Opinion

AS we move from the winter to summer sporting seasons, it’s timely to acknowledge the many dedicated people in the Ipswich region.

We are so fortunate to have a diverse range of players, officials, coaches, referees and umpires, along with volunteers and fans committed to their sports.

Recent finals in rugby league, hockey, soccer and netball highlighted the ever-loyal and hardworking contingent involved in weekly competitions.

Photo spreads in the Tribune over the past month showcased the determination and emotion, especially in finals.

However, all-important junior and senior sport doesn’t take place without club-minded people making invaluable contributions.

In my 40 years covering Ipswich sport, I’ve worked with some of the most professional and helpful people who are fiercely loyal and keen to keep their codes progressing.

During the latest winter competitions, that continued with strong leadership from a number of proud Ipswich administrators.

Among those are David Nugent, the Rugby League Ipswich (RLI) chairman who recently took on added responsibility overseeing the new Queensland Greyhound Racing Club board.

Nugent thrives on challenges, working with a network of dependable assistants.

Ipswich Jets CEO Richard Hughes is also progressive in everything he does helping to revitalize the state league organisation expanding on rugby league and netball traditions.

Photo: LYLE RADFORD

Jets’ coach Tye Ingebrigtsen (pictured) has been a terrific acquisition, turning around the Queensland Cup team’s fortunes and providing a positive lead for the future.

RLI A-Grade coaches Alistair Taua’aletoa (Jets), Ben Niumata (Redbank Plains), Josh Leisemann (Brothers), Michael Williamson (West End) and Norths’ duo Josh Roberts and Chris Scanlan were examples of spirited, club-minded mentors.

I also enjoyed dealing with the Fassifern coaching team, led by master coach Wayne Finch, in covering the Bombers for the Fassifern Guardian.

The Ipswich hockey fraternity is one of the city’s most enjoyable groups to work with, always welcoming and knowledgeable about what is happening.

Photo: LYLE RADFORD

Association president Jay Memory (pictured) leads a well-organised team, including vastly experienced husband and wife officials Margret and Paul Mantell.

Tech officials like Paul Hardie, Leanne Haley, Jan Walker, Tracey Doyle, Robert McLeod, Mark Follett and Lyn Brown are first-class operators.

Ipswich Hockey’s operations co-ordinator Natalie Jordan performs an essential role that keeps her sport in the spotlight.

This year’s Ipswich Basketball Association president Toni Caldwell was another home-grown talent who worked incredibly hard.

The former international referee has lobbied for vital funding trying to service the needs of a rapidly growing sport.

Photo: LYLE RADFORD

Ipswich Force NBL1 North coaches Colby Stefanovic (pictured) and Brad George were committed to their teams, along with long-serving captain Jason Ralph. He is one of Ipswich’s best sporting ambassadors.

In soccer, coaches like Nick Paterson, Joe Fenech, Andrew Catton and Jason Ball were always willing to provide valuable insights into the state of play.

Jets’ netball coaches Megan Lynch and Julia Wadham excelled in their roles joining Ipswich’s state league franchise.

It’s great news they have been re-signed for next year’s Premier Netball League Sapphire and Ruby Division competitions.

Photo: DAVID LEMS

Even during the cooler months, Ipswich and District Athletics Club president and coach Vic Pascoe (pictured) maintained his outstanding record of reliability.

Few people in Ipswich sport can match what Pascoe consistently delivers highlighting so many wonderful achievements.

He’ll be extra busy recording results and taking photos and video as athletics competitions hot up in coming months.

To everyone else who has made an impact in your respective sports, thanks for your precious time and ongoing commitment.