Robert Alderman Jeremy Ellis Perrin Franks Conor McCombe Perry Ward Gilman Barnitt Liz Booth Matthew Burgin Matthew Doyle Carmel Goodman Andrew Hayden Brendan Appleby Geish Hori Ted Polglaze Angelique Wilson Jocelyn Young Strength & Conditioning Program Consultant Psychologist Biomechanist Doctor Physiotherapist Strength & Conditioning Strength & Conditioning Physiologist ACE Coordinator Physiotherapist Robert Alderman 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U23M8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U23M4-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W4x, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W4-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, OLM2-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U23M8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U23M8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, OLW4x, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U23M8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W4-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W4x, Lake Barrington, Australia David McGowan Peder Olsen Individual Scholarship Holders Elite Squad Members Sarah Outhwaite Emily Rose Todd Skipworth Jeremy Stevenson Australian Representatives Natalie Bale Amber Bradley Development Squad Members Service Providers Major Title Winners Georgia Baker Ben Cureton Steven Fletcher Olivia Gardner James Gatti Alex Hayes Jessica Huston David Kelly Brittany Mann 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W4x, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W4-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W2-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Poznan World Cup OM8+, Poznan, Poland 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U23M4-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U23M8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2005 World Rowing Championships OW8+, Gifu, Japan 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W2-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W4-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W4x, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, U19W8+, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Australian Rowing Championships, OLM2-, Lake Barrington, Australia 2006 Poznan World Cup, OM8+, Poznan, Poland Ross Brown Ben Cureton Steven Fletcher James Gatti 2005 World Rowing Championships OW2-, Gifu, Japan 2005 World Rowing Championships 2005 OW2X, Gifu, Japan 2006 Munich World Cup OW8+, Munich, Germany 2006 Munich World Cup OW2-, Munich, Germany 2006 Poznan World Cup OW8+, Poznan, Poland 2006 Poznan World Cup OW2-, Poznan, Poland 2005 World Rowing Championships, OLM2-, Gifu, Japan 2006 Munich World Cup, OLM4-, Munich, Germany 2006 Poznan World Cup, OLM4-, Poznan, Poland 2005 Bearing Point Lucerne World Cup, OM8+, Lucerne, Switzerland 2005 World Under 23 Championships, U23M8+, 2005 Amsterdam, Netherlands 2005 World Rowing Championships, OM4-, Gifu, Japan 2006 Munich World Cup, OM4x, Munich, Germany 2006 Poznan World Cup, OM4x, Poznan, Poland 2006 Poznan World Cup, OM2x, Poznan, Poland L-R EMILY ROSE, MORAG McCALLUM, GEORGIA BAKER & BRITTANY MANN Jessica Huston Brenton Jenke David Kelly Jo Lutz David McGowan Annika Naughton Sarah Outhwaite Todd Skipworth Jeremy Stevenson Stefan Szczurowski Cade Zulsdorf Coaching Achievements Jason Lane 2005 Bearing Point Lucerne World Cup, OLW2x, Lucerne, Switzerland 2005 World Under 23 Championships, U23LW2x, Amsterdam, Netherlands 2005 Bearing Point Lucerne World Cup, OM8+, Lucerne, Switzerland 2005 World Under 23 Championships, U23M8+, Amsterdam, Netherlands 2005 Bearing Point Lucerne World Cup, OM4x, Lucerne, Switzerland 2005 World Under 23 Championships, U23M4x, Amsterdam, Netherlands 2006 Munich World Cup, OW8+, Munich, Germany 2006 Munich World Cup, OW2-, Munich, Germany 2006 Poznan World Cup, OW8+, Poznan, Poland 2006 Poznan World Cup, OW2-, Poznan, Poland 2006 Munich World Cup, OM4-, Munich, Germany 2006 Poznan World Cup, OM8+, Poznan, Poland 2005 Bearing Point Lucerne World Cup, OW4-, Lucerne, Switzerland 2005 World Under 23 Championships, U23W4-, Amsterdam, Netherlands 2005 World Rowing Championships, OW8+, Gifu, Japan 2005 World Rowing Championships, OW2-, Gifu, Japan 2005 World Rowing Championships, OLM4-, Gifu, Japan 2006 Munich World Cup, OLM4-, Munich, Germany 2006 Poznan World Cup, OLM4-, Poznan, Poland 2005 World Rowing Championships, OM4- Gifu, Japan 2006 Munich World Cup, OM8+, Munich, Germany 2006 Poznan World Cup, OM8+, Poznan, Poland 2006 Munich World Cup, OM8+, Munich, Germany 2006 Poznan World Cup, OM4-, Poznan, Poland 2005 Bearing Point Lucerne World Cup, OLM4x, Lucerne, Switzerland 2005 World Under 23 Championships, U23LM4x, Amsterdam, Netherlands National Under 23 Crew Coach 2005 World Under 23 Championships, M4x, Amsterdam, Netherlands 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 38 39 Sailing Photo: Mark Cole ELISE RECHICHI & TESSA PARKINSON Coach Belinda Stowell Head Coach Australian Representatives Tim Castles Individual Scholarship Holders Jamie Dunross Jeffery Milligan Elise Rechichi* Steven Thomas *WAIS/AIS Photo: Unknown JAMIE DUNROSS, JEFF MILLIGAN & COLIN HARRISON WAIS sailors are continuing to show the benefits of a dedicated WAIS Sailing Program under head coach Belinda Stowell, a Sydney Olympic gold medallist and former world champion. In the first full year of the program, WAIS sailors performed well on the world stage and locally, Belinda instigated coaching regattas to ensure development at all levels. In August, Elite Squad members and Australia’s top women’s 470 sailors Elise Rechichi (WAIS/AIS) and Tessa Parkinson (WAIS/AIS) achieved their goal of a top-ten finish in their first senior World Championships. They finished 10th in the 470 class at the Championships in San Francisco. They maintained their position in the AIS program for 2006, which will provide them with additional support for their Beijing Olympic campaign. Their highest position on the 2005 ISAF World Rankings was in October, with Elise and Tessa ranked eighth, up from 22nd. Other Australian representatives were Tim Rechichi and Steven Thomas in the 420 class at the ISAF Youth World Championships in Korea. They achieved excellent results in their first World Championship event, finishing ninth overall. In the 2005 Australian Sailors of the Year Awards, Paralympians Jamie Dunross, Jeff Milligan and Colin Harrison were jointly named as Sailors of the Year with a Disability. It followed their fifth place in the three-person Sonar class at the Athens Paralympics and were recognised for their commitment to coaching other sailors with a disability and input to the strategic development of the sport. WA’s Sonar Team qualified for the 2008 Paralympics with its fourthplace at the International Foundation for Disabled Sailing World Championships at Royal Perth Yacht Club in January. More than 70 sailors from 14 nations contested the first Paralympics qualifying event. WA’s sonar team was WAIS sailors Jamie Dunross, Colin Harrison and Graeme Martin. Athens Paralympian Jeff Milligan was forced to withdraw after revised classification criteria. In difficult weather conditions at the Australian 420 National Championships in January, Development Squad sailors Steven Thomas and Tim Rechichi finished second behind the Victorians in the 420 class, with Peter Nicholas and Jay Halligan third. In the girls’ event, Belinda Kerl and Chelsea Hall finished 1 point ahead of the Singaporeans to take the 420 National and Youth womens title. Elise and Tessa competed in the Australian Summer Racing Series and won the women’s title at the Australian 