More than three decades of involvement in winter sport qualifies for the title of champion coach.
How long have you been involved in netball?
Thirty-three years for Mellons Bay Netball. I got started because my daughter Christy was playing and the team’s ability to move, create space and pass with any accuracy was poor. I didn’t see the point of complaining if I wasn’t prepared to step up, so I volunteered to coach. I was amazed at the intricacies of the game. It’s as simple as it’s complicated. You’re given 50 per cent of the ball, yet only one position – centre – can start the game. It has all these restrictions on where people can go and what they can do and is played at a pace that simply seems impossible. No other team sport has that where the position you play defines where you can go and do. You simply need each other to play and win.
What have you done in the game and what’s kept you committed?
I’ve met amazing and talented people through netball. I’ve coached amazing and talented athletes, at club level, in representative teams for both Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre and for the old Counties Manukau region, and trial teams for the New Zealand Under-21s. My continued involvement was mainly due to the difference you could make to people’s lives. Sport can do so much to help shape their lives. Sport is a great foundation for life; how to work in a team, to know you’re not alone. I enjoy the challenge in getting people to grow and change to be better people and athletes. I enjoy making game plans, setting my training around the plan and then watching the team trying to implement it. It doesn’t always work but it’s great when it does – magic.
Who have been inspirational to you in netball and why?
That’s tough. I’ve met so many people and they’ve all had something to offer if you take the time to listen. The person that prepared me for performance coaching was Ivy Topping, who took me through my first qualifications. A great coach in her own right, who sadly passed recently, Ivy showed me that coaching was about nailing the skills first and then getting the individual parts of a team to work together, even though they’ll always be different as people. The person that has been there for a good part of my coaching journey is Adrienne Morrin, who’s just a phone call away.
What has the game given you?
I couldn’t have done this on my own. My wife Karen was my team manager for 30 years, which made my life easy. Christy got me started and she still turns up to games to support me. I’ve had support from all sorts of people and the sport has given back as much as I’ve given it. I’ve lost count of the 21sts, engagements and weddings I’ve attended. I’ve watched players grow into amazing adults, have families of their own and still have contact with them. They’re lifelong friends. It’s been a privilege. The players I’ve coached, they play in the ultimate team sport. I’ll miss coaching but think I can be a silent spectator.
Where did you grow up?
In state housing in Otahuhu, moved to Otara, then my parents bought a house in Mangere East. I’ve spent my married life in Howick and recently in Botany.
What is and has been you work career path?
I’m a carpenter and joiner by trade. I’ve been in business since 1980, in construction, interiors, and consultancy to manage building projects.
Away from netball, what do you like to do?
Like to travel with Karen to new places and meet new people, but mostly catching up with people, and spending time with family and friends. Nothing beats a night of good food, good wine and good people.
Do you follow/play any other sports?
When I finished playing rugby league, I played a lot of squash, but I’m a league tragic. I yell at the TV when watching the Warriors and played league at the Mad Butcher’s Mangere East, until the body took longer than a week to recover from a game. I’m into motorsport, especially following drag racing in the US. I’ll watch any sport where people are representing New Zealand.
Where are your favourite places to visit in east Auckland?
There are some very good restaurants as well as a few bars on the odd occasion. We enjoy a Saturday brunch at Cafe Cloud 777 in East Tamaki.
