THE VIRTUAL SPORTS AWARDS 2020

BE THE DIFFERENCE

saints sport

EVENT BROCHURE27 April - 1 May

Week of Celebration

Contents Page Welcome from Stephen Stewart and Leah Allcock __________________ Page 1

Highlights of the Year, Leah Allcock, Athletic Union President ________ Page 2

Overview of the week _________________________________________ Page 4

The Judging Panel ____________________________________________ Page 5

The Awards in full _____________________________________________ Page 7

Chapter 1 ____________________________________________________ Page 9Blues, Half-Blues and Colours

Chapter 2 ___________________________________________________ Page 15Excellence within Sport

Chapter 3 ___________________________________________________ Page 24Engagement within Sport

Chapter 4 ___________________________________________________ Page 33Experience within Sport

Chapter 5 ___________________________________________________ Page 41Awards encompassing Excellence, Experience and Engagement Excellence in the face of adversity ______________________________ Page 53

Our thanks __________________________________________________ Page 56

Save the Date _______________________________________________ Page 58

Welcome from the Director of Sport and Athletic Union President

In these challenging circumstances, it’s more important than ever that we stick together as a community and do all we can to help each other through. Given the current situation we find ourselves in and the impact this has had on our everyday life, we have moved our annual Sports Awards ceremony online for the first time.

For many of our sports teams and individuals, their season has been completed, for some it ended abruptly, and unfortunately for a few, it hadn’t yet started. However, since the start of the 2019-2020 season, we have had many success stories, profound moments and reasons to celebrate. We feel it’s more appropriate than ever to deliver this event in this difficult time but in an appropriate way.

The Sports Awards have always been a big occasion in the sporting year. An opportunity to come together and hear what our student athletes have been up to and to congratulate those who have had success whether that be through engagement, experience or excellence. We want the event to do the same this year, and more.

With us all staying safely at home, and as we work through this extraordinarily challenging situation, we ask you all to take some time to bring some positivity into your day as you listen to stories from across the student sport clubs highlighting their achievements this season. This year, the theme is ‘Be The Difference’ as we look to our student-athletes who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to, amongst other things, perform at the highest level, serve on committees, run their clubs or volunteer in the local community.

The plan for this year was always to move to digital formats as much as possible to reduce our environmental impact. The current circumstances allow us to adopt a no paper approach to the Sports Awards this year, for example, all certificates are being sent electronically. We will strive to ensure all our events are environmentally considerate in the future.

We hope that wherever you are in the world you can appreciate the dedication and efforts of our student-athletes this year, which was looking to be the most successful BUCS season in history. We are more excited than ever to welcome you home to St Andrews when the time is right so that we may continue these efforts further.

With warm wishes from our homes to yours,

Stephen StewartDirector of Sport & Exercise

Leah AllcockAthletic Union President

Welcome from Stephen Stewart

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Highlights of the Year, the Athletic Union Year Report 2019-2020

Excellence

This has been an incredible year for Saints Sport despite the set-backs due to the early end of the season. We entered 84 teams into BUCS leagues and over 1/3 of these competed at a 1A or Premier League level! Alongside this numerous teams competed in local leagues, Scottish Student Sport (SSS), and other non-BUCS competition. Our Women’s Football, Women’s Squash, Women’s Waterpolo, and Men’s Fencing teams all won their 1A leagues and another Women’s Waterpolo Team won Premier North for the 2nd year in a row. Although many of these teams will not be able to be involved in promotion play-offs due to the early end to the season, their achievements are outstanding and thoroughly deserving of praise.

At the BUCS 8-ball pool championship, our women’s team won the gold and at the BUCS Judo Championship we scooped three gold medals. Several Saints teams have also performed admirably in lower down leagues and we have lots of promotions coming our way for the new season. At the SSS conference finals we had 6 teams compete across 5 sports and three of them went on to win their competition- Men’s Football 1st Team, Netball 4th Team, and Men’s Volleyball 1st Team. Saints Sport continues to perform at a high-level within Scotland and the rest of the UK and do ourselves proud.

Experience

We have introduced a new constitution this year, which will help the framework for governance at Saints Sport. Within our excellence programme we had outstanding attendance from all clubs at the Club Committee Forum at the beginning of the year, as well as at the February Town Hall where we learned about Wellbeing Officers, the charity ‘Here for Sport’, and the Hockey Club’s outstanding community outreach programme, as well as this the Saints Leaders programme produced 30 new graduates. There have been several brilliant AU and student campaigns for engagement including LGBT week, Nightline, and International Women’s Day.

We had hundreds of nominations for Blues, Colours, and sports awards and have several fantastic finalists and winners of awards. Last year we saw several volunteers visit our programmes in Zambia and South Africa and got fantastic feedback about the coaching and leadership work they did. We have had over 300 student volunteers run our AU clubs and the portal has seen contributions of over 1300 hours so far. This year we have begun work on a new Volunteer Programme in Livingstone, which should have launched this summer. Although we won’t be able to send volunteers this year, we hope to launch in 2021 and continue to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of young people.

Engagement

The first Dundee Varsity series was hosted in September and 20 teams across 14 sports competed. The fixture culminated in a draw, but we’ll be back next year to show our neighbours across the Tay what we’re made of. Saints Sport memberships encompassed 62% of the student population and over 40% of these were members of an AU club, continuing to ensure that Saints Sport has some of the best involvement numbers across the University Sport sector. This year’s Christmas present donation saw over 60 gifts delivered by our Events team to the Children’s Ward at Ninewells. We collaborated with several societies to host Charity Sinners, and our own Sinners events raised over £7000. This year we will be splitting these funds across three charities. One of these is the International Volunteering Programme and the others are being decided via a poll to the whole student body.

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The early end to the season left several graduating students having not played their final games so our publicity team took to social media to ensure we celebrate all their contributions! We also launched the 60 Seconds Saints videos earlier in the year, which gave clubs an opportunity to answer questions about all the incredible things they get up to throughout the year. We’re in the process of collating information about all the fundraising clubs have done for their chosen charities, but so far, we have raised over £16,000 this year and we expect this figure to keep on rising.

Leah Allcock Athletic Union President 2019-2020

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The Week of Celebration

Monday 27 April - Friday 1 May 2020Saints Sport is proud to present a week of sporting celebrations. You can share in these achievements safely wherever you are and at a time that’s right for you.

