Shooting success at AU Ball :: Wessex Scene Online

Shooting success at AU Ball

10th June 2006
Alex Hayes

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Nov 05 - Success at Southampton University Rugby Club Trials
Aug 05 - Medics Crowned winners of Wessex Sevens

This year’s AU Ball yet again provided more than its share of memorable moments which the majority of revellers at the event will likely fail to recall!

Major success came for the Rifle Club with Oli Russell picking up the prestigious Sportsman of the Year award for his contribution to the University squad’s success as well as recognition for his achievement in being selected for the Great Britain U25 squad. When asked to comment on the award he replied, "It didn’t really sink in for a while. It was the first time in my life I have been speechless. It meant a lot to me as not only did it recognise the international shooting achievement but also the amount of effort that I put into running the Uni Rifle Club and the work on the Athletic Union Committee." He went on to say, "Whilst at uni I have learned many other skills outside of the individual shooting environment such as team development skills, coaching and leadership. Hopefully with a bit of work and some good shooting the team will win Team of the Year at next year’s ceremony!"

Another University shooter, Rachel Parish, was also celebrating success on the night after picking up an Outstanding Achievement award for the Gold and Silver medals she picked up in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. She told Wessex Sport "Winning medals at the Commonwealth Games was fantastic! It’s something I’ve worked towards for a long time and all the hard work paid off. I was unwell in Australia so the Silver was particularly special as I had to work so hard for it whilst feeling absolutely awful."

The award for Sportswoman of the Year went to Jenny Morris of the Riding Club and her team mate Natasha Collings picked up the Vice Chancellor’s Medal. The Hockey Men’s first team were crowned Team of the Year following their victory in the BUSA cup, and the Basketball Club picked up the Most Improved Club award as a result of their unbeaten BUSA campaign.

Mike ‘P’ Parker was voted as the prestigious Sports Personality of the Year by all the club captains of Wessex teams.

Special mention goes to Richard Clare who took home the award for Sports Article of the Year for his outstanding interview with Harry Redknapp.

John Inverdale, a former Southampton University student and President of BUSA was on hand to dish out some of the trophies as well as giving an entertaining speech and socialising enthusiastically after the formalities, even posing in the formal team photographs.

A big congratulation to AU President, Tom Kenward, for an excellent evening.