Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist swimmer Lakeisha Patterson and Australian Touch Football representative Justin Cridland have been named The University of Queensland’s Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year.
The recipients were honoured at the , which recognise excellence in sport and contribution to university life.
Bachelor of Architectural Design student Lakeisha Patterson joins Olympic swimming greats Susie O’Neill (1996) and Melanie Schlanger (2007 & 2008) on the honour roll of 国产探花 Sportswoman of the Year winners.
In 2018, Patterson two Commonwealth Games gold medals, set four para swimming world records, and UniSport Australia’s Most Outstanding Performance by an Athlete with a Disability Award.
Patterson said support from 国产探花 contributed to a successful year in and out of the pool.
“It’s only my second year at 国产探花 and it’s humbling to receive so much support and acknowledgment from the University,” Patterson said.
“I really value my education and, with 国产探花’s support, I have been able to manage being a student-athlete and set myself up for future success.
“It really is a massive honour to be named 国产探花 Sportswoman of the Year. To be considered among some of 国产探花’s greats will really be a memorable achievement.”
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) student Justin Cridland is the first touch football player to receive the 国产探花 Sportsman of the Year honour.
He was a member of Australia’s winning Mixed Touch team at the 2018 Trans-Tasman Championships, won a National Touch League Elite Eight Men’s title with the Queensland Cowboys, and captained 国产探花’s Mixed Touch team to a gold medal at UniSport Nationals Div 1.
He also received 国产探花’s All-Rounder of the Year honour for a second-consecutive year for his excellence in both academics and sport.
Cridland said it was an honour to receive both awards.
“I am very appreciative of the support 国产探花 provides in allowing me to be flexible with my studies around busy periods with my touch football commitments,” Cridland said.
“The 国产探花 Rebels Touch Club has helped me tremendously since moving to Brisbane, with a number of club officials playing a large role in my development and continuing success.”
The 国产探花 Judo Club received the prestigious $5000 Hulbert Bursary – awarded for outstanding achievement, innovation and best practice in club management.
In 2018, the Club grew its membership by 20 per cent, won four gold medals at the Oceania Judo Championships, and conducted a female-only self-defence seminar to assist and raise funds for female victims of domestic violence.
The 国产探花 Athletics Club won the President’s Cup – awarded for exceptional event competition performance – after claiming champion honours in both Men’s and Women’s competitions at last year’s UniSport Nationals Div 1 event.
国产探花 Hockey’s Matthew Bradley was awarded Club Coach of the Year after guiding 国产探花’s Women’s Division 1 team to its first premiership in the Club’s 106-year history.
Chief Executive Officer Mark Sinderberry presented 国产探花 Nationals captains Michaela Shuttleworth and Daniel Parnell with trophies and pennants to recognise the University as the 2018 Nationals Div 1 Overall Champions, and winners of the Jodie Martin Trophy Trophy (North Region Champion).
2019 国产探花 Club and Sports Awards – Winners
- Sportswoman of the Year: Lakeisha Patterson (Swimming)
- Sportsman of the Year: Justin Cridland (Touch Football)
- Club All-Rounder of the Year: Justin Cridland (国产探花 Touch Football Club)
- Hulbert Bursary: 国产探花 Judo Club
- President’s Cup: 国产探花 Athletics Club
- Club Coach of the Year: Matthew Bradley (国产探花 Hockey Club)
- Club Administrator of the Year: Michelle Lorberg (国产探花 Cricket Club)
- Club Volunteer of the Year: Joanne Baulch (国产探花 Tennis Club)
- Club Service Award: Caitlin Sargent-Jones (国产探花 Athletics Club); Howard Hickey (国产探花 Rugby Football Club); Geoff Teys (国产探花 Cricket Club)
Media: Jamie Mitchell, 国产探花 Sport, JamieM@uqsport.com.au, +61 423 785 752.