Monday 27 April

Opening CeremonyTo be awarded: Full Blue, Half-Blue, Colours

Tuesday 28 April

Excellence within SportTo be awarded: Professor Sam Taylor Bejant(ine) Award The Provost’s Postgraduate Scholar/Bursar of the Year Award Chancellor’s Award for Sporting Excellence The Continued Achievement Award

Wednesday 29 April

Engagement within SportTo be awarded: Martin Barkla Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Macron Store Dundee Peter McKiernan Excellence in Service Award Director of Sport Volunteering Award Green Club of the Year

Thursday 30 April

Experience within SportTo be awarded: Saints Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year sponsored by Macron Store Dundee Archie Strachan Award for Outstanding Sporting Experience Saints Sport Staff Member of the Year

Friday 1 May

Closing ceremony: Awards encompassing Excellence, Experience, and EngagementTo be awarded: Lord Campbell Athlete of the Year Saints Sport Team of the Year Wallace Prize for Most Improved Club of the Year Saints Sport Club of the Year

Keep in touch with us through our social media channels for all the information as its released about our awards.

www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport

www.facebook.com/SaintsSport

twitter.com/SaintsSport

www.instagram.com/gosaintssport

www.youtube.com/user/saintssporttv

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The Judging Panel

Our thanks to the Judging Panel for the 2020 Sports Awards:

Leah Allcock

Athletic Union President

Leah is the current elected AU President. Within the sabbatical position, Leah represents the students’ view in various forums: at the University and throughout Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). She is there to support all students who are involved in sports clubs and exercise at the University; whether that be on a club or individual basis. Responsibilities include chairing the Executive committee, leading developments in AU strategy and running

AU operations. Working alongside University staff, she also aims to promote and progress student sport. Leah is the Chair of the Judging Panel for the 2020 Sports Awards.

Duncan Caithness

Assistant Director (Sports Development)

Duncan joined Saints Sport in October 2019 from Bowls Scotland where he has held the roles of National Development Manager and Head of Coach and Volunteer Development. He has previously lectured in sport and fitness at SRUC Elmwood College, whilst previously holding the role of an Active Schools Coordinator and Sport Development Officer with Fife Council. Duncan is responsible for providing leadership and guidance in the area of Sport Development and Club Development.

Ian Gaunt

Deputy Director of Sport

Ian assists the Director in managing Saints Sport, planning and monitoring sport activities for students, staff and the local community. Ian also manages the University’s Performance Sport Programme and is responsible for the Scholarship Programme including the Scott Lang High Performance Award. Ian was previously a professional footballer at Walsall FC and a former Loughborough University student sport scholar. During his student years Ian won BUSA (now BUCS) gold twice and represented

England Universities and British Students. He is now a keen golfer and a member of The St Andrews Golf Club. Ian is SSS Golf Chair and a member of the BUCS Sport Advisory Group for Golf.

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Fergus Knight

Assistant Director (Commercial Operations)

Fergus oversees the delivery of all commercial operations and special projects at Saints Sport. His remit includes managing the marketing and publicity of sport at the University, working with Admissions and Corporate Communications to enhance the national and international standing of sport at St Andrews. Fergus also works closely with colleagues in Development to pursue various investment opportunities and engage with alumni, individuals and groups to encourage participation in sports

fundraising. A double graduate from the University, Fergus joined the Saints Sport team in 2014 after four years as a Postdoc Research Fellow in the Department of Chemistry. During his time as a student he represented the University at both cricket and rugby, gaining a Half-Blue in his first year and a Full Blue a year later, representing Scottish Universities from 2001-2007.

Sophie Tyler

Sophie is a 4th Year Geography student, President of the Trampoline & Gymnastics Club, and she is also one of their primary coaches. Sophie has been a member of the Student Sport Team for the past two years- as part of the Volunteering & Engagement Team and has been elected Athletic Union President for 2020/21.

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The Awards in Full

Full BlueFull Blues are awarded to athletes with senior international representation.

Half-BlueHalf-Blues are awarded to athletes who have displayed exceptional sporting achievement that is not at the level of a Full Blue.

ColoursColours are awarded to students who have demonstrated extreme sporting excellence not at the standard of a Half-Blue, have enhanced student experience or have enhanced club engagement.

Professor Sam Taylor Bejant(ine) AwardThe Professor Sam Taylor Bejant(ine) Award is awarded to a matriculated first year student who has shown outstanding sporting ability during their first year at university. This award was instituted by Professor Sam Taylor who has made a long and valued contribution to the committees of the Athletic Union.

Provost’s Postgraduate Scholar/Bursar of the Year AwardThe Provost’s Scholar/Bursar of the Year Award shall be awarded to a supported athlete for outstanding athletic performance and achievement. The award will be given to a student that has made a significant contribution to the AU club and/or has raised the profile of the sport and the University through their sporting success and commitment. This award is judged by the Provost, using a shortlist provided by the Blues and Colours Committee.

Chancellor’s Award for Sporting ExcellenceThis award is aimed at sporting excellence which is at the pinnacle of sport. This is the highest award conferrable by the Athletic Union for excellence in sport. This award is judged by the Blues and Colours Committee in conjunction with the Chancellor.

The Continued Achievement Award – Final Year Students OnlyThe Continued Achievement Award shall be awarded to a final year student who has achieved significant recognition (usually a Blue) in their first or second year and sustained this contribution at the same standard throughout their university career.

Martin Barkla Volunteer of the Year AwardThe Volunteer of the Year Award shall highlight the voluntary work of a club member pushing forward experience and engagement within the club, Saints Sport and the wider community within one year. For further information, please see the volunteering and leadership panel of the Saints Sport website: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport/volunteering.

Peter McKiernan Excellence in Service AwardThe Peter McKiernan excellence in service award shall be awarded to an individual who has given outstanding voluntary service to their sport, for their university club and/or in the community, during the course of their degree. Each club may submit one nomination for the award. This award was instituted in 2010 by Peter McKiernan, former Chair of the Athletic Union Governing Board.

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Director of Sport Volunteering AwardThe Director of Sport Volunteering Award shall be awarded to a club who has given outstanding voluntary service to Saints Sport through activities such as outreach, charity contribution and community engagement. This award is judged by the Blues and Colours Committee in conjunction with the Director of Sport.

Green Club of the YearThe Green Club of the Year Award recognises the club that has made a significant effort to reduce the environmental impact of either their own members, members of Saints Sport, or members of the University of St Andrews.

Saints Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year AwardThe Coach of the Year Award shall be awarded for outstanding service to Saints Sport. The award can be made to any individual striving to promote and develop excellence in performance and management of that club. There is no limit to the number of coaches that each club can nominate for this award.

