Duathletes Natalie Ross and Michael Cannon, both members of the Rhodes Athletics Club, were named the Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year at the Rhodes University Sports Council Awards Dinner recently. The awards honour the university's top individuals and clubs.
Duathletes Natalie Ross and Michael Cannon, both members of the Rhodes Athletics Club, were named the Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year at the Rhodes University Sports Council Awards Dinner recently. The awards honour the university's top individuals and clubs.
Both Ross and Cannon took part in the South African Duathlon Champs, where Ross represented Eastern Province and Cannon represented Border. They were both selected to take part in the World Duathlon champs. “I'm very excited and proud to have won,” said Ross who added that “it makes all the hard work this year, worth it.” Ross also congratulated all those who were nominated.
Cannon said: “I feel honoured being nominated. The Rhodes Sportsman of the Year award has been going for many years, and to see my name on the trophy, along with other great athletes of the past, makes me feel extremely proud.”
This is the first time since 1974 that an Athletics Club member has won the Sportsman of the Year award, while it is the fourth time since 2003 that a member of the Athletics Club has won the Sportswoman of the Year award. Alexia Loizou was awarded in 2003 and 2005, Kate Mapham was awarded in 2006.
The Club of the Year was awarded to the Canoe Club, who won the trophy for the first time.\
The various award winners were: Inter-Res Winners – Graham House (men's res) and Atherstone (women's res) Spirit Award – Guy Butler House Special awards for two retiring members of staff – Brotherhood Yanta (38 years service) and Johnson Papu (35 years service) Neilen Locke Staff and Student Coaching Awards – Andrew Roberts (student coach – hockey) and Mthetheleli Tisco Mati (staff coach – basketball). Administrator of the Year – Jess Goble (Canoe Club) and Andrew Matatu (Rifle/Archery Club). Committee of the Year – Canoe Club Performance of the Year – Athletics Club Most Improved Club – Mountain Club Club of the Year – Canoe Club Special Award – The National Secretariat of University Sport South Africa (USSA) awarded Pro Merito Colours to Pete Andrew Sportman of the Year – Michael Cannon (Athletics Club) Sportswoman of the Year – Natalie Ross (Athletics Club)