Wade Harry sportstar of the year

He was playing for NSW in the Australian under 18 indoor hockey championships. He left Goulburn soon after the final where NSW went down to Victoria 4-3.

“We weren’t sure if we were going to make it in time,’’ his mum, Leanne explained.

“The traffic on Pennant Hills Road was terrible.’’

However, the Harrys made it and Wade, an Australian All Schools under 16 hockey representative in 2017, was there to receive his award.

There were eight finalists for the award – Wade and fellow hockey player Jaime Hemmingway, motor cycle champion Kye Andrews, Sean Page, Alistair Adamson and Jade Page for dragon boating, versatile Abby Watts and athlete/basketballer Ben Williams.

After a long deliberation the judging panel of Hugh McCrindle (chair), Narelle Salmon, Craig Martin, Paul De Szell and Mick McDonald were unanimous in awarding Wade the honour.

He toured Europe with the Australian All Schools were he played in all seven matches. He won the coach’s award following the Four Nations tournament, where Australia finished second.

 “The field was one of the best we’ve had – and all the finalists were under 20,’’ Mr McCrindle said.

“However, Wade’s performance was outstanding.’’

Wade thanked his parents for their unstinting support, particularly in raising the necessary funds to make the tour to Europe. He said he was ‘no public speaker,’ however, he proved equally adept with the microphone as he is with the hockey stick, mentioning the performances of his fellow finalists, particularly fellow hockey prospect Jaime Hemmingway, describing her effort in gaining selection in the NSW Arrows side as ‘absolutely awesome.’

He is the second hockey player in three years to win the award, following Sam Mudford in 2015. Both attend St Clare’s High School.

Hockey has a rich tradition with the sportstar of the year which was inaugurated in 1960. Previous hockey players to winners were Robyn Leggatt, Kristen Towers, Julie Towers, Brooke Morrison, Lea Shather, Kate Harris and Sam Mudford.