470 National Championships at Fremantle Sailing Club. The win cemented their position on the 2006 Australian Sailing Team, where they were joined this year by sailing head coach Belinda Stowell for the RS-X (Windsurfing). Hard work and dedication paid off for Mathieu Higgins and Tim Lynch, who finished fourth overall in Nationals and won a place on the 470 men’s national development squad. Tim Castles improved in the laser class this season, finishing third overall in the Australian rankings and gaining a national development squad spot. All three WAIS 420-class teams finished in the top eight nationally. Belinda and Chelsea were selected for the Youth World Championships, to be held in Weymouth UK, in July after winning the women’s national title and women’s national youth title. Mathieu and Tim joined Elise and Tessa on the European circuit this year. They gained valuable experience and had respectable finishes in the three World Cup events, including 28th at the European Championships and 25th at Kiel Week. Elise and Tessa had their most successful European season to date, with results including a second at the ISAF World Sailing Games, sixth at the European Championships and a win at Kiel Week in Germany. Three WAIS athletes and coach Belinda Stowell were among awardwinners in the 2006 WA Yachting Awards. Belinda Stowell was named coach of the year, Tessa won sailor of the year (female) and Belinda Kerl and Chelsea shared the title of youth sailor’s of the year. The high performance sailing program in WA, supported by the WAIS sailing program, is now moving through to the next level and its momentum looks certain to continue with the strong pool of local talent. The WAIS sailing program is supported by the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club as well as the national and state sporting associations. Elite Squad Members Jamie Dunross Jeffery Milligan Collin Harrison Colin Harrison Tessa Parkinson* Tim Rechichi Service Providers Carmel Goodman Alison Low Andrew Lyttle Heather McGregor-Bayne Greg Morgan Ted Polglaze Lucy Warhurst Angelique Wilson Major Title Winners Chelsea Hall Belinda Kerl Tessa Parkinson Elise Rechichi Chelsea Hall Colin Harrison Elise Rechichi Tessa Parkinson Development Squad Members Timothy Castles Jay Halligan Mathieu Higgins Tim Lynch Tim Rechichi Luc Tasker Jamie Dunross Mathieu Higgins Chelsea Hall Ryan Hannan Belinda Kerl Peter Nicholas Brett Sharpe Steven Thomas Belinda Kerl Doctor Physiotherapist Biomechanist Psychologist Strength & Conditioning Physiologist Program Consultant ACE Coordinator Tessa Parkinson 2006 Australian Youth Championships, 420 Girls, Mooloolaba, Australia 2006 Womens Open 420 Australian Championships, Mooloolaba, Australia 2006 Womens Open 420 Australian Championships, Mooloolaba, Australia 2006 Australian Youth Championships, 420 Girls, Mooloolaba, Australia 2006 470 National Championships, Fremantle, Australia 2006 Kiel Week, Hamburg, Germany 2006 470 National Championships, Fremantle, Australia 2006 Kiel Week 470, Hamburg, Germany Tim Lynch Elise Rechichi Tim Rechichi Steven Thomas 2006 Asia Pacific Championships, Laser, Singapore 2006 Singapore National Championships, Laser, Singapore 2006 IFDS World Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Singapore National Championships, 420, Singapore 2006 IFDS World Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Open Nissan Cup 470 European Championships, Balatonfured, Hungary 2006 Kiel Week 470, Hamburg, Germany 2006 Holland Regatta 470, Medemblik, Netherlands 2006 Singapore National Championships, 420, Singapore 2006 Open Nissan Cup 470 European Championships 420, Balatonfured, Hungary 2006 Kiel Week 470, Hamburg, Germany 2006 Holland Regatta 470, Medemblik, Netherlands 2005 470 World Championships San Francisco, USA 2006 ISAF World Sailing Games Lake Neudisel, Austria 2006 Open Nissan Cup 470 European Championships 420, Balatonfured, Hungary 2006 Kiel Week 470, Hamburg, Germany 2005 470 World Championships San Francisco, USA 2006 ISAF World Sailing Games Lake Neudisel, Austria 2006 Open Nissan Cup 470 European Championships 420, Balatonfured, Hungary 2006 Kiel Week 470, Hamburg, Germany 2005 ISAF Youth World Championships 420, Busan, Korea 2005 ISAF Youth World Championships 420, Busan, Korea 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 40 Softball Sponsors At the end of the year, four WAIS softball players were preparing for the second World University Softball Championships in Chinese Taipei. Michelle, Leah, Rachael Russell and Verity Long-droppert were selected for the Australian team. WAIS part-time assistant coach Shane Hughes will be the team’s assistant coach. Coaches Kere Johanson Shane Hughes Peter Koha Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Individual Scholarship Holders Sharon Bell *WAIS/AIS Elite Squad Members Michelle Andrew Chermai Clews Chelsea Forkin Leigh Godfrey Christy Jones Verity Long-droppert Nicole Mizen Krystle Rivers Rachael Russell Jodie Stevenson Photo: c/o Softball WA RACHAEL RUSSELL WAIS Softball players Leah Quackenbush* and Sharon Bell had a triumphant start to the year with the Australian Softball Team Aussie Spirit winning the Canada Cup. Aussie Spirit beat USA Elite 3-0 in the final at the July tournament. The pair then played for Australia in the World Cup, where the Australians took bronze, behind Japan and USA respectively. Locally, 10 WAIS players were members of the WA State Women’s Team the Western Arrows. In the first of three Grand Prix Tournaments in December, the Western Arrows finished second after being defeated by NSW 13-9 in the final. It was a fantastic result for WA, which had not made an open women’s final for many years. Leah Quackenbush was named top batter of the tournament. Overseas, Sharon Bell and Michelle Andrew performed outstandingly for their softball team at St. Gregory’s University in Oklahoma. St. Gregory’s University Lady Cavaliers finished third in a 24-team tournament in Georgia, its best ever finish. Michelle was named in the 12-player All Tournament Team, an excellent effort considering there were more than 360 contenders. Sharon and Michelle then helped the Lady Cavaliers win the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Softball Tournament in May. Sharon was named pitcher of the week and Michelle, the player of the week. Sharon allowed one unearned run over 18.1 innings. She was 3-0 in the pitchers circle, with a save in four appearances and struck out 31 batters against nine walks and seven hits. Sharon notched a single season NAIA record 383 strikeouts, beating the previous record of 352. Michelle played in the outfield and batted .583 (7-12) for the week, with three RBI, three runs and two doubles. Leah Quackenbush* Sharon Bell Brooke Cooper Fiona Fowles Rebecca Jack Elly Lambkin Ashleigh Medwin Leah Quackenbush Chantelle Rossier Claire Sonsee Development Squad Members Chermai Clews Rebecca Jack Verity Long-droppert Rachael Russell Service Providers Matthew Burgin Brian Glencross Andrew Lyttle Greg Morgan Matt Spencer Angelique Wilson Major Title Winners Sharon Bell Leah Quackenbush More WAIS players joined national teams in 2006. Elite Squad athletes Verity Long-droppert and Leigh Godfrey made the Under-19 Australian team for the Grand Prix Three in Sydney over Easter. After solid performances at Grand Prix Tournaments, the National Championships and international series against Japan and Chinese Taipei between December and April, Leah Quackenbush was a strong contender for selection for next year’s World Championships. However, she was not included in the Australian Team. 41 Leigh Godfrey Elly Lambkin Ashleigh Medwin Jodie