DISTANCE running champion Andy Buchanan has capped an amazing season by being named the H.H. Hunter Athlete of the Year for Flack Advisory Bendigo Region.
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The reigning Australian 10km cross-country champion, Buchanan starred on and off the track in 2017-18 to earn Athletics Bendigo’s most prestigious individual award.
Athletics Bendigo’s awards night on Friday drew more than 150 people to The Wellington at Botanic Gardens in White Hills.
Buchanan said receiving the Bendigo Property Management-sponsored Athlete of the Year award was a huge honour.
“There have been a lot of great performances in a lot of events by Bendigo athletes in the past year,” Buchanan said.
Buchanan said the Australian cross-country title victory at Wollongong, and the Victorian 1500m championship at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium were the biggest highs of his 2017-18 running season.
“Just seeing how excited my coach (Scott Westcott) was at race end meant a lot,” Buchanan said.
The state title 1500m also carried special significance as Buchanan recalled the emotion of Athletics Bendigo identities Peter Barrett and Terry Hicks.
In his acceptance speech, Buchanan spoke about many aspects of athletics.
He believes one of the most crucial was recognising the volunteers.
“Bendigo has a fantastic group of officials,’’ Buchanan said.
“They put in so much time and never seek the limelight.
“The board, general manager Craig Green, and many other people have done a lot to make Bendigo one of the best athletics centres in Australia.”
Athletics plays a big part in the life of the Buchanan family as Andy’s parents, Alan and Jenny have contested many marathons around the world.
Andy Buchanan will chase a third Bendigo Bank Dragon Mile victory on Easter Sunday.
Other major award winners for 2017-18:
Alby Jack Memorial Most Outstanding Junior Male: Kyle Murphy, Bendigo Harriers.
Anne Flack Memorial Most Outstanding Junior Female: Taryn Furletti, South Bendigo.
Outstanding Achievement Award: Teleah Hayes, South Bendigo.
The Allen Stuchbery Memorial male and female aggregate awards: Chris Timewell and Joan Self, South Bendigo.
Neil Macdonald Veteran Athlete of the Year: Geoff Shaw, Bendigo Harriers.
AWD Athlete of the Year: Tim Sullivan, Eaglehawk.
Geoff Major Rising Star: Yazmin Hayes, South Bendigo.
A special presentation was made to commemorate the win by Barb Bryant, Anne Buckley, Carol Coad, Annette Curtis, Melissa Douglas, Melinda Gilligan, Trudy Hromenko, Sandra Kadri, Debby Kirne, Leah Langtree, Jennifer Payne and Joan Self in the 40-plus class at the Athletics Victoria shield final in Melbourne.
Female contributor of the year: Wendy Ennor, Eaglehawk.
Charlie Nolan Official of the Year: Josh Savage.
General manager Craig Green presented an award to Peter Savage to recognise his dedication as Athletics Bendigo equipment co-ordinator.
