Slider Archives - Page 16 of 17 - Wyndham Basketball

About a month ago Werribee Basketball put a call out on Facebook to locate the man dressed as the most frightening devil mascot you could possibly imagine.

Well, we found him.

His name is Peter Smith, a Werribee Basketball veteran and a founding member of our domestic club St Andrews.

Peter has had a life-long love affair with the game and after playing in various locations in Melbourne, settled in Werribee in the late 1970s.

As St Andrews Basketball Club grew, so too did Peter’s involvement with the Werribee Devils.

“The devil mascot started during the 90s when we upgraded to the three-court stadium. It was something to liven the crowd up and I was more than happy to do it!”

Peter had the suit made specially and said it was a much-loved part of the game day experience throughout the mid-90s.

“I used to run up and down the side of the court revving the crowd up, throwing minties into the stands for kids,” Peter said.

“We had a great US coach here at the time, who loved promoting the team wherever possible. We ended up have to hire extra seating to fit everyone in!”

Peter’s involvement with Werribee Basketball has not diminished over the years. He is still involved with St Andrews, and his children and grandchildren have been involved at different levels, ensuring a long-lasting legacy.

“I still love teaching young kids about the game,” Peter said.

Werribee Basketball Association has won “Basketball Association of the Year” at Basketball Victoria’s annual awards ceremony.

The prestigious award recognises an outstanding association that accomplished significant achievement in 2017. It encompasses the entire organisation with criteria including membership and participation growth, program development and community involvement.

In a stellar 2017 the WBA grew significantly across all facets of the association, culminating in receiving this celebrated award.

WBA President Paul Jones said the award emphasises why Werribee is such a strong basketball association.

“In 2017 the WBA continued to experience extraordinary growth – 17 percent – in participation numbers at junior levels, but also in programs delivered across all levels. Pathways, player, coach and referee development and community engagement, including reaching more than 7000 local students, have all grown over the last 12 months,” Mr Jones said.

“This award highlights our strength as a community asset for the Wyndham region. The WBA has a clear vision to become the association of choice in Melbourne’s west, so to be named as a leader across the state is a great thrill.

“We will continue working to ensure we can offer an opportunity for everyone in the growing population of Wyndham to be involved in the sport of basketball.”

WBA’s Business Manager Andrew Summerville said everyone at Werribee deserved the recognition.

“The great thing about this award is it represents our whole association. It is not just about one individual or one program, it is about our association in its entirety,” Mr Summerville said.

“Everyone has played a part in this. We thank our domestic clubs and their committees, our players, coaches, referees, volunteers, members, staff and committee for the countless hours of work they put in to the association.”

Mr Summerville said the WBA had evolved significantly throughout the past year.

“We made some significant changes in 2017 and often change is controversial, however we have been courageous and bold in our decision making and this award is recognition that we are heading in the right direction.”

The WBA is determined to capitalise on the momentum from this award to ensure it continues to grow and maintains its high standard throughout 2018 and beyond.

The Werribee Devils State Championship Men’s side has been boosted by the announcement of two US imports, Bryan Nagy and Konor Kulas. The pair will join the team for the 2018 Big V season.

Nagy comes to Werribee via US NCAA Division III side Carroll University and was known in college for his pinpoint passing and his ability to step up and deliver when it mattered most.

At 201cm, Nagy is a powerful yet versatile presence on the court, with an ability to play in any position.

Devils State Championship Men’s coach Warren Estcourt said Nagy comes to Werribee with a reputation as a multi dimensional player at both ends of the floor.

“Bryan can guard a 1 through 5 and his mobility gives us multiple looks defensively. Offensively he has the ability to score inside and outside. We are very pleased to secure someone of Bryan’s ability.

“He is known as a great team man, and I am sure he will fit in to our system seamlessly.”

Kulas is a 201cm forward, known for his strong defensive play and shooting game.

He joins Werribee after a terrific college career at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and a stint in Germany, playing for BBC Montabaur.

“Konor will be one of the best back to the basket players in the league and can also shoot it from the perimeter. His versatility is going to give people match up problems. He’s athletic, can defend well and we are looking forward to Bryan and Konor becoming one of the best front courts in the league.” Estcourt said.

“Our roster is now finalised and the squad is training well together. We’re really excited to welcome our imports and get the season underway. I have no doubt Bryan and Konor will be a great fit for the team, and more importantly, the Werribee Basketball Association.”

The Devils first game of the season is against Blackburn Vikings at Eagle Stadium on Sunday, March 18.