Stevenson Psychologist Program Consultant Biomechanist Strength & Conditioning Physiologist ACE Coordinator 2005 Canada Cup, Vancouver, Canada 2005 Canada Cup, Vancouver, Canada 2006 Australia v Chinese Tapei Test Series, Sydney, Australia 2006 Trans Tasman Series, Hamilton, New Zealand Australian Representatives Sharon Bell Leah Quackenbush 2005 Canada Cup, Vancouver, Canada 2005 USA World Cup, Oklahoma, USA 2005 Canada Cup, Vancouver, Canada 2005 USA World Cup, Oklahoma, USA 2006 Australia v Japan Test Series, Sydney, Australia 2006 Australia v Chinese Tapei Test Series, Sydney, Australia 2006 Trans Tasman Series, Hamilton, New Zealand 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 42 Swimming 43 Four WAIS athletes won accolades in Swimming Australia’s 2005 Telstra Swimmer of the Year Awards. Lara Carroll was named Female Individual Medley Swimmer of the Year; Adam Lucas won the Male Individual Medley Swimmer of the Year; Jim Piper won Male Short Course Swimmer of the Year and Travis Nederpelt won Male Butterfly Swimmer of the Year. Lara then won the Junior Sports Star of the Year Award at the 2005 ANZ Sports Star of the Year Awards. Jeremy McClure Coaches Jim Piper Dion Mepham Bernie Mulroy Simon Redmond Grant Stoelwinder Member Member Member Member Elite Elite Elite Elite Coach Coach Coach Coach Panel Panel Panel Panel Individual Scholarship Holders Lara Carroll Sally Foster** Michael Jackson Matthew Lenton Amy Lucas Corey McIntosh Travis Nederpelt Jim Piper Jennifer Reilly Dianne Saunders (EAD) Robert Sharp Lauren Winter ** AIS/WAIS Elite Squad Members Lara Carroll Lisande Dingjan Aaron Holding Robert Jovanovich Adam Lucas Corey McIntosh Travis Nederpelt Jim Piper Mark Riley Robert Sharp Lauren Winter Lisande Dingjan Matthew Glucina Garth Kates Adam Lucas Jeremy McClure (EAD) Rachel Mitchell Steve Neuwert Katrina Porter (EAD) Mark Riley Nicole Seah Eamon Sullivan Aryton Dickey Matthew Glucina Michael Jackson Garth Kates Amy Lucas Rachel Mitchell Steve Neuwert Jennifer Reilly Nicole Seah Eamon Sullivan Stephanie Winter Travis Nederpelt Jennifer Reilly Eamon Sullivan Australian Representatives Lara Carroll Sally Foster Adam Lucas Travis Nederpelt Development Squad Members Photo: Getty Images TRAVIS NEDERPELT It has been a successful year in the pool for the WAIS Swimming Program, with athletes making a splash at a number of international events. Athens Olympians Lara Carroll and Adam Lucas started the year winning bronze medals in the 200m individual medley and the 4x200m freestyle relay respectively at the 2005 FINA World Swimming Championships in Montreal. Lara swam a personal best time to win her first long-course international medal. It was a fast final, with the first two place-getters swimming faster than the gold medal time in Athens. Jim Piper, Mark Riley and Travis Nederpelt were also in the team. Amy Lucas won three medals at the 2005 FINA World Cup in Korea. She took gold in the 200m backstroke and bronze medals in the 50m and 100m backstroke. Seven WAIS athletes were included in the February release of the AllTime Australian Top 10 Best Swims list. Highlights included Jim Piper holding nine of the top 10 fastest times for the 200m breaststroke and Jennifer Reilly holding the first and second, as well as two other top-ten times, for the 400m individual medley. Travis Nederpelt, Adam Lucas, Mark Riley, Eamon Sullivan and Lara Carroll also made the list. Six WAIS swimmers and three coaches made the 45-member Australian swim team for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. It beat WAIS’ previous highest representation of five swimmers in the 1990 and 1998 teams. Jennifer Reilly competed in her third consecutive Games and came home with a medal for the third time. She won bronze in the women’s 400m individual medley. Jim Piper competed in his second Games and brought home a bronze in the men’s 200m breastroke. Travis Nederpelt won silver in the men’s 200m butterfly and bronze in the men’s 400m individual medley; Eamon Sullivan won gold in the men’s 4x100m medley relay and silver in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay and Lara Carroll won bronze in the women’s 200m individual medley. AIS/ WAIS swimmer Sally Foster was also on the team. WAIS coaches Bernie Mulroy (City of Perth), Simon Redmond (Fremantle Port) and Grant Stoelwinder (West Coast) helped coach the Australian team. Lara and Eamon continued their outstanding performances at the 2006 World Short Course Championships in China the following month. They and WAIS athlete Michael Jackson all returned home with medals. Lara won bronze in the women’s 200m individual medley, while Michael and Eamon were in the gold medal-winning men’s 4x100m medley relay team. Six WAIS staff were part of the team; coaches Simon Redmond and Grant Stoelwinder, Jay Davies as team manager, sport psychologist Matt Burgin, sport physiotherapist Brett Slocombe and massage therapist Jaye Thomas. Back in Australia, WAIS swimmers won 11 medals at the Telstra Grand Prix meet in Brisbane in May. Following the Grand Prix, six of the WAIS Elite Squad competed at the Mare Nostrum, a three-meet international series in Monte Carlo, France and Barcelona. Over the three meets, WAIS athletes picked up two gold, six silver and eight bronze medals, contributing to the Australian Telstra Dolphins’ most successful Mare Nostrum tour. Eamon Sullivan, Travis Nederpelt and Sally Foster won medals at all three series, with Adam Lucas, Jim Piper, Michael Jackson also medal-winners. Eamon continued to fulfil his promise as a sprinter at meets in the United States. He caused a major upset in the 50m freestyle final, beating two-time US Olympic star Jason Lezak on his way to winning gold. Eamon was also in the winning men’s 4x100m medley relay team. He almost stole the show in the 100m freestyle but was beaten to the wall by Michael Phelps (49.57 to Eamon’s 49.65). Also competing on the West Coast Tour was WAIS athlete Steve Neuwert. Back home, younger swimmers were competing in the Trans Tasman Series. Bobby Jovanovich was named Male Swimmer of the Meet after his excellent results in his fourth-series appearance. Garth Kates and Rebecca Blevins also swam well. Rebecca Ashton Lisa Bates Jessica Brown Tegan Hanson Braydon McIntosh Carly Stewart Brock Thompson Natalie Woolfitt Service Providers Bernd Adolph Brendan Appleby Gilman Barnitt Matthew Burgin Jay Davies Jay Davies Randy Hill Jeremy Hunter Deborah Kerr Andrew Lyttle Heather McGregor-Bayne Brett Slocombe Matt Spencer Peter Steele Jaye Thomas Lucy Warhurst Major Title Winners Rebecca Blevins Robert Jovanovich Garth Kates Courtney Barr Rebecca Blevins Mark Bush Tait Marston Matthew Smith Kris Taylor Craig Tucker Jim Piper Masseur Strength & Conditioning (2005) Strength & Conditioning (2006) Psychologist Performance Analyst Program Consultant (2005) Physiologist (2005) Physiotherapist Dietitian Biomechanist ACE Coordinator Physiotherapist Physiologist (2006) Doctor Masseur Program Consultant (2006) 2006 National Age Championships, 200M Individual Medley, Sydney, Australia 2006 National Age Championships, 200M Freestyle, Sydney, Australia 2006 National Age Championships, 200M Individual Medley, Sydney, Australia 2006 National Age Championships, 100M Butterfly, Sydney, Australia 2006 Telstra Commonwealth Games Trials, SWD 10 & Over 50m Breastroke, Sydney, Australia 2006 Telstra Commonwealth Games Trials, 400M Individual Medley Sydney, Australia 2006 Telstra Commonwealth Games Trials, 200M Butterfly, Sydney, Australia 2006 Telstra Commonwealth Games Trials, 200M Breaststroke Sydney, Australia 2006 Telstra Commonwealth Games Trials, 400M Individual Medley