Melbourne scoops AUS awards

The outstanding efforts of Melbourne University students, coaches and staff were recognised earlier this month at the Australian University Sport Awards for 2011. The University was successful in three awards categories (two more than any other university) and also had finalists in two other categories.

Marieke Guehrer (Arts) was presented the Female Athlete of the Year Award for swimming. The University’s women’s swimming team was the winner of the University Sport Team of the Year. And Alex Henshilwood was named Coach of the Year.

Guehrer’s award recognised her success while representing Australia at the 2011 World University Games in Shenzhen, China as well as her representation of the University of Melbourne at the 2011 Australian University Games on the Gold Coast. She was a member of Australia’s gold medal-winning 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay (in a new Games Record) and also won individual silver in the 50m Butterfly in Shenzhen. She later went on to win ten gold medals, breaking eight Games Records, at the AUG on the Gold Coast – likely the greatest ever individual performance at an Australian University Games!

“Marieke is a wonderful example of an outstanding student-athlete”, said Australian University Sport CEO Don Knapp, referring to her acceptance speech comment on the important role that study can play in an elite sporting environment.

The women’s swimming team dominated their Championship at the Australian University Games, winning 14 gold, six silver and four bronze medals – and breaking 11 Games Records along the way. The team consisted of Angelica Armellini, Alana Dubowik, Marieke Guehrer, Grace Loh, Nicolette Lyttle, Samantha Marshall, Jessica Morrison, Julia Oakley, Emily Selig and Katelyn Tadd.

Marieke Guehrer and Jessica Morrison accepted the award on behalf of the team and the University.

Boat Club Director of Rowing Alex Henshilwood was acknowledged for guiding the University’s men’s and women’s rowing teams to convincing Australian University Championships. He also coached MUBC and University crews to victory at the Australian Rowing Championships and at regattas in Korea and Melbourne’s Head of the Yarra.

Mr Henshilwood said he was privileged to work with “one of the great rowing clubs” in Melbourne University Boat Club, particularly his opportunity to work closely with many of Australia’s best rowers.

“And I look forward to them having great success at London 2012, even against my countrymen and women back home,” the English-born coach said.

The other Melbourne University award finalists were Eric Sheppard (Commerce) for Male Athlete of the Year (cycling) and Lachlan Norris (Science) for Outstanding Performance of the Year (Cycling).

As a multiple medallist (including a gold medal) at the World University Games, Marieke Gueher was also bestowed with Champion status as part of the Australian University Sport Honour Roll. Jessica Morrison was also recognised for her gold medal as part of the Australian women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay in China with induction to the Austalian University Sport Honour Roll.

MU Sport Director and outgoing AUS Board Member, Tim Lee, was also recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Board and university sport.

http://www.sport.unimelb.edu.au