Saints Sport Staff Member of the Year The Saints Sport Staff Member Award shall be awarded to a full or part-time member of staff involved with Saints Sport, who has had the greatest impact within a year. The award should reflect the achievements of an individual who has gone above and beyond the requirements of their work, to improve the experience of students at the University.

Archie Strachan Award for Outstanding Sporting Experience The Archie Strachan Award shall be awarded to the individual who has been of outstanding service to the Athletic Union or one of its clubs and who has helped move sport at St Andrews forward. Each club may submit one nomination for the award. This is the highest award conferrable from the Athletic Union for service. This award was instituted by the former Director of Physical Education (1955-1985) Archie Strachan who made a long and valued contribution to the promotion of student sport in St Andrews.

Wallace Prize for Most Improved Club The Most Improved Club Award shall be awarded to the club which has shown the greatest improvement in management and results over the academic year, specifically across the areas of excellence, experience and engagement. This award is accompanied by a monetary prize of £500 which may be used by the club for any legitimate club purposes.

Lord Campbell Athlete of the Year AwardThe Athlete of the Year Award shall be awarded to the sports person who has demonstrated outstanding athletic performance.

Team of the Year The Team of the Year Award shall be awarded to one of the Athletic Union’s club teams for outstanding performance in competition.

Saints Sport Club of the Year The Club of the Year Award shall be awarded to a club which has shown the most outstanding commitment to achieving excellence, experience and engagement.

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CHAPTER 1

saints sport

Monday 27 April

BLUES, HALF-BLUES, COLOURS

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Full Blue

Full Blues are awarded to athletes with senior international representation.

Half-Blue

Half-Blues are awarded to athletes who have displayed exceptional sporting achievement that is not at the level of a Full Blue.

Colours

Colours are awarded to students who have demonstrated extreme sporting excellence not at the standard of a Half-Blue, have enhanced student experience or have enhanced club engagement.

Blues, Half-Blues, Colours

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Full Blue

Holly Bartlett............................. Boat

Chris Bock .................................... Boat

Kirstin Giddy ............................. Boat

Henry Marles ........................... Boat

Campbell Nelson ................... Boat

Lydia Theos ................................. Boat

Oscar von Hannover ........... Boat

Vinson Wong ............................. Fencing

A Full Blue is awarded to:

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Half-Blue

Aidan Graham .......................... Boat

Emily Clough ............................ Cheerleading

Charlotte Hoyle ....................... Cheerleading

Freya Kenny ............................... Cheerleading

Beth Melling .............................. Cheerleading

Amy Niven ................................. Cheerleading

Eilidh Sandilands .................. Cheerleading

Eliza Stirling ............................... Cheerleading

Sarah Wright ............................ Cheerleading

Shujaa Khan ............................... Cricket

Henry Portman ........................ Cricket

Elianne Lee ................................. Dance

Stuart Wright ............................ Dance

Isabella Rosalina .................... Football

Lauren Coull ............................. Netball

Ellie Fitzgerald ......................... Netball

Georgia Currah ........................ Pool

Heather Curtis .......................... Pool

James Inglis ............................... Pool

Siobhan Redmonds ............ Pool

Sophia Lopez ............................ Sailing

Ben White .................................... Sailing

Alice Scott ................................... Shinty

Ainsley Thistlewaite ............ Shinty

Birgit Burk ................................... Tennis

Shamael Chaudhry .............. Tennis

Beth Laybourne ..................... Tennis

Ed Pomeroy ............................... Tennis

Criostai Pringle ........................ Trampoline

Saskia Racké .............................. Trampoline

Emma Smith .............................. Trampoline

Ross Broomfield ..................... Triathlon

Mari Cole ...................................... Triathlon

Beatrice Bowlby ...................... Ultimate

Tabitha Nutt............................... Ultimate

Lauren Charter ....................... Waterpolo

Sarah Kreiser ............................. Waterpolo

Bailey Meyer ............................. Waterpolo

A Half-Blue is awarded to:

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Colours

Sarah Brogan ........................... Badminton

Jess Smith .................................. Badminton

Daisy Williams .......................... Badminton

Mike Higton .............................. Basketball

Sarah Langill ............................. Basketball

Caitlin Watson ......................... Basketball

Ailsa Martin ................................ Boat

Harry Dean ................................. Cricket

Jessica Leech ............................. Cricket

Dhruvi Shah ............................... Cricket

Carys Sheard ............................ Cricket

Sophie Taylor ........................... Cricket

Violet Buchtel-Devine ........ Dance

Gwendoline Choi ................... Dance

Alice Evans .................................. Dance

Lauren Wood ............................. Dance

Jodi Desmond .......................... Fencing

Emily Matthews ..................... Fencing

Anita Youngblood ................ Fencing

Sami Azam-Ali .......................... Football

Daniel Cohen ........................... Football

Meredith Ferneau ................. Football

Tom Grant .................................. Football

Bradley McCallion ................. Football

William McIlveen .................. Football

Katie Nelson ............................. Football

Daniel Ross ................................. Football

Beth Connell .............................. Hockey

Alister Goodfellow................ Hockey

Alex Hardie ................................ Hockey

Connor Trimble ....................... Hockey

John West ................................... Hockey

Ross Hutchison ........................ Judo

Luca Imparato ......................... Judo

Rhuaridh Jack ........................... Judo

Victoria Rassmuss ................. Judo

Hansen Wang ............................ Judo

Emma Porter ............................. Karate

Lukas Rossmanith ................. Karate

Mark Perry ................................. Kendo

Bryan Yick ................................... Kendo

Daniel Leaver ........................... Pool & Cue

Angus Jope ................................. Rifle

Charlotte Silverman ............ Rifle

Iona Briley Ward ..................... Rugby

Phoebe Drew ............................ Rugby

Abby Fryer ................................. Rugby

Tess Langburns ...................... Rugby

Scarlett Neill .............................. Rugby

Alice Smith .................................. Rugby

Emma Stormonth .................. Rugby

Dylan Boyes ............................... Sailing

Suzie Davison ........................... Sailing

Henry Hayden ......................... Sailing

Colours are awarded to:

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Colours

Colours are awarded to:

Connor Lurring ........................ Sailing

Andras Nemesanszky ......... Sailing

Harry Roepers .......................... Sailing

Aleksandr Sakharov ............ Sailing

Charlotte Scarff ....................... Sailing

Caspar Schwahn ..................... Sailing

Ffinlo Wright ............................. Sailing

Ollie Blewett ............................. Shinty

Ewan Scougall ......................... Taekwon-do

Simone Korsgaard Jensen ........................................... Tennis

Sandy Martinovic ................. Tennis

Fin Pearson ................................. Tennis

Gunnar Thorstenson ........... Tennis

Sean Vale ...................................... Tennis

Ross Witney-Hunter ........... Tennis

David Brown .............................. Trampoline

Kristen Castro ........................... Trampoline

Andrew Fennell ..................... Trampoline

Csoban Balogh ........................ Triathlon

Matthew Coudert .................. Triathlon

Lachie Fingland ...................... Triathlon

Theo Brown ................................ Ultimate

Fraser Park .................................. Ultimate

Benjamin Tang ......................... Ultimate

Kai Wayman ............................... Ultimate

Bas Barnes .................................. Waterpolo

Caitlin Donnelly ..................... Waterpolo

Cameron Gilmour.................. Waterpolo

Rebekah Kaufman ................ Waterpolo

Kate Mackie ............................... Waterpolo

Brynn Walsh .............................. Waterpolo

Maya Weerasinghe .............. Waterpolo

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CHAPTER 2

saints sport

Tuesday 28 April

EXCELLENCE WITHIN SPORT

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Being the Difference through Excellence in Sport

Professor Sam Taylor Bejant(ine) Award

The Professor Sam Taylor Bejant(ine) Award is awarded to a matriculated first year student who has shown outstanding sporting ability during their first year at university. This award was instituted by Professor Sam Taylor who has made a long and valued contribution to the committees of the Athletic Union.

Provost’s Postgraduate Scholar/Bursar of the Year Award

The Provost’s Scholar/Bursar of the Year Award shall be awarded to a supported athlete for outstanding athletic performance and achievement. The award will be given to a student that has made a significant contribution to the AU club and/or has raised the profile of the sport and the University through their sporting success and commitment. This award is judged by the Provost, using a shortlist provided by the Blues and Colours Committee.

Chancellor’s Award for Sporting Excellence

This award is aimed at sporting excellence which is at the pinnacle of sport. This is the highest award conferrable by the Athletic Union for excellence in sport. This award is judged by the Blues and Colours Committee in conjunction with the Chancellor.

The Continued Achievement Award – Final Year Students Only

The Continued Achievement Award shall be awarded to a final year student who has achieved significant recognition (usually a Blue) in their first or second year and sustained this contribution at the same standard throughout their university career.

Excellence within Sport

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Professor Sam Taylor Bejant(ine) Award

Isabella RosalinaFootballWinner

1st Year – English, Film Studies, Spanish

In her first year, Isabella made an outstanding contribution to her team, scoring 31 goals in 14 games and assisting a further 15. Her efforts helped her team progress to the Scottish Student Sport Cup Final and win Scottish Tier 1 for the first time. She consistently had a positive impact on her teammates and her hunger to learn on and off the pitch has made her a great role model for the younger girls in the local football club. She dedicated time to assist training sessions for the local club and her form also led to an invitation to sign for the Dundee United Women’s Football Club.

Isabella Rosalina

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Provost’s Postgraduate Scholar/ Bursar of the Year

Nakia Graham FootballWinner

Postgraduate – Management MLitt

Nakia had a huge impact on the 1st Team success this season. She started 13 of 14 competitive games that returned 13 wins. Her quality and talent on the ball helped the team dictate a number of games, with her scoring 9 goals and assisting 5. Her fantastic attitude, work rate and desire to defend for the team made her a great role model for team mates to learn from and her form saw an invitation to play with Dundee United Women’s Football Club for the current season.

Nakia Graham

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Chancellor’s Award for Sporting Excellence

Emily Dark HockeyWinner

2nd Year – Physics

This year, Saints Hockey’s 1st Team player Emily has continued to have great success on the international hockey scene, retaining her position in the GB Elite Development Programme. As a Scottish Institute Supported Athlete, she won Gold and U21 Player of the Tournament at the European Championship II Division for Scotland. In January, she also won a bronze medal and the Indoor European Championship II Division in Croatia and she has continued to captain the Dundee Wanderers Ladies 1st Team. Emily has been selected to represent Scotland vs New Zealand and USA, and to play for Great Britain EDP vs Belgium in the upcoming months. An exemplary role model within the hockey club, managing these commitments whilst undertaking her degree is only possible through hard work and dedication to achieve her goals.

Emily Dark

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Continued Achievement Award

Kirstin Giddy BoatWinner

4th Year – History

Kirstin served two years on the Boat Club Committee as Women’s Captain and two years on the Saints Regatta Committee as Regatta Services Officer. She happily took on extra duties as Women’s Captain in the absence of a Director of Rowing and led the Senior Women’s Team to multiple club ‘firsts’ including a top-50 finish at Women’s Eights Head of the River Race in 2018. She reached the third assessment of GB trials U23 selection with a 7:10 minutes 2km qualifying time. She has represented Scotland for two years, winning two gold medals at the Home International Regatta in W8+ and W4- in 2019. Amongst a series of medals she has won with the Boat Club, she won a gold medal in WC2- at Scottish University Championships 2019 and was awarded the University Shield in W4- at British Rowing Senior Championships 2018.

Benjamin Kempley CricketWinner

4th Year – History

Benjamin has been a top-order batsman for the 1st XI since joining the University, putting in a number of match-winning performances and he holds numerous club records for his batting and fielding performances. After joining St Andrews in 2015, he became 1XI Vice Captain 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18, through which he organised an incredibly successful 2-week tour to South Africa. He became 1XI Captain for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons and pioneered the T20 Scottish Varsity Fixture. He has also had great success with Scottish Student Sport (SSS), being a member of the SSS side for 5 years and spending 2 years as their captain. In December 2019 he was also awarded the Martin Flynn Scottish Student Cricket Player of the Year award for his performances throughout the student cricket season. Benjamin has been invited to play for the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (M.C.C.) this season.

Kirstin Giddy Benjamin Kempley

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Continued Achievement Award

Henry Portman CricketWinner

4th Year – Arabic Farsi & Middle Eastern Studies

Henry has played for the 1st XI throughout his university career and has been the leading wicket taker for St Andrews in every full season he has played. In his first year he was voted St Andrews Player of the Tour in South Africa 2017, a title which he won for a second time in Barbados 2019. His success led to an invitation from Cricket Scotland to train with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka before the World Cup. He has successfully represented Scottish Student Sport for the last 3 years and was the leading wicket taker for Scottish Universities in 2019.