Sydney, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 4x100M Individual Medley Relay - Men, Melbourne, Australia Jennifer Reilly Mark Riley Eamon Sullivan Coaching Achievements Grant Stoelwinder Bernie Mulroy Simon Redmond 2005 FINA World Championships 400M Individual Medley, Montreal, Canada 2005 FINA World Championships 200M Individual Medley, Montreal, Canada 2006 Commonwealth Games 400M Individual Medley Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 200M Individual Medley, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 200M Breaststroke, Melbourne, Australia 2005 FINA World Championships 2005 200M Individual Medley, Montreal, Canada 2005 FINA World Championships 400M Individual Medley, Montreal, Canada 2005 FINA World Championships 4x200M Freestyle Relay - Men, Montreal, Canada 2005 FINA World Championships 200M Butterfly, Montreal, Canada 2005 FINA World Championships 400M Individual Medley, Montreal, Canada 2006 Commonwealth Games 1500M Freestyle, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 400M Individual Medley, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 200M Butterfly, Melbourne, Australia 2005 FINA World Championships 200M Breaststroke, Montreal, Canada 2005 FINA World Championships 100M Breaststroke, Montreal, Canada 2006 Commonwealth Games 200M Breaststroke, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 100M Breaststroke, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games 400M Individual Medley, Melbourne, Australia 2005 FINA World Championships 50M Breaststroke, Montreal, Canada 2006 Commonwealth Games, 4x100M Freestyle Relay, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games, 4x100M Individual Medley Relay, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games, 50M Freestyle, Melbourne, Australia 2006 Commonwealth Games, 100M Freestyle, Melbourne, Australia Coach 2006, Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia Coach 2006, Melbourne, Australia Coach 2006, Melbourne, Australia 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 44 45 Water Polo mens The WAIS Water Polo Men’s Program continued to thrive, again increasing its representation on the Australian Men’s Water Polo Team. Tim Neesham, James Stanton, Laurie Trettel, and Jamie Beadsworth played for the Aussie Sharks at the FINA Water Polo World Championships in Canada. The Sharks had wins against China and Cuba but failed to make the quarter final. The 8th FINA Water Polo World Junior Men’s Championships were held in Argentina in October, John Richards, Nick O’Halloran, Mitchal Ainwsorth, Brett McGhie and Jamie Beadsworth were members of this team that finished 7th. Troy O’Keefe Edward Slade Rewi Whaitiri Aaron Younger Service Providers Brian Glencross Carmel Goodman Heather McGregor-Bayne Greg Morgan Ted Polglaze Angelique Wilson In the younger ranks, Maui Whaitiri, Daniel Lawrence, Nick O’Halloran and Rhys McKinnon were in the Australian Youth Water Polo Team that won bronze in the Low Tatras Cup in Slovakia, then bronze in a Six Nation Tournament in Italy. Major Title Winners In 2006, those four were named in the Australian Under-20 Men’s Water Polo squad. Daniel and Nick also made the Australian Junior Men’s Water Polo Team to tour Europe in July. Christian Hoad Tim Cleland, Peter Tresise and Christian Hoad joined the five WAIS athletes already in the Aussie Sharks for the Commonwealth Championships in Perth in January. The Sharks defeated Canada 12-3 in the final, redeeming themselves for the loss to Canada in Manchester in 2002. James Stanton The Fremantle Mariners collected their fourth men’s National Water Polo League crown in April, beating Sydney University Lions in a final series that went to three matches. Goalkeeper Laurie Trettel was named most valuable player of the finals round. Nine WAIS players have been named in the Australian Men’s Water Polo Squad for the 2006 World League. Laurie Trettel, James Stanton, Tim Cleland, Jamie Beadsworth, Tim Neesham, Nick O’Halloran, Christian Hoad, Peter Tresise and Mitchal Ainsworth are preparing for the World League, which starts in China in July. Edward Slade, Chris Cramb and Daniel Lawrence have been selected for the Australian Youth Boys’ Water Polo Team to tour Europe in August. Chris Cramb is a reserve. Coach Andrei Kovalenko Jamie Beadsworth Tim Cleland Tim Neesham Peter Tresise Laurie Trettel Perry Short Joel Swift Adam Yeates Program Consultant Doctor Psychologist Strength & Conditioning Physiologist ACE Coordinator 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia Australian Representatives Jamie Beadsworth Tim Neesham James Stanton Laurie Trettel Coaching Achievements Andrei Kovalenko 2005 World Canada 2005 World Canada 2005 World Canada 2005 World Canada Championships, Montreal, Championships, Montreal, Championships, Montreal, Championships, Montreal, Head Coach 2005 World Junior Water Polo Championships, Argentina Head Coach Individual Scholarship Holders Mitchal Ainsworth Christian Hoad Nicholas O’Halloran James Stanton Laurie Trettel Elite Squad Members Mitchal Ainsworth Tim Cleland Daniel Lawrence Rhys McKinnon Nicholas O’Halloran John Richards Peter Tresise Stefan Vahala Jamie Beadsworth Tim Neesham Luke Quinlivan Peter Tresise Jamie Beadsworth Christian Hoad Brett McGhie Tim Neesham Luke Quinlivan James Stanton Laurie Trettel Maui Whaitiri Development Squad Members Brenton Bush Chris Cramb James Fannon Jacob Kagi Daniel Lawrence Scott Chrystal Jonathan Dodd Nicolas Johnson Alexander Kovalenko Chad Nicholls TIM NEESHAM 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 46 47 Water Polo womens WAIS continued to have strong national representation across the age groups throughout the year. Glencora Ralph and Leah Nielson represented Australia when the junior team competed in a Four Nation Tournament with Greece, Italy and Spain in July 2005. Australia did not lose any matches in the tournament. Gemma Beadsworth (WAIS/AIS) competed in the Australian Women’s Team for the FINA 2005 Women’s World Water Polo Championships in Montreal in July. The Australians finished sixth after losing to Olympic silver medallists Greece in a play-off for fifth position. Gemma played a major contribution throughout the Championships. A number of athletes were selected in the 16-and-Under national squad, one being Libby Alcock. She was joined by Preparatory Squad members Sarah Forrest, Ebony Neesham, Allira Solin, Katheryn Van Kampen and Zoe Arancini. Zoe had been named highest goal scorer of the championships after scoring 20 goals for WA. Having recently turned 14, she was one of the youngest competitors. The WAIS Women’s Water Polo team finished with a bronze in a National Institute Challenge in Canberra. After the tournament, Gemma Beadsworth, Gemma Hadley (WAIS/AIS), Jemma Dessauvagie, Glencora Ralph and Luisa Chaves were named in the national squad for Commonwealth Championships selection. Gemma Beadsworth and Gemma Hadley made the cut for the Commonwealth Championships team. The Australians defeated Canada 12-4 to retain the title they won at the inaugural Commonwealth Championships in Manchester in 2002. All WAIS athletes competed in the National Women’s Water Polo League, in which the Fremantle Marlins won a bronze medal. The minor premiers and reigning premiers were defeated in the semi-finals by eventual winners, the Cronulla Sharks. Following the Women’s National Water Polo League, WAIS players in national squads focused on training for their respective tours. Catherine Ainsworth, Gemma Beadsworth, Paige Bowden, Leah Neilsen and Glencora Ralph are in the Australian 20-and-Under Women’s Water Polo squad. Gemma, Leah and Glencora were also selected for the