Love basketball and interested in being involved with the Werribee Devils elite senior sides?

Werribee Basketball is looking for statisticians for our upcoming Big V season. Teams include our State Championship men, Division One women and youth league mens and womens.

Statisticians need to be available for games on Saturday nights and Sundays.

This is a great opportunity for jobseekers looking to build a career in sports, will look good on a resume and you will be reimbursed for your time.

Training is provided if required.

To apply or for more details email info@wyndhambasketball.com with the subject STATISTICIAN.

Registrations are now open to senior domestic teams for the 2018 winter season.

With three nights and a number of grades available for both men and women sides, there is a competition for everyone.

Team registration is $210, and Teams that register into the competition pay a weekly team sheet of $60, paid prior to the game commencing.

The winter season commences the week of Wednesday 18 April.

Each team will receive team membership for all their members (over 18+) with Werribee Basketball Association partner The Tigers Clubhouse.

Click here to register your existing team here.

Click here to register a new team.

Werribee Basketball is thrilled to announce the signing of US import Alyssa Bennett to its D1W team for the 2018 BigV season.

Alyssa comes to Werribee with a reputation as a versatile competitor, who prides herself on her defensive ability.

After a stellar career at Hampton University, including a dominant final college season with the Lady Pirates, Bennett played professionally in Belgium’s Division 1 League. She has continued her career playing various women’s leagues across the US.

At 6’1, Bennett is a strong inside-outside player who can play in the 3 and 4 spot.

Bennett said she was thrilled to be coming to Werribee for the next phase of her career.

“I signed with Werribee because I am 100 percent sure they are the team for me. I am very grateful that I’ve been chosen to be a part of the team.

“I’m beyond blessed to play in Australia, it’s like a dream come true. I could never have imagined playing in such a beautiful country. Also to be a part of an extraordinary growing organisation,” Bennett said.

Bennett said she was determined to help the D1W team have a successful season.

“My goals are to help my team become stronger, and to build and grow together. My goals for the team would be furthering the season and be one of the final teams in the playoffs. I’m looking forward to having a successful season in Australia, meeting my new coaches and teammates.”

Devils D1W coach Reece Potter said Bennett’s size and athleticism will be greatly beneficial to the team.

“Alyssa’s versatility to play on the perimeter or inside, plus her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor will make her extremely tough for opposition teams to stop.

“We are looking forward to integrating Alyssa into our senior women’s program during the pre-season and having her become an important part of the team, and our club, throughout the 2018 Big V season.”

The Devils’ D1W season gets underway against Warrandyte Venom on Sunday, March 18.

Werribee Basketball has unveiled Sean Rogasch as its new Marketing and Communications Manager.

Bringing a wealth of marketing, media and communications experience to the role, Sean established a successful career in political communications as a media adviser for federal MPs Michael Ronaldson, James Paterson and Sarah Henderson.

Sean has a media and communications degree from Swinburne University, worked as a sports journalist for Leader Newspapers and community television and founded his own monthly local newspaper for the Southbank community in Melbourne. He also has corporate PR experience with Australian accounting software giant MYOB.

Sean was drawn to the role at Werribee Basketball by a desire to return to his first love – sport – and apply his professional skills in a growing sporting organisation.

“I am passionate about the benefits of community sporting organisations and understand the important role they play in growing communities like the one here in Wyndham,” Sean said.

“I can’t wait to get to know and work with the junior domestic clubs, the senior teams, our Werribee Devils representative sides and the army of volunteers who ensure everyone can enjoy the game.”

WBA Business Manager Andrew Summerville said the Marketing and Communication role was a critical position as the association continues to grow, and Sean’s experience was a great fit.

“Sean will work across all channels to promote and market our brand, our clubs and our programs. He will work closely with all of our staff, volunteers, players and the wider community to ensure the WBA continues to grow and prosper.

“The WBA was really pleased to attract an applicant of Sean’s vast experience and knowledge in the communications space.

“The marketing, promotions and communications space is an area we really want to invest in so we can continue to strengthen our brand. I am sure Sean will bring a number of new initiatives to enhance our member engagement, media content and events,” Andrew said.

Werribee Basketball is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Clyne to the role of Competition & Program Manager. Chris has an extensive background in competitions management in various sporting organisations.

Chris is an experienced professional with years of experience in stadium and competitions management. Having left his role as Sports Director with Geelong Basketball & Netball Centre, the WBA believes Chris will be an excellent addition to the team as Werribee Basketball moves to fulfil its strategic vision.