Alex Upshaw DanceWinner

4th Year – Modern History & Film Studies

Alex has competed with Blue Angels for all 4 years at St Andrews. She has been a part of advanced teams for ballet, contemporary and jazz, choreographing award-winning pieces for her team for the last 3 years. She was awarded a Half-Blue for her success in her second year. At the most recent competition, she placed in the top 5 in improvisation. She has been a member of the club’s committee for the last 3 years, carrying out two Blue Angels captaincies and the role of tour convenor. She has taught 2 highly successful dance classes for jazz and ballet, and she is a role model for her teammates due to her exceptional technique and skill level. Alex has remained approachable and has always brought high energy and encouragement to her team.

Henry Portman Alex Upshaw

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Continued Achievement Award

Sebastiaan van Gilst FencingWinner

4th Year – Maths

After 4 years on the 1st Team, Sebastiaan has enjoyed great success for Saints Fencing. In the BUCS Individual Championships, he came 2nd in 2018, made the final 32 in 2019 and placed 10th this year. He has also had personal success, winning 1st place in the SSS Individual Championships (Epee) in 2018 and 2019 and gaining 3 gold medals in the Student 4 Nationals Individual Championship (Epee) and Team Championship (Foil and Epee).

Caitlin Evans NetballWinner

4th Year – Zoology

Caitlin has been a member of the Saints Netball 1st Team for 4 years. Her impressive shooting stats have ensured some great victories for the team and consistent top 3 finishes in Scottish 1A. Caitlin was a member of the Scottish Student Sport National Squad, representing Scottish Universities in the Home Nations in 2019. In her first year she played in the Scottish Performance League Squad for Team Grainger. Caitlin was President of the Netball Club in the 2019/2020 season which was Saints Netballs biggest season yet with 6 competitive BUCS teams and a social netball programme of over 77 girls. She has previously been awarded Colours and Half-Blues.

Sebastian van Gilst Caitlin Evans

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Continued Achievement Award

Sally Sandison NetballWinner

4th Year – International Relations

Since joining the Netball Club, Sally has been a member of the 1st Team. Sally has been Club Captain for the last two years which has seen her introduce a number of new initiatives and ways of working into the club as well as working with the Director of Netball to ensure the effectiveness of the on-court programme. She also captained the 1st Team this year as they led a successful BUCS campaign as well as captaining the Performance Squad in the inaugural Netball Sixes Performance League. Sally was a Scottish Student Sport National Squad member from 2017-2019, representing Scottish Universities in the Home Nations in 2019. She is a qualified C Award Umpire and Level 2 Netball Coach. As well as coaching within Saints Netball and local schools, Sally went to South Africa as part of the International Volunteering programme in 2018. She has previously been awarded Colours and Half-Blues.

Sally Sandison

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CHAPTER 3

saints sport

Wednesday 29 April

ENGAGEMENT WITHIN SPORT

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Being the Difference through Engagement in Sport

Martin Barkla Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award shall highlight the voluntary work of a club member pushing forward experience and engagement within the club, Saints Sport and the wider community within one year. For further information, please see the volunteering and leadership panel of the Saints Sport website: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport/volunteering.

Peter McKiernan Excellence in Service Award

The Peter McKiernan Excellence in Service Award shall be awarded to an individual who has given outstanding voluntary service to their sport, for their university club and/or in the community, during the course of their degree. Each club may submit one nomination for the award. This award was instituted in 2010 by Peter McKiernan, former Chair of the Athletic Union Governing Board.

Director of Sport Volunteering Award

The Director of Sport Volunteering Award shall be awarded to a club who has given outstanding voluntary service to Saints Sport through activities such as outreach, charity contribution and community engagement. This award is judged by the Blues and Colours Committee in conjunction with the Director of Sport.

Green Club of the Year

The Green Club of the Year Award recognises the club that has made a significant effort to reduce the environmental impact of either their own members, members of Saints Sport, or members of the University of St Andrews.

Engagement within Sport

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Charlotte Corbett NetballWinner

3rd Year – International Relations

Charlotte has played an integral role in revitalising Saints Netball’s social netball program. In one year, she has increased the number of social netballers to over 77 members through the fun, engaging Wednesday evening sessions. Charlotte is extremely committed to her role as coach, working hard to plan sessions, involving other coaches to help out and ensuring the social netball girls feel connected to the club. Charlotte also helps out with the Community Engagement sessions run by Saints Netball in local schools. She took part in the International Volunteering programme in Summer 2019 when she headed to South Africa to coach netball. This summer she was due to be a part of the first cohort of coaches in the Livingston project in Zambia. Charlotte is now a qualified Level 1 netball coach and C award umpire.

Martin Barkla Volunteer of the Year Award

Sponsored by Macron Store Dundee

Charlotte Corbett

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Jess Smith BadmintonFinalist

3rd Year – Philosophy

Jess has been a committed Club President; championing the club vision and progression, motivating the committee, managing all elements of the club from recreational to competitive. She represented her club at the student’s forum of the Scottish Open. Jess has frequently volunteered for outreach coaching and introduced the charity handicap tournament, which most recently raised over £100 for SANE. She has earned a Saints Leaders Award and a silver Volunteering Award.

Lucy Cottee Triathlon Finalist

3rd Year – History

As the President of the Triathlon Club, Lucy organised all training and charity events, whilst running the committee and liaising with the head coach. She dedicated her time to coaching sessions for the University and for East Fife Triathlon Club each week. Lucy cycled 200-290km a day for nine days to raise money for local charity Families First. She was also the lead organizer for the Colour Run and was due to continue her volunteering in Zambia this summer.

Martin Barkla Volunteer of the Year Award

Sponsored by Macron Store Dundee

Jess Smith Lucy Cottee

27

Lucy Cottee TriathlonWinner

3rd Year – History

As President of the Triathlon Club, Lucy organised all training and charity events, whilst running the committee and liaising with the head coach. She dedicated her time to coaching sessions for the University and for East Fife Triathlon Club each week. She brought together over 100 members of the community through her role as race director for this year’s autumn duathlon event. Lucy raised around £800 for local charity Families First by cycling 290-200km a day for nine days from Land’s End to John O’Groats. She was also the lead organizer for the Colour Run and was due to continue her volunteering in Zambia this summer.