Australian Junior Women’s Water Polo Team and will head to Europe in July to play the Netherlands, Germany, Greece and Italy. Katie Finucane, Gemma and Glencora were later selected in the senior women’s squad, along with Athens Olympian Emma Knox (WAIS/AIS), for the 2006 World League and World Cup events that start in China in July. Photo: Adrian Broughton GEMMA BEADSWORTH Photo: Adrian Broughton GEMMA BEADSWORTH Coach Simone Hankin Head Coach Individual Scholarship Holders Gemma Beadsworth* Gemma Hadley* Glencora Ralph* *WAIS/AIS Elite Squad Members Gemma Beadsworth Jemma-Bonnie Dessauvagie Gemma Hadley Leah Neilsen Service Providers Carmel Goodman Andrew Lyttle Heather McGregor-Bayne Greg Morgan Alison Morris Ted Polglaze Jane Purdie Lucy Warhurst Angelique Wilson Danielle Woodhouse Gemma Beadsworth Gemma Hadley Luisa Chaves Emma Knox* 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia Australian Representatives Gemma Beadsworth Luisa Chaves Katie Finucane Emma Knox Glencora Ralph Development Squad Members Catherine Ainsworth Paige Bowden Jemma-Bonnie Dessauvagie Zoe Hadley Jenna Sanders Elizabeth Alcock Major Title Winners Alicia Anderson Belinda Brooks Katie Finucane Jessica Reynolds Emma Trezise Doctor Biomechanist Psychologist Strength & Conditioning Physiotherapist Physiologist Doctor Program Consultant ACE Coordinator Physiotherapist Gemma Hadley Coaching Achievements Simone Hankin 2005 11th Fina World Championships, Montreal, Canada 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia 2006 Water Polo Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia Assistant National Coach 2005 World League Super Finals, Russia Assistant National Coach 2006 Commonwealth Championships, Perth, Australia 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 48 49 Athlete & Coach Services Consolidation of the previous work and methods was the underlying theme throughout the ACS department during the year. One of the positives was to retain a very stable staff across the disciplines. A greater experience and familiarity ensured the department progressed in many areas. The utilisation of key processes in strategic and operational planning has assisted the staff to maintain an attention to detail and make the best use of the resources available in meeting the key needs of the athletes. The stability and experience of WAIS staff has also been recognised by national sporting organisations as numerous ACS staff were invited to assist with national team preparation at various stages throughout the year. David Gould continued to provide his valuable technical skills to operations of the department and Tina Price also served the department with her efficient and professional administration skills. Staff from all disciplines attended the 2005 National Elite Sport Council elite sport forum. This forum brought together over 200 staff from the various Australian Institutes of Sport to share knowledge and experiences. WAIS staff not only learnt from this conference but provided numerous presentation Athlete & Coach Services L-R HEATHER MCGREGOR-BAYNE, GEISH HORI, GREG MORGAN, GILMAN BARNITT, ANGELIQUE WILSON, FRANKIE TAN, MATTHEW DOYLE, ANDREW LYTTLE, CARLIE GOODEN, TED POLGLAZE, TINA PRICE AND CLAIRE RECHICHI 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 50 Sport Science Mr Frankie Tan was welcomed into the department in February 2006 as a new PhD scholar. Frankie will be completing doctoral studies in the physiology area through an agreement between WAIS, the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Singapore Sports Council. In the further development of state-of-the-art technology, Matt Keys has initiated his doctoral studies in collaboration with the Human Movement and Exercise Science and Civil Engineering Departments at UWA. Matt will be refining his swimming Computational Fluid Dynamics model to assist with the optimisation of swimming stroke technique. Strength & Conditioning Research conducted during the year was presented at several conferences by physiologists Matt Spencer, Ted Polglaze and Claire Rechichi and biomechanist Andrew Lyttle. The Department manager, Martin FitzSimons, also attended the European conference as part of a study tour to English, Spanish and French sport institutes prior to commencing long service leave. Brendyn Appleby after seven years in the Department, the last three years as Head, left in August to take up the position as assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Super 14 Rugby franchise Western Force. The Department is grateful for the positive contribution he has made particularly the commitment under pressure in the lead up to the 2004 Athens Olympics. Gil Barnitt took up the position vacated by Brendyn in October. His previous position was as fitness coach for the Hurricanes (Super 14 Rugby) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Gil is in essence returning to WA having previously completed his Masters degree in Physical Education at the University of Western Australia. He has brought to the position a variety of skills and experiences that have already enabled him to make a positive contribution to WAIS operations. The role of sport scientist is well integrated into the functioning of the Australian Swimming Team. Coaches and athletes welcome the contributions from various disciplines and are keen to engage with the sport scientists in their area of expertise. One example is the increased use of video-assisted technology and computer-driven programs analysing performance. This innovation has lead to the need for highly qualified observers of biomechanics to be involved in the feedback provided to coaches and athletes during competitions. This requirement saw the inclusion of biomechanist Andrew Lyttle at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, which was a continuation of Andrews previous appointments with the Australian Swimming Team at World Championships and National Event Camps. Other elements of sport science are also keenly sought after by coaches and athletes during the competition and training cycle. WAIS physiologist Matt Spencer and sport psychologist Matt Burgin have also been invited to service the Australian Swimming Team including events like the 2006 World Short Course, Shanghai, and the upcoming Pan Pacific Championships to be held in Victoria, Canada. Both roles have been forged through working in partnership with the National program over numerous years and developing a rapport and respect with coaches and athletes alike. Claire Rechichi has also travelled with the Australian Women’s Hockey Team to competitions in Argentina and Europe. 51 Greg Morgan carried out the duties as acting head for six weeks and his good work ensured a smooth transition. ANDREW LYTTLE & MATT KEYS L-R FRANKIE TAN, BRIAN DAWSON, ANDREW LYTTLE, MATTHEW DOYLE, TED POLGLAZE AND SIAN FLYNN L-R GILMAN BARNITT, GREG MORGAN, GEISH HORI WITH CHRIS JOHNSON Geish Hori was appointed part-time Strength and Conditioning officer in July. He is currently completing his PhD in the area of strength and power development with Edith Cowan University. As well as his up to date knowledge in current research, he is an active competitor in the sport of Weightlifting. The department continues to service the strength requirements of both the men’s and women’s AIS and national hockey programs. The gym during the year was also been used by English, Scottish and Malaysian cyclists in their build up for the Commonwealth Games. A continuing challenge is to service the increasing demand by the different sports for strength and conditioning services within the current facility and with the current staffing levels. The Strength and Conditioning staff were very pleased to receive formal accreditation of the facility and its operations by the National Sport Science Quality Assurance Program in November 2005. 