Page 50 - WPHCC 2023-2024 Cricket Season Yearbook

Volunteers
We are blessed to have so many wonderful people who give their time and efforts to ensuring a successful season, we are greatly appreciative of every volunteer, and I would like to make special mention of our two award winners for Volunteers for 2023/2024 Here’s an extract from their nominations:
Paul Keating
Paul has worked tirelessly over the last 3 seasons to ensure the smooth running of the Master Blasters teams. It is a hugely important role within the Club as this is the first engagement so many families have when joining. Paul has tackled every obstacle thrown at him and continues to go above and beyond with his dedication to Juniors with incredible enthusiasm and a smile on his face. He has acted as Age coordinator for multiple age groups, including this season where he looked after both U8 and U10 himself. On top of his usual countless hours of support, Paul has jumped into organising the Pink Stumps Day event for this year and has handled this extra responsibility wonderfully.
No task is ever too much for Paul and he is constantly going out of his way to make sure all teams are equipped to take the field, from organising gear to providing advice and guidance on rules and match day processes. He embodies the ethos of Participation over Results and feedback from all Parents has been around just what a great organiser, helper, and Ambassador for the Club that he is.
Matt Kolhagen
Matt has been involved in coaching West Penno Junior teams since 2013/14. He has continuously coached his sons through their time with the Junior Club. With a decade of continuous contribution Matt has always been the epitome of an outstanding Ambassador for the Club. He has championed the Participation over Results ethos year after year and has always been extremely highly regarded by all involved. His guidance in developing not only talented and keen young cricketers, but also fine examples of young sportspeople throughout his tenure. Only recently the excellent behaviour of Matt’s team was highlighted by the Official Umpire handling the Team’s Semi Final match. Even with the stakes high playing in Finals, the team showed the perfect example of the sportsmanship that Matt has worked hard to instil.
“A Berowra batsman was given out caught off an obvious high full toss. Unfortunately, I was at square leg and I lost the ball after it left the bowlers hand. Upon again checking with the bowlers end umpire, it appeared that he had made a mistake, and I asked the WPHC as a team whether they wished to recall the batsman and they said, to a man that they would withdraw the appeal and re- instate the batsman. Spirit of cricket is still alive in some teams. Well done West Pennant Hills.”
Matt’s speech to his team after they won the Grand Final was all about graciousness and humility in victory as much as about pride in their achievement.
Matt has provided continuous selfless commitment and for displays outstanding character.