Peter McKiernan Excellence in Service Award

Lucy Cottee

28

Alister Goodfellow HockeyFinalist

Masters – Chemistry

During his 5 years, Alister has been an exceptional member of the Hockey Club, whilst also taking part in Ultimate. He became a qualified coach at the start of his 2nd year and coached at community engagement sessions for junior hockey every Saturday. He managed around 80 people per week as the main assistant for these sessions in his 4th year. He also assisted with Madras College training sessions every Thursday afternoon. Alister became the club’s main representative for Community Engagement in his final year and has helped 64 student coaches who have 350 volunteering hours combined. Alister has also assisted with visiting student tours and ran a coaching session for a travelling team from Australia.

Gavin Sandford TrampolineFinalist

4th Year – Computer Science

Gavin starting coaching in his first year of university and has helped many beginners progress with the sport since then. He has dedicated almost 500 hours to volunteering and has given his time to gymnastic clubs in the community too. As the club’s first alumni officer he set up a newsletter and social media for alumni and ran the first Alumni Weekend. During his time as the club’s treasurer, he smoothly resolved issues with club finances. Gavin has also selflessly dedicated 7 hours at a time as a club judge for 2 years in order to allow competitions to run.

Peter McKiernan Excellence in Service Award

Ali Goodfellow Gavin Sandford

29

Hockey Club Winner

The Hockey Club started the year with 15 members completing the 3 Peaks Challenge to raise money for teenage cancer. This was in support of a club member taking time off from university to complete their own cancer treatment. The club continued its Community Engagement programmes with hockey sessions for Juniors within North East Fife. These sessions are run by student coaches and have over 75 children attending every Saturday morning for 24 weeks of the year. The Hockey Club coordinated with local charity Families First to provide a student-led coaching session for its participants, focused on personal development and enjoyment of sport. The club has also volunteered to improve on Saints Sport’s eco-status through it’s ‘Green Goals’ of the year.

Director of Sport Volunteering Award

Hockey Club

30

Badminton Club Finalist

The Badminton Club has helped make the sport accessible to all students this year, coaching sessions at two local primary schools and liaising with Active Schools to help 3 club members achieve their Badminton Basics coaching award in order to coach at school and university sessions. They focused on raising money for the mental health charity SANE, donating all proceeds from the handicap Christmas tournament and club bake-sale. They also raised LGBTQ+ awareness through their sale of rainbow keyrings.

Netball Club Finalist

Within the University community the social netball programme has grown to have its largest membership ever with over 77 turning out each week to play. Through its community engagement programme, the Netball Club sent qualified coaches to two local Primary Schools to deliver netball sessions with their young players. The club also organised the Primary Skills Festival which was hosted by Saints Sport. Eight Saints Netballers were due to take part in the International Volunteering programme in Africa this summer. Over the last 3 years, and with support from Western Union Business Solutions, Saints Netball has supported the development of 40 new Level 1 netball coaches and 5 Level 2 coaches. They have also developed 25 C Award umpires and started 9 B Award umpires on their journey of which 2 are now fully qualified. The Netball Club also raised over £1000 through Sports Stripped this year.

Director of Sport Volunteering Award

Netball ClubBadminton Club

31

Hockey ClubWinner

Since the first executive committee meeting of the season 2019/20, the Hockey Club have sought to be more environmentally aware, both as a collective and as individuals. At the beginning of October, they established three “Green Goals”:

1. Completely cut out the presence of single-use plastic bottles at matches.2. Reduce the number of cars used to transport people to and from training/

matches.3. To work with the University to raise awareness of the changes that can be

made by individuals to improve on Saints Sport’s eco-status. The club initiative was launched during the University’s Green Week, leading to over 100 members pledging to walk to training sessions whenever possible, and to cut out the use of single use plastic at both matches and socials. The club also shared a Green Week video with over 1000 people, featuring several members talking about why being a green club mattered to them. In March, the club conducted a beach clean to tie into the Alumni and Hockey Ball Weekend.

Green Club of the Year

Hockey Club

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CHAPTER 4

saints sport

Thursday 30 April

EXPERIENCE WITHIN SPORT

33

Being the Difference Through Enhancing Student Experience within Sport

Saints Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year Award

The Volunteer Coach of the Year Award shall be awarded for outstanding service to Saints Sport. The award can be made to any individual striving to promote and develop excellence in performance and management of that club. There is no limit to the number of coaches that each club can nominate for this award.

Archie Strachan Award for Outstanding Sporting Experience

The Archie Strachan Award shall be awarded to the individual who has been of outstanding service to the Athletic Union or one of its clubs and who has helped move sport at St Andrews forward. Each club may submit one nomination for the award. This is the highest award conferrable from the Athletic Union for service. This award was instituted by the former director of physical education (1955-1985) Archie Strachan who made a long and valued contribution to the promotion of student sport in St Andrews.

Saints Sport Staff Member of the Year

The Saints Sport Staff Member Award shall be awarded to a full or part-time member of staff involved with Saints Sport, who has had the greatest impact within a year. The award should reflect the achievements of an individual who has gone above and beyond the requirements of their work, to improve the experience of students at the University.

Experience within Sport

34

Sophie Tyler TrampolineWinner

4th Year – Geography

Sophie became a coach in her first year and has worked to gain her Level 2 coaching certificate since then. She has worked to create a comfortable and safe environment for people who have been nervous about progressing to higher skill levels. This year she implemented a new coaching system to help relieve pressure on current coaches and to ensure that athletes could have more time on the trampolines. Her decision to introduce “Trampoline Packs” containing S&C activities to do off the trampoline helped team members significantly improve strength and flexibility. Sophie has coached nearly every session this year and has used her experience to mentor two people going through their Level 1 Trampoline coaching qualifications.

Saints Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year Award

Sponsored by Macron Store Dundee

Sophie Tyler

35

Anita Youngblood FencingFinalist

4th Year – Maths

Anita has volunteered countless hours to the club to ensure that fencing remained as competitive as ever this year. Every match, committee meeting, and the vast majority of transport have been enthusiastically organised by her. Despite not being a captain, she stepped up to oversee all sessions this year and this was vital to helping the Women’s Team protect their place in the Premier League. For the last 2 years Anita has run every beginner’s session and also planned a month-long programme for St Leonards students to reintroduce volunteering to the club’s ethos.

Joey Low JudoFinalist

3rd Year – International Relations

Since joining the club’s coaching team at the start of the academic year, Joey has delivered a large portion of training sessions. She has consistently used her personal time to tailor sessions to the varied needs of individual club members, whilst also creating an overall training plan for the year. The time she has dedicated to ensuring her session plans are of a high standard has allowed the club to collate them as a reference for years to come.

