SPORTS
AWARDS

WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE SPORTS AWARDS

The University of Newcastle Sports Awards hold great significance in the university's history and demonstrate NUsport's unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional services and facilities. The tradition of presenting University College Blues began in 1955, and the formation of the Blues Association on 4 July 1967 further solidified this legacy after achieving autonomy. The remarkable accomplishments of our alumni in Olympic, Commonwealth, and World University games serve as a testament to our sporting triumphs. These past achievements continue to inspire and motivate current and future student athletes.

Organised by NUsport on behalf of the University, these awards aim to acknowledge exceptional sporting achievements through categories such as sporting scholarships, University Blues, University Colours, Sports Club of the Year, Team of the Year, and Sports Person of the Year

Softballer, Calum Beashel has been named winner of the Sports Person of the Year at the University of Newcastle Sports Awards, held on Friday 15 September.

In 2022, Callum played a pivotal role in the success of the Australian Open Men’s National Championship-winning team, showcasing his exceptional skills and contribution. His talent was further recognised when he was selected for the Australian Men’s team to compete in the 17th Men’s Softball World Championship held in New Zealand. Callum’s team emerged victorious, securing him the prestigious title of a world champion. Callum was also a part of the Australian team that triumphed in the 2022 Tradestaff International Invitational Series, competing against top-ranked teams from around the world. This victory further solidifies Callum’s standing as a remarkable athlete in the sport of softball.

The Sports Club of the Year was awarded to the Mountaineering Club for its attainment of high standards in sports administration and the Team of the Year was awarded to the Mixed Touch Football Team for their outstanding results in 2022.

Emma Hopkins (Athletics) and Aden Searant (Swimming) joined more than 241 of Australia’s greatest athletes, academics and business people when they were awarded the prestigious University Blue for demonstrating outstanding sporting ability when representing the University of Newcastle.

For making an outstanding contribution to the administration and organisation of University sport, University Colours were awarded to Mitchell Eckford (Cricket) and Phillip Tingle (Mountaineering).

The University and Friends of the University presented six sport scholarships to students with demonstrated potential currently balancing their academic and sporting pursuits. The Friends of the University Scholarship was awarded to Bryn Bowen in Swimming. The University Sport Scholarships were awarded to Ashlyn Blackstock (Athletics), Tom March (Athletics), Riley Van Haren (Football) and Ellie Rudder (Shooting).

The ‘Andrew Brown Scholarship’ a donor funded scholarship, is made possible by the generosity of Andrew Brown. Andrew is a Mechanical Engineering Alumnus, and would like to support a student where financial hardship may otherwise prevent them from participating in tertiary study and sports activities. This scholarship was awarded to Courtney Yeandle (Cheerleading).