A star-studded 2013 Armidale Cycling Club annual awards night went off without a hitch on Sunday evening at the Armidale City Bowling Club with club members out in force to celebrate another year of great achievement at all levels.
As Club President, Rob Tindale carried the honour of presenting a huge range of awards to Junior and Senior riders and he did so in style, starting with the title of 2013 A-Grade and Club Champion which went to Sam Jenner, John Scott-Hamilton graciously accepting the runner-up trophy for the third time.
As further indication of the strength of younger riders at the club, another U17 rider Jack Parker, stepped up to receive his B-Grade winners trophy with Dene Bourke taking the runner-up spot. Richard Wilkinson and Jo Wauch took out the C-Grade honours which saw Jo receiving her first of 3 awards on the night – her C-Grade runner-up was followed by the prestigious Presidents’ Award and a well-deserved Frog Award for continued success on her travels in National Masters events this year. Also recognised for outstanding performances away from home were Sam Jenner, Col MacIver and Andrew Swann.
All junior riders were given special mention for demonstrating great attitude and determination at the track each week, working hard at their PB’s and riding technique. Lachie Harris won the Junior Championships A-Grade medal and Alex King the equivalent B-Grade medal. Cal Godwin was recognised with the Sportsmanship medal, Sam King the Most Improved medal and Ryan Harris picked up the Coaches Award from Karlee. Particular mention was made of the unerring support provided by Karlee and Deb McMillan and by Swanny who are all so generous with their own personal time for the benefit of our junior riders.
Swanny himself was the worthy recipient of the Club Person of the Year having only recently stood-down as President after a 5 year term during which Armidale was put on the state cycling map with the hosting of the NSW Junior Road Championships in 2011 and 2012.
2013 was also formally recognised as a year when just about all riders managed to stay upright at all times and as such nominations for the Broken Wheel Award were a little thin on the ground. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at these things) Wilko decided to take one for the club earlier in the year demonstrating great foresight and courage in ensuring all awards could find a worthy recipient on the night.
Finally, to the most prestigious awards of the night when three individuals became Armidale Cycling Club Honorary Life Members, formally recognising the major contribution they have made to the development of Armidale Cycling Club and the sport of cycling in general over many years. Jock Bullen, Col MacIver and Peter Wilkinson were presented with individual plaques to commemorate this great achievement and all spoke with genuine appreciation in response. You can read their individual citations here wonderfully authored by Swanny and which provide an amazing and revealing insight into three people who have given so much to Armidale Cycling Club. A fitting way to bring the curtain down on a great evening and a true celebration of club achievement.
| Award Category | Award | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| A-Grade | Winner and Club Champion 2013 | Sam Jenner |
| A-Grade | Runner-up | John Scott-Hamilton |
| B-Grade | Winner | Jack Parker |
| B-Grade | Runner-up | Dene Bourke |
| C-Grade | Winner | Richard Wilkinson |
| C-Grade | Runner-up | Jo Wauch |
| Frog Awards | Representing ACC Away, Seniors | Sam Jenner |
| Frog Awards | Representing ACC Away, Seniors | Col MacIver |
| Frog Awards | Representing ACC Away, Seniors | Andrew Swan |
| Frog Awards | Representing ACC Away, Seniors | Jo Wauch |
| Juniors | A-Grade Winner | Lachlan Harris |
| Juniors | B-Grade Winner | Alex King |
| Juniors | Sportsmanship Medal | Cal Godwin |
| Juniors | Most Improved Medal | Sam King |
| Juniors | Coaches Award | Ryan Harris |
| Club Awards | Broken Wheel Award | Peter Wilkinson |
| Club Awards | Presidents Award | Jo Wauch |
| Club Awards | Honorary Life Member | Jock Bullen |
| Club Awards | Honorary Life Member | Col MacIver |
| Club Awards | Honorary Life Member | Peter Wilkinson |