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 52 Clinical Services Elite sport requires athletes to continually push the limits of their physical abilities. Injuries are inevitable and WAIS is very fortunate to have a network of excellent medical service providers to meet this need. Dr Carmel Goodman continues to provide her services not only as a sport medicine practitioner but also as the coordinator of clinical services to WAIS. Carmel was also recently appointed as the Primary Medical Officer for Rowing Australia. These appointments along with her role as a member of staff at the UWA Department of Human Movement has ensured WAIS has strong clinical links to many organisations. Integral to excellence in clinical services to elite athletes is the willingness to make the extra effort to see athletes out of normal hours and to make the extra phone calls/contacts etc. The clinical service providers are also required to spend additional time liaising with coaches and ACS staff to ensure all providers are working towards the best outcome for the athlete. WAIS athletes also continue to be very well served by nutritionist Deborah Kerr. Deborah’s role with Curtin University’s Department of Nutrition and her wealth of practical experience ensures our athletes have access to the very best nutrition advice. Medical Coordinator Dr Carmel Goodman Sports Physicians Dr Dr Dr Dr Dr Dr Carmel Goodman Scott Isbel Ken Maguire Peter Steele Duncan Sullivan Gerard Taylor Sports Dietitian Ms Deborah Kerr Sports Physiotherapists Andrew Hayden Jeremy Hunter Alison Low Alison Morris Chris Perkin Nick Shannahan Brett Slocombe Dean Whittington Jocelyn Young Fiona Chromiak Michael Wood Mark Finucane Joanne Norcott Jacinta Downey Physicians Dr Jane Purdie Physiotherapists Andrew Stanford Peter Gregory Craig Hewson Damian Oldmeadow Laurel Wentworth Michelle Worland Mark Oberman Danielle Woodhouse Massage Therapists Jaye Thomas Bernd Adolph Malcolm Calcutt Alison Slattery 53 Talent Search Institute of Sports Medicine During 2005 Healthway confirmed their continued support for the Smarter than Smoking WAIS Talent Search by sponsoring the program for a further one year period. participate, demonstrating the schools commitment to the program. This result also recognises the excellent work of the program coordinator, Carlie Gooden Institute of Sports Medicine Sports Medicine Subiaco Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Sports Medicine Subiaco Sports Medicine Glengarry Sports Medicine Subiaco During the past twelve months WAIS has worked closely with the Heart Foundation to develop and implement a number of initiatives to improve the ways in which the Talent Search promotes the Smarter than Smoking health message. It is hoped that the new initiatives will increase the awareness of the dangers associated with smoking among West Australian teenagers involved in the program. WAIS The primary aim of the talent search program is to identify future sporting champions. Talent Identification programs have been implemented for cycling, rowing and canoeing. Athletes identified via the talent search process have produced some excellent results during the past twelve months. Former Talent Search athlete (1999), Natalie Bale with partner Sarah Outhwaite achieved outstanding results to place first in the Women’s Pair and fourth in the Women’s Eight at the 2005 World Cup in Eton, England. Natalie also placed second in the Women’s Pair at the 2005 World Championships in Japan. MTM Physiotherapy Glengary Health on the Move Physiotherapy Ascend Physiotherapy Sports Medicine Subiaco Physiotherapy & Physical Medicine Swan Park Physiotherapy Centre Cottesloe Sports Physiotheraphy Curtin Physiotherapy Centre Ascend Physiotherapy Leederville/North Perth Physiotherapy MTM Physiotherapy Cottesloe Sports Physiotherapy Joanne Norcott Physiotherapy Ascend Physiotherapy Third Avenue Surgery MTM Physiotherapy Glengarry Ascend Physiotherapy Riverton Physiotherapy Clinic Physiotherapy Solutions SportsMed Murdoch Lifecare St John of God Physiotherapy Curtin University Subiaco Sports Massage Clinic Subiaco Sports Massage Clinic Sharon & Malcolm Calcutt Massage Therapy Alison J Slattery Massage Therapist In an effort to improve the talent identification and development process the 2005 program implemented a new initiative that would increase the retention rate and success of the athletes involved in rowing. The initiative included a localised talent search centralising around the WAIS rowing training facility. The 2005 Rowing Talent Search was deemed a success with 19 athletes remaining at the conclusion of the nine month program. Of those athletes nine were selected to train in the WAIS Rowing Preparatory Squad. Phase one of the 2006 program has been completed and the program has continued to see an increase in the number of schools registering to Two former Talent Search athletes have also been selected to represent Australia on National Teams during 2006. Jesse Phillips (1999) has been chosen for the National Under 23 Flatwater Team for canoeing. Jesse will compete in the third World Cup Regatta in China during September. Josephine Butler, 2003 TID athlete, has also been selected to represent Australia for cycling. Josephine will compete at the Junior World Championships in Ghent from the 5th to 8th of August. Aria May (2002 TID canoeing athlete) was presented with the Raj Award at the 2006 Australian Flat-water Championships. The prestigious award is presented to the best all-round junior athlete competing at the nationals, and is based on attitude, dedication to the sport and department. 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 54 55 Athlete Career & Education Throughout the past year, the focus has been on not only providing a quality service, but also on the internal and external promotion of the ACE program. WAIS has continued to provide a high level of individual support, counselling, advocacy and personal development opportunities to over 300 WAIS, AIS and National Sporting Organisation scholarship holders. WAIS has also continued to enjoy a growing relationship with key networks within the Perth community. Support for athletes continues to be positive and opportunities for athletes within the employment and educational sectors have developed through new or increased affiliations with the Australian Sports Commission‘s Active After School Program, Challenge Stadium, Royal Life Saving Society, WA Department of Sport and Recreation, Central TAFE and the EAFU universities of Curtin, Murdoch, Edith Cowan and UWA. Athletes and their significant others have been offered the opportunity to gain valuable introductory (‘Myths and Misconceptions of Nutrition’) and advanced (‘Understanding Supplements’) level knowledge via workshops conducted in collaboration with the WAIS Nutritionist, Medical Coordinator and Physiologists. Translating knowledge into practice remains a key objective for the program with skills-based workshops and seminars offered in ‘Financial Success: Managing My Money’, ‘Healthy Cooking’ and ‘Media Interviewing for Television and Print’. Athletes jumped at the opportunity to get ‘off the pitch’ and into the kitchen or media studio to the extent that the demand exceeded the supply of places, and future repeat workshops have already been scheduled. The 2005 Annual Dinner marked the launch of the WAIS Athlete Career and Education Excellence Award which recognises and encourages excellence in both sport and life. To be considered, an athlete must have excelled either academically or within their chosen career/area of employment, and have achieved this while also maintaining their sporting focus, results and commitment. An athlete must also have contributed significantly to the development of themselves and/or others through their involvement with WAIS. The inaugural award was presented to Gemma Hadley for having successfully graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts (Classical Music) Saxophone at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts together with a Bachelor of Music Education with a minor in Physical Education from Edith Cowan University. Gemma completed her four year degree full time and averaged a distinction through-out her studies, while being promoted to the AIS Water Polo Squad and subsequently selected into the National Women’s Touring Team to Canada. October also saw Matthew Burgin, who has worked jointly into both the ACE and Sport Psychology programs since beginning at WAIS in 2001, transition into the Sport Psychology role in a full-time capacity. His contribution to date has been far-reaching and much appreciated, and will continue to be an asset both on a strategic level for the program and in terms of integrating ACE and Psychology for WAIS athletes. In June, WAIS ACE was afforded the opportunity to host the 2006 National Athlete Career and Education Conference. This three-day event provided staff within the Australia wide network the opportunity to foster relationships, discuss topics of national significance, and to attend a variety of professional development sessions aimed at developing new skills and keeping abreast of industry knowledge. WAIS sourced specialist presenters within the areas of career development, career coaching, work experience, welfare and chaplaincy, and ecounseling. The National manager, Mr John Waser, was very appreciative of the support WAIS ACE staff Heather McGregor-Bayne and Angie Wilson provided in terms of their organisation and planning. Marketing & Sponsorship L-R ANGELIQUE WILSON, SIAN FLYNN, JESSE PHILLIPS AND DEBORAH KERR Photo: RAW Image 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 56 Marketing & Sponsorship 2005/06. Channel 7 provided valuable footage of WAIS events and activities. We thank them for their involvement in the 21st Anniversary promotional videos featured at the WAIS Annual Dinner. Program Sponsors The Carbine Club joined WAIS during the year to establish “The Carbine Club International Scholarship Fund”. This important initiative allocates funding to WAIS athletes to assist with travel to international competitions. BGC Construction Group joined with WAIS during the year to establish “WAIS Wellness Seminars”. This initiative involved WAIS program staff hosting health and nutrition seminars targeted at improving the wellbeing of the BGC Construction staff. The Western Australian Club (WA Club) has continued it’s alignment with WAIS and its athletes through WAIS’s employment scheme “Athlete Advantage”. WA Club members have contributed considerable direct athlete support throughout the 2005/06 year through fundraising activities and events hosted at the WA Club. Bankwest Business and Ross Sales and Auctions sponsored the WAIS Men’s Water Polo program this year which enabled the team to travel to Europe to gain valuable match and training experience. Gloria Jeans sponsored the WAIS Cycling program this year which assisted with the purchase of new training uniforms for the team. Suppliers Bekkers IT, official supplier of IT services, have continued their longterm relationship with WAIS. Kea Designer Sportswear has continued its long standing relationship as apparel supplier. Over the past year Kea and WAIS developed a new range of apparel to suit the demanding requirements of athletes and staff. Sustagen have provided WAIS with in kind sponsorship once again this year. Their nutritional supplement powder has been supplied to WAIS athletes. 57 profiles of all 35 Western Australian athletes competing at the Games. WAIS also operated a daily news alert which generated additional media interest and traffic to the WAIS website during this period. in key promotional and advertising campaigns for the Scitech Sporting Hero Exhibition and 2006 White Pages metropolitan directory cover for Sensis. In February 2006 WAIS engaged Marketing and PR consultancy Buzz Marketing to proactively seek media exposure for the Institute and athletes. Mr Jason Dover and Ms Sian Delaney from Buzz Marketing have been working hard to increase the profile of WAIS and the athletes since the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. • WAIS Tours - The established “Behind the Scene” WAIS Tour experience has been developed to create a memorable experience for visiting schools and children. WAIS athlete tour guides communicate key aspects of WAIS operations, provide an understanding of the training and commitment required at the elite level of sport and share their experiences of their journey with the group to motivate and inspire them to achieve their best. Events There were key public relations events which occurred during the year to promote the recognition and awareness of WAIS. Some of these are highlighted below: • The Commonwealth Games Regional Tour was a major promotional initiative conducted this year in partnership with the WA Commonwealth Games Association. Three tours were completed over May and June this year in several regional areas of WA. These tours were funded by the Department of Sport and Recreation’s ‘Champions to the Regions’ Scheme which aims to provide positive role models to regional children, encourage participation in sport, setting goals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. WAIS athletes participated in school visits involving approximately 6,000 school children and attended many community activities in the regional areas. The positive response from this activity has been overwhelming. • WA Olympic Council and WA Commonwealth Games Association Events and Functions - WAIS has established a strong partnership with the WA Olympic Council and WA Commonwealth Games Association to ensure there were many successful events and functions held throughout the year focusing upon the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. These included media conferences, athlete interviews, athlete media profiles and co-ordinating the official Welcome Home Ceremony hosted by the City of Perth on April 5, 2006. • Athlete appearances - WAIS has developed a strong presence with the Community Development Program which have been very successful in promoting WAIS and generating goodwill in the community. The Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games created an increased interest in WAIS and its athletes. During the year there was significant WAIS athlete involvement in promotions for Telethon; Starlight Foundation; Princess Margaret Hospital and primary and secondary school visits in the metropolitan area. WAIS athletes were in demand as guest speakers at the many events including the Dennis Lillee Disabled Sports Foundation Golf Day; Be Active WA Pacing Cup, Western Force function; West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Football Club functions and Department of Sport and Recreation Active Achiever Awards. WAIS athletes also participated Computer Power Institute of Technology contributed to the success of the ACE (Athlete Career Education) initiative by providing IT scholarships to athletes. WAIS is grateful to all its retiring, existing and new partners for their valuable contribution. The support of