The University’s sporting achievements in 2023 were celebrated on Friday 24 November at the Annual Blues and Sports Awards.
There was no shortage of things to celebrate about 2023, a year that saw the University win 7 national University Championships and the Men’s University Basketball League for the first time. In total, 119 student-athletes were awarded a University Blue.
"What an exciting time is it for University Sport", said Tim Lee, Director of Sport. "This year, there was over 500 students who represented the University at national university sporting competitions".
The Annual tradition of awarding University Blues is inspired by the Oxford and Cambridge Universities tradition dating back to the mid-19th century. The presentation recognises the University of Melbourne athletes’ performance in the UniSport Nationals, UniSport National Championships and other intervarsity events.
Five-time Full Blue recipient and Winter Olympian Anton Grimus gave an inspiring guest speech at the event, reflecting on his time at the University and the value of being involved in representative sport. Anton completed a Masters of Engineering in 2019 and competed in Freestyle Skiing at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics.
"This University has not only provided me with a world-class education but has also been the backdrop that has enabled me to create one incredible adventure...one that revolves around a sense of belonging, overcoming challenges and striving to excel in all aspects of life", said Anton
"Looking back on my time as a student, I've realised the strength of the connection between the university and its sporting community with life beyond study.
I've connected with many people since finishing my time here purely over the fact of attending the University and receiving a blue. This not only helped professionally however, it led to new friendships and a great sense of community", he continued.
The highlight of the evening was the naming of the Outstanding Sporting Achievement of the Year, which was awarded to Master of International Relations student Darcy Moore who captained Collingwood Football Club to their 16th Men’s AFL premiership this year.
"It's really significant to me to recongised by Melbourne Uni Sport, you guys have supported me so much in my studies and over my professional football career so it means a lot to get the recognition", said Moore.
Moore completed a Bachelor of Commerce in 2020 and is currently pursuing a Master of International Relations at the University.
See here for all our award winners, and see below for the major award winners.
Outstanding Sporting Achievement of the Year
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Darcy Moore – Master of International Relations Darcy Moore’s role as captain of Collingwood and spokesman for the entire sport and various social and community |
Female Athlete of the Year
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Shanaiah Fernando – Golf (Master of Biomedical Engineering) Shanaiah Fernando won the Individual and Team Golds in Golf at Uni Nationals. Shanaiah was in the lead from Day 1 of the competition and her accuracy led her to finish with the lowest score of any competitor male or female. Finalists: Odette Lynch (Cycling), Shanaiah Fernando (Golf), Zoe Deacon (Swimming), Yang Yue Yuan (Table Tennis) |
Male Athlete of the Year
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Hunter Wright – Rugby 7’s (Bachelor of Arts) Hunter Wright led the men’s Rugby 7’s team to the gold medal win at the UniSport Nationals. The achievement was exemplary as Hunter’s remarkable leadership led the University to become the first Victorian team to win the title at the competition. Finalists: Dihan Wiggett (Basketball), Alex Bye (Volleyball), Hunter Wright (Rugby 7’s), Jaryd Clifford (Athletics) |
Team of the Year
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Men’s UBL Basketball The Men’s UBL Basketball won the Team of the Year title for their dominant run in the competition. The team dropped only one game on their way to the trophy, defeating the reigning champions University of Sydney in the semifinals and the unbeaten UTS side in the finals. Women’s Fencing, Women’s Cycling, Men’s Fencing, Men’s UBL Basketball, Men’s Volleyball, Women’s Table Tennis, Lacrosse, Rugby 7’s |
Coach of the Year
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Adam de Bono (Volleyball) Adam’s mentorship was vital in the team’s title run at the UniSport Nationals. His influence on the group particularly stood out during the semifinals, when he kept the team focussed as the officials made a decision on the breach of rules by the opposition. The team put up a stunning display in the final set to make it to the title clash. Finalists: Shawn King (Men’s UBL Basketball), Lotu Auita (Men’s Rugby 7’s), Adam de Bono (Men’s Volleyball), John Prince (Women’s Cycling) |
Team Manager of the Year
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Ben Rogalsky (Hockey) Men’s Hockey Team manager Ben Rogalski was named the Team Manager of the Year. Although the team just missed out on a podium finish at the Uni Nationals, Ben’s leadership was on display right from how he scouted the players to the way he organised the preparations for the competition, and most importantly, how well he communicated. Finalists: Ellen Liu (Fencing), Ben Rogalsky (Men’s Hockey), Samuel Jeffreys (Men’s Rowing) |