A campaign of York Sport is once again nearing its end and the stage is set to see whether the chosen few nominees shortlisted for the sport awards have satisfied enough to stake their category. On the 25th June, at the York Sport Dinner, Emily Scott will confirm the results for the seven categories available. Nominations may be closed, but fortunately, the talking is not.
Sportswoman of the Year
From fencing to YUSnow, the ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ category’ is fascinating. Over the past year, Women’s Fencing have had a number of admirable performers in their ranks, and so lead the way with two nominations in this category. Following promotion to the Premier League, both Louise Highton and Katharine Gracey are up for the gong. After helping lead her side to promotion in hockey, Charlie Bartlett also gets her reward with a nomination. With success earlier in the year at the Indoor Snow Sports Championships, captain Marlies Neuner has done YUSnow proud. Alex Reilly commented: ”Marlies was once again consistently a top three performer in national competitions.” Meanwhile, Netball captain Sarah Fisher inspired her side from the dangerous depths of relegation to recovery, and Emma Hodgson provided the Rugby 1sts with another accomplished campaign to make up the final two nominations.
Sportsman of the Year
With an abundance of talent carrying through to national level, the ‘Sportsman of the Year” category will be a difficult choice. Ian Mckellow has thrown himself into contention following his selection for the northern football universities team. UYAFC President Sam Clitheroe stated that, ”in terms of stand-out perfromers, I have to mention Mckellow.”. Fresher Dave Tee proved he was more than a lightweight, bringing further success for YUSnow, finishing first at the championships. However it is perhaps Michael Walsh, squad manager and captain of the England universities snooker squad, whose acheivements thorughout the year merit his winning the award. Guiding a club to 100 points in one BUCS season is a feat in itself, but managing it successively takes some doing.
Service to Sport
The ‘Service of Sport’ award, shortlisted with seven nominees, will see Sam Asfahani aim to round off his individually successful year in style, as he aim’s to fight off competition from the likes of Alex Muntus and netball 1sts captain, Hannah Barwick Walters, not forgetting, ahem, Nouse sports editor, Adam Shergold.
Most Improved Team of the Year
Along with their glamour and glitz, the York Hornets also possess an array of dancing skills, evident in their winning the BCA Midlands title. It represented a great step forward from their previous year’s 4th placed finish, and the Hornets will justifiably be hopeful of the honour of ‘Most Improved Team’. Similarly, recognized for claiming silverware at the BUCS Cup and gaining promotion, the Hockey Men’s 1sts are contenders for this award. UYHC Presidents Laura Pepper and Mark Inman have stated that the success of the Men’s 1sts could ”make the Hockey Club the best club on campus.” But, perhaps the award should go to Canoe Polo-the underdogs in many respects. Less than a year ago, the club’s future was in jeopardy with only two paid members and a seemingly forgotten budget; however , such is their success, they now have nearly 30 members, and are financially capable of hiring pools on a regular basis.
Club of the Year
Five clubs make the cut in arguably the most lucrative of categories – the ‘Club of the Year’. After amassing over 100 points for two successive seasons and representing almost one sixth of the universities’ BUCS points , unsurprisingly, the pool and snooker club are shortlisted. Also deserving of a mention is the Men’s Rugby, who prevailed under Alex Redshaw’s leadership, only to miss out on top spot in the final Northern Conference game. Having won the Midlands Classic title, the York Hornets squad can rightly be acknowledged as not just one of the most improved squads, but also potentially the Club of the Year.
Team of the Year
Turning the focus to ‘Team of the Year’, this represents an opportunity for Women’s Fencing to prove their success is based not just on starring individual roles, but also teamwork. The Women”s Fencing 1sts, often underrated for their achievements, are my pick for the award, but with success aplenty in the Men’s Rugby and Lacrosse, as well as the Pool, this award could go either way.
Roses Team of the Year
Last but most certainly not least, we come to the ‘Roses Team of the Year’ award. With College participation in Roses being pushed by the York Sport hierarchy, the College football champions, Halifax who defeated their Lancaster counterparts will a strong chance of winning, however they have to stave off strong competition from the Men’s Cricket 1sts, as well as the Sailing 1sts as they vye to become the only college to take an award. Also in the frame is the Mixed Volleyball team, with Women’s Volleyball captain Alexa Mitterhuber claiming their success is down to ”extremely good team spirit as well as increasing interest in the club”.