our partners plays a vital role in the journey the athletes follow to international success. Public Relations The success of WAIS was actively promoted during the year enhancing our reputation as a premier sporting institute as well as increasing our profile in the community. Sponsorship, public relations and communications have all enjoyed positive outcomes for the WAIS Marketing department in the past year. Website and Corporate Communications Sponsorship WAIS is committed to working with its sponsors and marketing initiatives undertaken during the year reflect this commitment. Sponsors and suppliers for the 2005/2006 period are detailed below. The WAIS Marketing department has continued to develop key communication tools including the WAIS News Bulletin (WNB) and WAIS website. The WNB captures all athlete and sport results and is sent weekly via email. It is an important communication tool not only for WAIS but our sport partners, sponsors and the media and continues to grow with an estimated readership of over 5,000 recipients. The WAIS website is continually being developed to ensure promotion of WAIS operations, staff, athletes and partnerships are maximised. Major Sponsors Media Coca-Cola once again supported WAIS both financially and in-kind with the provision of Powerade and beverages. During the year, Coca Cola unveiled their Powerade Isotonic product through a major launch and WAIS was able to assist by presenting the benefits of this product for athlete recovery. Coca Cola have been a Major Sponsor of WAIS over the past 21 years and will continue its support of WAIS into 2006/07 as a Supplier level sponsor. We thank them for their significant contribution to WAIS and look forward to continuing our relationship into the future. Healthway is a long term supporter of the Smarter than Smoking WAIS Talent Search scheme and continued as a Major Sponsor of WAIS in The WAIS Marketing Department produced many news stories, press releases and media opportunities for WAIS athletes, coaches, staff and services throughout the year. Media exposure of WAIS has increased since the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and during the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games period. There has been regular media coverage of all WAIS operations in State, community and regional newspapers, in national magazine features and radio and television features. During the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, the WAIS website was used as a media resource to promote the schedules, results and Photo: WAIS KIM MICKLE, CHRIS TROODE & KYLIE WHEELER • Community Program - WAIS has joined the Active After School Community Program by registering with the Australian Sports Commission. Selected WAIS athletes have been trained as deliverers of this program which encourages children to participate in an active and healthy lifestyle. Publications WAIS produced two editions of the Without Compromise magazine, an Annual Report, the 2005 – 2008 Strategic Plan and 48 Editions of the WAIS News Bulletin (electronic newsletter) over the reporting period. The WAIS Marketing Department also assisted with the production of various department and program publications for presentations, seminars and events. The Without Compromise Magazine is a bi-annual magazine which includes a report from the Executive Director on the achievements to date and highlights athletes, staff, program and services activities. It provides a comprehensive focus on the WAIS operation and is circulated to over 2,500 athletes, sport, corporate and government agencies. The WAIS Annual Report is another important promotional tool distributed to key stakeholders. Ms Georgina Walsh, WAIS contracted journalist is a major contributor to the WAIS publications ‘Without Compromise’ magazine, WAIS Annual Report and WAIS News Bulletin. Ms Walsh has taken extended leave from 1 June 2006 and we are pleased that Ms Gabrielle Knowles has assumed these areas of responsibility and look forward to working with her in the future. Staffing Ms Stephanie Neesham, Marketing Manager is responsible for sponsorship, marketing, media and communications initiatives relating to WAIS. Ms Marisa Leddin provides support to the marketing department by coordinating WAIS tours, athlete appearances and multimedia activities including the WAIS News Bulletin (WNB) and website. 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 58 59 Finance & Administration Staff Human Resources Ms Honnie Butler has continued to provide her enhanced financial management skills which has proved to be valuable input to the WAIS Finance and Administration department in particular. During the year 2005/2006 Mrs Helen Rice has continued to provide her valuable expertise in co-ordinating various HR projects. Ms Marisa Leddin has continued to share receptionist duties with Ms Tina Price. Both Marisa and Tina have provided an enthusiastic and professional face to our reception. At 30 June 2006 the number of full time staff was 39 and permanent part-time staff, numbered 9. Accommodation and Costs Various strategies were implemented during the year to reduce the cost of administering WAIS operations, the outcome has been a positive one for WAIS with significant savings made. The Budgeting Model was updated during the year in order to improve upon the financial management processes in conjunction with the users. The payroll system was also successfully updated. WAIS successfully adopted International Financial Reporting Standards during the financial year 2005-06 with virtually seamless transition from the previous Australian Standards. Building Maintenance As part of the Strategic Plan 2004-2008, a Performance Management System enhancement project has been further developed and partly implemented during 2005. Further refinements are planned in future. Information Technology Mrs Aine McSweeney has resigned to pursue her career prospects in the commercial sector. During the year various enhancements were made to our document management system, website and our proprietary data management system – DAIS. DAIS has continued to be developed by our Software engineer, Mr Adrian Broughton with improvements on the version. Optimisation of internal process in order to utilise the resources available was one of the key initiatives that was focused on by the Information Technology. An audio-visual repository and communications project was initiated with a proposal for additional funding by the Government. This project is aimed to provide athletes, coaches and scientific staff an effective and efficient resource for the storage and management of digital audio visual records of competition, training and testing from multiple internal and external locations. This project is also aimed at enhancing the potential to distribute high performance coaching information to regional WA. WAIS staff common room is being built on the mezzanine floor which was one of the initiatives identified during the WAIS Strategic Planning 2004-2008 process. This is expected to complete by August 2006. Finance & Administration L-R CINDY MCINTYRE, KAUSHIK BHOWMICK, ADRIAN BROUGHTON, HELEN RICE, STEPHANIE NEESHAM, TINA PRICE, MARISA LEDDIN AND STEVE LAWRENCE 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 60 WAIS would like to thank: major Sponsors Program Sponsors Smarter than Smoking WAIS Talent Search International Scholarship Fund Cycling Wellness Seminar Men’s Water Polo Athlete Advantage Men’s Water Polo Official Suppliers Apparel IT Services Athlete Career & Education Venue Supporters An Olympic Training Centre Endorsed by the Australian Olympic Committee Dietary Supplement