Nominees announced for the 2023 Annual Blues Awards…

Adelaide University Sport and Fitness is excited to confirm some of the nominees for the 2023 Annual Blues Awards, set to take place on Tuesday, 31 October 2023.

Nominations have now been announced for the following awards: Jessop Shield, Bennett Shield, Coach of the Year and Volunteer of the year (Student and Non-student).

In contrast to the Blues, Half Blues and Club Letters (for service and competition) which are chosen by the Blues Committee, recipients of the above awards are chosen by the AUSF Board of Management from nominations received from members and AUSF staff.

These awards are presented at the Blues Awards dinner at the end of October.

Purchase your tickets for the 115th Annual Blues Awards here.
 

Jessop Shield

The Jessop Shield is award to the Club of the Year, with less than 50 members. It is presented in recognition of Charles Jessop, one of the first life members.

The Nominees are:

Swimming 
The Adelaide University Swimming Club put significant effort into their strategic planning and governance throughout 2023, took part in multiple on campus events, provided Water Safety for international students, attended webinars and training sessions to develop skills and knowledge, and offered social opportunities for members. 

Waterski
Despite losing their facility “Club Morgan” to the 2022 floods, the waterski club have continued to focus on club growth as their celebrate their 60th anniversary. A number of club days have been held to support the clean up of the site and day trips on the river to support club growth and showcase what the club has to offer. 

Kendo
Adelaide University Kendo Club have shown a strong commitment to on campus engagement, offering more beginner courses and increasing exposure to potential new student members including events such as Sportopia
 

Bennett Shield

The Bennet Shield is awarded to the Club of the Year, with more than 50 members. It is presented in recognition of Richard Bennett, one of the first life members.

The Nominees are:

Volleyball
The Adelaide University Volleyball Club have been focusing on their committee and introduced KPIs. The Club has achieved excellent member growth, attended and provided training and development opportunities, managed admin changes and maintained diverse membership offerings for their dynamic Club.

Touch Football
The Adelaide University Touch Club have been working on their 5-year plan as they continue being one of the most highly engaged clubs on campus. In 2023 they were named as the Community Club of the year by Touch Football Australia – they were also a grant recipient for the "DoorDash Footy Cash" program for their women's Competition.

Baseball
The Adelaide University Baseball activated on campus at every opportunity including setting up the batting cage and various come and try initiatives. This has led to a significant increase on student and general members moving them into the large club category!
 

Coach of the Year (Elite)

The Coach of the Year recognises our highly skilled coaches and the influential impact they have on our athletes.

The Nominees are:

Michael Nitschke (Athletics)
Over the last year Michael has coached Adelaide University Athletics Club athletes Harrison Bagley to the half marathon at the World Uni Games and Cael Mulholland to 34th place in the U20s race at the World Cross Country Championships.

Sam Morton (Boat)
An influential coach for the Adelaide University Boat Club, Sam achieved wins in the Men's Open Lightweight Four at Nationals and Uni Games, as well as the first SA medal in the state team race of the same category.
 

Volunteer of the Year

Adelaide University Sport, The University of Adelaide and affiliated clubs would not be where they are today without the assistance and support of our volunteers. We recognise these very important people in our sporting community, with the Volunteer of the Year award.

The Nominees are:

Student:

Angus Crouch
Angus has made an enormous contribution to the governance and financial sustainability of the Adelaide University Rugby Club. 

Eddie Steele
After not being able to play at the 2023 UniNationals, Eddie volunteered his time to coach the basketball team. After going undefeated leading into the final, the team won the silver medal in a very close final.

Non-Student:

Bob Miles
At club level, Bob has volunteered to run the bar in the Long Room at University Oval during the 2023 football season, a role he has undertaken since 2012.  The Adelaide University Football Club has also nominated Bob for the 2023 Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award.

Lachlan Bellifemine
Lachlan assumed responsibility for organising and stocking the bar/canteen at West Beach, diligently managing inventory and communication with AU Sport, greatly contributing to the smooth operation of the facility and earning recognition for his efforts from Adelaide University Hockey Club.

Callan Bubner
As president of the Adelaide University Volleyball Club for two years and a long-time volunteer and player, Callan’s dedicated efforts in 2023 have been pivotal to the club's success, encompassing achievements in competition, social activities, and financial stability, reflecting his commitment to realising the club's full potential.

Next week we will announce the IV certificate of merits and finalists for Patron’s Cup. Stay tuned!