Chris brings on board an abundance of basketball experience with varied roles at various levels. Chris has worked as Stadium Manager at Echuca Basketball, Customer Service Office at Geelong Basketball, Administration and Development Officer at Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association, Big V Game Day Co-ordinator and as Barwon Sports Academy Program Director amongst others roles. With his expertise in competition and stadium management combined with his experience with Sports TG and Stadium Scoring, he will be an excellent addition to the association.

Chris also brings plenty of basketball and coaching experience. He is a level 2 basketball coach and has been aDirector of Coaching at Echuca Basketball, Victoria Country State Assistant Coach, VJBL and Big V Head Coach and a Victoria Country NITP Coach. With his expertise in running competitions, managing facilities and impressive coaching credentials, the WBA is sure that Chris will be a valuable addition to our growing organisation.

Chris will work across all channels to ensure the successful management of all domestic competitions, representative programs, holiday camps and other programs within the City of Wyndham.

“I’m very excited to be working for a strong basketball association such as Werribee. I look forward to all the exciting challenges laying ahead, and playing my role in growing basketball participation in the Wyndham region.” said Clyne.

WBA Business Manager, Andrew Summerville said “I am glad to have Chris come on board at the WBA. He is experienced in many facets of basketball and sports management. He takes over a very important position within our association and we are confident he will do a great job. Basketball competitions is our core business and Chris will help us continue to grow and promote the sport in the area.”

Chris has commenced his duties and will be out and about in the WBA community engaging with members in the coming weeks.

Media contacts:
Sean Rogasch: 03 9742 5440 | sean.rogasch@wyndhambasketball.com

Werribee Basketball Association is delighted to announce the 2018 Big V Coaching appointments for the Division 1 Women, Youth League Women and Youth League Men’s teams. After weeks of extensive interviews and screening processes the WBA are pleased to announce the following coaches for the upcoming Big V season.

Division 1 Women, Head Coach – Reece Potter

Reece is an experienced coach who has been part of Australian junior teams, WNBL and SEABL teams and many other elite level programs. Reece said, “I am excited about the opportunity to lead the senior women’s program at Werribee. The region and the association has enormous potential and I look forward to helping develop an elite pathway for female athletes in Melbourne’s west.”

Reece’s qualifications and experience includes:

VIC Metro U/18 Women State Team Head Coach
Basketball VIC NITP Head Coach
Australian Junior Assistant Coach
SEABL Head Coach with Launceston Tornadoes
WNBL Assistant Coach with Sydney Flames & Canberra Capitals
NSW Country State Team Assistant Coach
High Performance & Development Program Network Coach in 4 States
Coaching Director for Maitland Basketball & Lead Coach of Basketball for Hunter Valley Grammar School
Coach Educator for Basketball ACT & Basketball Victoria
Association (Level 2) Coach Accreditation

Youth League Women, Head Coach – Mason Rogers

Mason is a young and upcoming coach who has great knowledge of the game. He has the talent and ability to lead the Youth League Women program to great heights in the upcoming season. Mason was delighted on his appointment and said, “As a new member of the Werribee coaching staff, I am excited to be leading the Werribee YLW’s program in 2018. I look forward to embracing this new role and the challenges it brings. The club is heading in a great direction under Reece Potter and I look forward to helping create a culture that can set the standard for the future generations.”

Mason’s qualifications and experience includes:

Basketball VIC NITP Assistant Coach
Apprentice Coach VIC Metro U/16 Women’s State Team
VJBL Representative Coach at Nunawading & Bulleen
Big V Assistant Coach (Bulleen)
Club (Level 1) Coach Accreditation
Bachelor of Law

Youth League Women, Assistant Coach – Paul Jones

Paul will assist Mason for the 2018 season and the WBA is confident that Paul’s coaching experience will help the team achieve its goals and ambitions. Paul said, “I look forward to supporting the women’s program in the development of our players, coaches and continue to work on building the link with our VJBL program.”

Youth League Men, Head Coach – Dion Jewell

Dion is a Werribee product who has been part of the Association for over 25 years. Along with his coaching experience, he has an ability to build rapport with players and is heavily invested in WBA programs and player development. Dion said, “I am very excited to be able to step in to the Werribee’s Big V program to lead the Youth League Men’s side. To be able to combine this role with the Junior Boys Lead gives me the opportunity to provide a pathway for our young players from juniors through to the State Champ Men’s team. This is something I am very passionate about and look forward to seeing the development of the clubs’ future.”

Dion’s qualifications and experience includes: