Tireless duo honoured by Giants
TWO of the Goldfields Giants’ most influential figures who dragged the club back from the brink of State Basketball League extinction were awarded life membership on Saturday.
Kalgoorlie MP John Bowler and Scott Manners, who have both served as club chairman, were honoured on one of the biggest nights in the Giants’ 20-year history.
In front of nearly 300 people at the Tower Hotel, Manners was first to receive the prized life membership badge.
Manners was part of a Goldfields syndicate in December, 1990 which saw the Giants become entirely locally-owned.
At the time, tennis promoter Charlie Fancutt relinquished his share as the syndicate comprising Manners, Bill Baldwin, Ken Gouge, Karen Scruth and Greg Rogers joined the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association in signing a licence agreement with the SBL.
“It’s a wonderful club and a wonderful family to be a member of,” Manners said.
Manners’ wife Melinda was also honoured with the Noelene James Clubperson of the Year award for her work with the Giants’ cheerleaders.
“She’s a basketball widow but she’s joined in now and looks after our cheerleaders and a lot of stuff behind the scenes, so thanks very much for helping out,” Manners said.
Bowler followed shortly after and had his acceptance speech interrupted by a crowd member calling “JB for Prime Minister”.
In August, 2001, Bowler rescued the embattled Giants by settling the club’s debt with the SBL on behalf of the financially stricken KBBA.
The Giants were given an ultimatum to pay outstanding fees or be excluded from the SBL finals.
But that scenario was avoided when Bowler dug into his own pocket to help the team.
Then, in December, 2001, when speculation was mounting the Giants would fold, Bowler asked members to have faith in a new-look board.
On Saturday, Bowler said it was the family ties which kept the club going strong.
“When I recruited Mark Heron and Shamus Ballantyne I said to them we can’t pay you any money, but we can give you two things far better than money can buy,” Bowler said.
“I can give you a town that when you walk down Hannan Street someone will say there goes so-and-so and he plays for the Giants. No-where else in WA will you get that.
“Secondly, you play for the Giants so you play for a family, the best club in the SBL.”
Current club chairman Graham Crew described Manners and Bowler as two of the Giants’ most passionate supporters.
“These people have been involved with the club since day one,” Crew said.
Earlier, former captain Leon Williamson received his life membership badge – nine years after the 366-game veteran qualified for the honour.
Two-time championship winner Todd Earle, who became just the sixth Giant to notch 200 games earlier this season, was also acknowledged.
Article by Jarrod Lucas (Kalgoorlie Miner)
Last Modified on 06/09/2009 17:14
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.