Saints Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year Award

Sponsored by Macron Store Dundee

Anita Youngblood Joey Low

36

Sally Sandison NetballWinner

4th Year – International Relations

Since joining the Netball Club, Sally has shone as a role model. She has helped the Netball Club achieve success both on and off the court. Sally has been instrumental in bringing about a Performance Culture by challenging her teammates and coaches to keep working hard to achieve their goals, whilst always being friendly and enthusiastic. Sally has been a member of the 1st Team since starting at St Andrews and her natural leadership on and off the court led to her being voted as Club Captain for the last two years. In this role, she helped the Netball Club double in size, whilst maintaining the strong ethos of the club. She captained the 1st Team this season, helping them to have a successful league campaign. She was part of the squad who reached the semi-final of the BUCS Cup in 2018 and quarter final of the Scottish Cup in 2019. The 1st Team has consistently finished in the top 3 of Scottish 1A since Sally joined. Sally was a Scottish Student Sport National Squad member 2017-2019, representing Scottish Universities in the Home Nations in 2019. She is a qualified C Award Umpire, and a UKCC Level 2 Netball Coach and has willingly volunteered many hours to coach and umpire netball for the club and local schools as well as through the International Volunteering programme in South Africa. She has previously been awarded Colours and Half-Blues.

Archie Strachan Award for Outstanding Sporting Experience

Sally Sandison

37

Lucy Miller BadmintonFinalist

4th Year – Geography

Lucy has been a consistently dedicated committee member of the Badminton Club, first as Secretary and then as Vice President. Her commitment and perseverance helped St Andrews to be the first university in Scotland to secure the Badminton Scotland bronze and silver Shuttlemark Award. She organised the first club championships and represented the University at the Scottish Open Badminton Championships, also presenting at the student’s forum. Lucy has played on the club’s BUCS teams throughout her time at university, helping to win the Conference Cup and secure team promotion in 2019.

Sophie Tyler TrampolineFinalist

4th Year – Geography

Having coached since her first year, Sophie is now one of the highest rated trampolining coaches in the club. She has implemented a new coaching strategy to help relieve pressure on current coaches and to ensure that athletes have more activities to do off the trampoline. Sophie has used her experience to mentor two club members through their Level 1 Trampoline coaching qualifications. She was the club’s Volunteering and Engagement Assistant for two years and has been Club President for two years too. She used her leadership opportunities to create a club development programme plan and improve the club’s relationship with SSS Trampoline. Since Sophie joined, the club has moved from being at the bottom of the league to either winning it or placing in the top two.

Archie Strachan Award for Outstanding Sporting Experience

Lucy Miller Sophie Tyler

38

Ross Whittaker TriathlonWinner

Ross is Head Coach of the Triathlon Club and he supports them every step of the way through their training and competition programme. He is present at all competitions, often driving the team early in the morning to prepare fully. Ross helps organise the Triathlon Club’s two annual community races, usually taking lead on cycle marshals, a job not particularly popular among the race committee, so his contributions are very much appreciated! Willing to give up his own time to help out and speak to any individuals within the team who are struggling, Ross has played a critical role in the success of the club. Ross is a Personal Trainer for Saints Sport, and a well-known and friendly face around the Sports Centre. He also provides conditioning support to Saints Netball and was a key team member bringing out engaging content in the recent Saints Sport Stay Home | Stay Fit campaign. Ross certainly lives up to his motto of ‘challenge your impossible’ through his hard work, dedication to clients, student athletes and team members to keep pushing themselves to achieve their goals.

Saints Sport Staff Member of the Year Award

Ross Whittaker

39

Heather Gaunt NetballFinalist

Heather is the Director of Netball and in charge specifically of the programme for the Performance Squad athletes and the general management of Saints Netball. Heather leads the netball management group and supports the President in the running of the committee. She is always on hand to provide advice and support, not only to the committee, but to all members of the club. Heather works tirelessly in running comprehensive, interesting, challenging, and fun training sessions. She attends all Performance Squad matches, home or away, whenever possible. Heather also supports other teams’ matches whenever she is able to. Heather goes out of her way to support everyone in the club as much as she can. She is an excellent coach and role-model to all members of Saints Netball. Heather is also the Marketing and Communications Manager at Saints Sport.

Lois Mackay NetballFinalist

Lois is responsible for 4 teams in Saints Netball, the 3s, 4s, 5s and 6s. She attends all of her team’s matches and provides fantastic support and guidance on the side-lines. Lois leads the training sessions each week for her squads as well as running Monday Morning Fitness sessions. This is a lot of people and information to keep on top of, but Lois does so with enthusiasm and is always looking to make the sessions as effective and fun as possible. Additionally, Lois is responsible for Performance Analysis across all squads and other clubs within Saints Sport. This provides the teams with an excellent means to review their performance critically. As part of the S&C intern programme, Lois is also an active and informative assistant in the Performance Squad’s S&C sessions - providing advice and guidance to all participants. Under Lois’s coaching, all 4 teams have done exceptionally well this season - with the 4th Team winning the SSS Conference Plate in March as an indicator of the great success the team has achieved. Having 4 teams is a lot for Lois to be responsible for, but Lois has been keen to take on the challenge and has truly pushed all members of the teams to play to the absolute best of their ability.

Saints Sport Staff Member of the Year Award

Heather Gaunt Lois Mackay

40

CHAPTER 5

saints sport

Friday 1 May

AWARDS ENCOMPASSING EXCELLENCE, EXPERIENCE AND ENGAGEMENT

41

Being the Difference through Club Excellence, Experience and Engagement

Lord Campbell Athlete of the Year Award

The Athlete of the Year Award shall be awarded to the sportsperson who has demonstrated outstanding athletic performance.

Saints Sport Team of the Year

The Team of the Year Award shall be awarded to one of the Athletic Union’s club teams for outstanding performance in competition.

Wallace Prize for Most Improved Club

The Most Improved Club Award shall be awarded to the club which has shown the greatest improvement in management and results over the academic year, specifically across the areas of excellence, experience and engagement. This award is accompanied by a monetary prize of £500 which may be used by the club for any legitimate club purposes.

Saints Sport Club of the Year

The Club of the Year Award shall be awarded to a club which has shown the most outstanding commitment to achieving excellence, experience and engagement.

