West Gambier Hockey Club has inducted a new member, recognising almost three decades of service.
Andrew Widdison was inducted as the 18th life member to the club.
Club president Jen Peterson said Widdison had made a significant contribution over the past 29 years, particularly in the areas of umpiring, coaching and game day support roles.
“You will not find Andrew’s name on the West committee, with him electing to be a servant of the club in other areas,” she said.
“Umpiring was one of these areas in which he has regularly served from Division 1 level down, season after season.
“He, along with his wife Tania, took up the role of umpire coordinator for the club in 2019 which saw them win the Damon Dodds Memorial Award in that year, recognising their high level of service to the club.
“Andrew coached the West Division 1 women’s team in the 1990s and has held various coaching and game day support roles for the club over the years, including coaching the Under 15 boys in 2015, when his son Nathan was a member of the team.”
Peterson said Widdison was a worthy addition to the club’s life members.
“Andrew began his playing career at West in 1994, which coincided with the first year the club nominated a Division 1 men’s team in the competition,” she said.
“After playing school and club hockey for Penola, the opportunity to play Division 1 hockey saw Andrew and good friend Greg Hutchesson join West following a short stint with Phoenix Hockey Club.
“Andrew’s first season saw West go down by the slimmest of margins, losing the Division 1 men’s premiership on penalty strokes.
“The following season in 1995, saw West win through to the grand final decider, with the result this time going to West for their first ever Division 1 men’s premiership.”
Peterson said the seasons to follow were much less fruitful.
“But it is testimony to Andrew’s character that he stuck around and copped some rather sizeable beatings whilst rarely being in contention for finals,” she said.
“In 2005 Andrew had a knee reconstruction, requiring him to miss the entire 2006 season.
“In that year the West Division 1 men broke a long suffering drought to take the premiership for a second time, but unfortunately Andrew was forced to watch from the sidelines.
“Playing in the role of full back for most of his career, Andrew is an accomplished tackler and holds one of the most lethal hits seen in the association.
“His ability to control the ball and forget there is a game going on also confused most team mates, opposition players and umpires.
“His tenacity when placed in a one on one battle and his belief regardless of age that he can win the ball, is noteworthy.
“Andrew’s complete lack of respect for pre-season as well as pre-game warmup over his entire career, as well as the absence of soft tissue injuries, is astounding.”
Widdison said he was humbled to receive the award.
“I’m extremely proud and honoured to receive life membership and to have joined an esteemed group of other life members who have served at West Hockey Club,” he said.
