The Stanthorpe United family came together last Saturday night at the Stanthorpe RSL for their presentation night and to celebrate their record breaking season.
While the achievement of six grand final victories for the Men’s A Grade side is a remarkable director of coaching Steve McEvoy paid tribute to the group of youngsters who stepped up this year and played A grade. “It was a huge challenge but one that the young players took in their stride,” he said. The Award for Best new talent went to the youngest in a talented Stanthorpe football family Josh Crestani who many believe might be “the best” Crestani yet. Curtis Allen leading goal scorer for the season was named the Colts Player of the Year.
The Ladies side also came in for special mention throughout the evening after winning one of the most exciting Ladies grand finals in Stanthorpe Football history. United fielded the youngest side in the Ladies competition and had a disrupted season losing their coach Michael White mid season.
Under the guidance of Chris Binge who stepped into the coaching role and managers Leah Costanzo and Nancy Folkers the girls won eight of their last nine games to clinch their 2012 victory. Grace Manahan was named Most Improved player in 2012. Brittany McEvoy was rewarded for a great season, named the popular Players Player choice and Jemima Russell the Player of the Season.
The A grade Men’s side etched their names into Stanthorpe Football folklore with their win. Coach Steve McEvoy paid tribute to Jason Wilmot and Dan Werthenbach who successfully combined their seasons of Rugby league and football.
Many of the Colts were called on to back up and play two games each week and Pat Pellat was one of those players who made that transition effortlessly. He was named the club’s Best New Talent in A grade. Arbcil Kamala was delighted to be named Most Improved. He drew high praise from football’s Mr Magic not bad for a kid who had never played in a team environment until a couple of years ago.
Neil Fitzgerald was named Player of the Grand final. It was just reward for the Irishman’s commitment as he works in Brisbane and comes back to Stanthorpe to play for United each week and has vowed to be there next year when they line up.
Player of the Year and the Players Player was United’s consistent striker Brett McEvoy.
Other club awards went to Grace Manahan, secretary Kayleen and Treasure Elle. The club achievement Award was presented to Tim Pellatt for his outstanding efforts.
Member for Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg who attended the evening congratulated the club on a successful year. He said the success of the organisation obviously had a lot to do with the atmosphere of family that was promoted at the club. “United are obviously a family with everyone looking out for each other.”
