Star Athletes on Show For University Games

The University of Newcastle is set to field a stellar line up of local athletes for the Eastern University Games, as the State’s tertiary institutions compete across 17 sports from 3-6 July in Newcastle.

Headlined by Team Captains Tara Andrews (Football – Westfield Matildas 2015; Newcastle Jets W-League) and Rohan Toole (Squash – World University Championships 2016; World #239) the UON team boasts an impressive array of athletes from the Hunter and Central Coast. Notably, these include:

• Basketball: Hunters legends Josh and Jill Morgan have come together to coach the Men’s and Women’s teams respectively. Cherub Lum is a former scholarship basketballer with the University of British Columbia and, aside from Suzy Batkovic, is the Newcastle Hunters’ top scorer so far this Waratah League season.

• Football (Women): Jets trio Tara Andrews, Cassidy Davis and Claire Coelho lead a side including Australian Schoolgirl representative Lisa Cochrane.

• Hockey (Men): Looking to win their fifth straight title, this team includes four players recently selected in the NSW Waratahs AHL Squad – Nick Holman, Nick Hill, Robbie McGuire and Ben Ferguson.

• Netball (Women): Hunter Metro’s Traci Baber coaches, with the UON team including recent State Open Champions Sabina Gamboso, Kim Williams and Katelyn Stansfield.

• Squash: 2016 World University Championship competitor and current world #239 Rohan Toole is joined by current top Newcastle junior Todd Riches.

• Tenpin Bowling: 2016 Australian Women’s Champion Alexia Hicks captains the side.

Newcastle University Sport’s Campus Programs Manager, Andrew Yapp, believes this is the strongest overall team UON has fielded for an Eastern University Games.

“A home event provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the depth of sporting talent that exists at the University of Newcastle,” he said.

“After a disappointing campaign last year, we are excited to see some of our region’s best young sportspeople come together under the banner of the University.”

UON won the Eastern University Games in 2014 as hosts, placed second at the 2015 event in Wagga Wagga and dropped to eighth overall in 2016 in Wollongong. The major threat for overall honours this year will come from UTS, UNSW and Western Sydney, according to Yapp.

“Those three have set the benchmark in recent years, but to be right in the mix as a regional institution is a real testament to our students and highlights the strength of the sporting programs at UON,” he said.

The Eastern University Games will take place from 3-6 July with 17 sports played at various locations around Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie, with Squash, Volleyball, Oz Tag and Ultimate to be played at the University. For more information about the games click here.

Draws available now at www.results.unisport.fusesport.com/competitions.asp?id=439