Talented foursome earn scholarship

A GROUP of four athletes are among the latest intake of scholarship recipients in Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year awards.

In the pool, on the court, or the diamond, these youngsters were in top form at championship level in their chosen sport.

Henry Allan from Bendigo East Swimming Club won gold in the 14-boys’ 50-metre backstroke, two silver and two bronze at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast in her first appearance at the event.

The scholarship for the 14-year-old is made possible through the support of Norstar Steel Recyclers.

Lavinia Cox became another of Bendigo Basketball Association’s rising stars to represent Victoria Country at national level.

Cox averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for Victoria Country at Basketball Australia’s under-18 championships.

Her scholarship is through the backing of DCK Real Estate.

A scholarship recipient in 2022, Will Whiteacre continued his outstanding play on the netball court.

He played a key role for Victoria’s 17 & Under team at the national men’s and mixed netball titles in Perth.

A 74-29 victory to net the gold capped an unbeaten run by Victoria and Will was selected in the 17 & Under All-Star team.

Whiteacre scholarship sponsor is the All Seasons Hotel.

On the baseball diamond, Phoebe Martin represented Victoria at the Australian Youth Women’s Championships in Melbourne where Victoria won three of six matches to be third.

Martin began playing baseball with Falcons in the Bendigo Baseball Association when she was 10 and has developed her skills to play most positions on the diamond.

Last summer she travelled to Melbourne to play for Essendon and her scholarship is supported by Pipe Doctor.

Through the scholarship the athletes receive cash support and a 12-month membership of D-Club 24/7 fitness in Bath Lane, Bendigo.

The athletes are also in the running for the Maxine Crouch Trust Fund and Cyril Michelsen Trust Fund awards.

Nominations for a monthly award can be made via the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year website.