Club, Team, Athlete of the Year

42

Francis Millward JudoWinner

4th Year – Chemistry

Francis has won a plethora of gold medals this year: SSS Gold, SSS Men’s Team Gold, BUCS Gold, Strathkelvin Gold. His winning performances are consistent to say the least, especially considering he has maintained these results since last year after winning BUCS Bronze in his first two years. He has been selected for the European University Sports Association Games for the second year in a row. Francis has continued to be a part of the club’s coaching team and is a true role model for other members of the club.

Lord Campbell Athlete of the Year Award

Francis Millward

43

Kirstin Giddy BoatFinalist

4th Year – History

Kirstin reached the third assessment of GB trials U23 selection with a 7:10 minutes 2km qualifying time. She has represented Scotland for two years, winning two gold medals at the Home International Regatta in W8+ and W4- in 2019. This year, she reached the quarter-finals of Henley Women’s Regatta for the third year running. Amongst a series of medals that she has won with the Boat Club, she won the club’s first gold medal in W2- and bronze in W4+ at BUCS Regatta 2019 alongside a bronze medal at Scottish Championships Regatta in W2-. She became Scottish Champion in W4+ at Scottish Championships Regatta and also won a gold medal in WC2- at Scottish University Championships 2019. Kirstin was also awarded the University Shield in W4- at British Rowing Senior Championships 2018.

Vinson Wong FencingFinalist

2nd Year – Physics & Maths

During the summer of 2019, Vinson won 1st place at The GB Cup and Student 4 Nations Team event, whilst achieving 2nd position at the RAF Open and Student 4 Nations Individual Event. He also placed 18th at the Hong Kong President Cup (Nationals). His success has continued through the season. Alongside captaining the St Andrews Men’s 1st Team, which is 1st Place in Scottish 1A League and qualified for Trophy finals, Vinson has competed internationally. He represented Hong Kong’s national team at the Turin Grand Prix and his success at the Italian regional competitions led him to qualify for the Italian Nationals. He also won 1st place at the individual and team Stirling Sword competitions. Vinson finished the BUCS Individual competition in 18th place.

Lord Campbell Athlete of the Year Award

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Kirstin Giddy Vinson Wong

44

Women’s Football 1st Team Winner

This season the Women’s 1st Team won BUCS Scottish 1A for the first time. Their victory was achieved by winning all 10 of their matches without dropping a point. They scored 70 goals in all competitive games and only conceded 10. The team also reached the 4th round of the BUCS Trophy and the final of the Scottish Student Sport Cup for the first time in 8 years. They are an incredibly hard-working group of players who give everything they have to becoming the very best they can be as players and as people. The success they have experienced this year was only possible through all the extra work they put in throughout the season. Individually and collectively, they committed to the extra pitch and analysis sessions and it certainly paid off. We all look forward to watching the squad continue to develop next season and beyond.

Team of the Year Award

Women’s Football 1st Team

45

Senior Men’s Boat Team Finalist

The Senior Men’s Boat Team became Medium Academic Pennant winners and broke a club record at Head of the River 2019. They were Scottish Champions in M2- at Scottish Championships 2019, whilst also winning their first gold medal in M2- and bronze medal in M4+ at BUCS Regatta 2019. The team placed 16th overall in BUCS Regatta Victor Ludorum and reached the semi-final of Henley Royal Regatta for first time in club history.

Women’s Tennis 1st Team Finalist

Having previously faced BUCS relegation battles in the top division, this season the Women’s 1st Team finished the North Premier in 3rd place. They won 5 out of 10 matches, with the losses having been very competitive matches. The team were also successful in the Scottish National League where they finished 2nd place in the top division. The women’s commitment has been consistently excellent, despite long trips for away matches. The squad have enjoyed much individual success, but their commitment to develop as a team has been a strong example for the other women’s teams this season.

Team of the Year Award

Senior Men’s Boat Team Women’s Tennis 1st Team

46

Squash Club Winner

Excellence

The Women’s Team had a successful season, winning BUCS Scottish Division 1 for the first time. They won 60/60 of their games before missing promotion by only 2 games in the national playoff. The Men’s Team finished 2nd in BUCS Scottish Division 2 and also won the BUCS Men’s Scottish Conference Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Experience

The Squash Club has seen a complete renewal this year. A new programme of regular and semi-compulsory training for two mixed squads with biweekly training from a new student coach has increased commitment levels and the overall standard of the club. Additionally, after running a financial deficit in 18/19, the club redesigned their membership structure and moved their accounts online. Their effort to improve their social media presence was also integral in growing the club.

Engagement

In an effort for more people to get involved with the sport, the club started open ‘ladder sessions’, which have successfully increased participation in recreational squash at the University. The increased engagement of club members is shown by the fact that most committee positions were contested at the AGM, in contrast to 3 positions being unfilled last year. Also, the club worked with the local charity, Families First, who help children with behavioural and learning disabilities, to schedule squash sessions for the second half of the semester.

Wallace Prize for Most Improved Club

Squash Club

47

Fencing Club Finalist

Excellence

This year, the Fencing Club have supported one of their athletes, Vinson Wong, to begin competing at an international level. The Women’s 1st Team placed 4th in the Northern Premier League and the Men’s 1st Team reached the final of the Trophy. They have earned the second highest BUCS points across Saints Sport clubs in 2019/2020 season.

Experience

Before starting BUCS competitions, the club ran a beginner’s course to allow more athletes to join teams and compete. The club have supported athlete development, having 5 L1 and 1 L2 student coaches. They have also provided facilities for wheelchair fencing in order to include all levels of physical ability within the sport.

Engagement

The Fencing Club held a student-run ‘Friendly Fencing’ session with Balmullo Scouts and have coached individuals in the wider community, including two pentathletes. The club frequently participated in university-wide campaigns, such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Purple Friday and Women in Sport.

Wallace Prize for Most Improved Club

Fencing Club

48

Judo Club Finalist

Excellence

The Judo Club had a series of excellent results this year, winning 7 medals at the Scottish Student Kyu Grade Championships and a further 14 at the Scottish Student Judo Championships, including a notable gold for the Men’s Mixed Grade. In the BUCS competition, 2 gold medals were won and two first time competitors placed fifth.

Experience

The club entered more competitions this year to support the development of athletes. An external coach was secured for the full year to support and develop the existing student coaches. There was improved planning of sessions to enhance the coherence between sessions and ensure the club could cater to a wide ride of ability better. Many individuals graded up and moved into higher competition categories this year.

Engagement

Membership to the club has significantly increased and the club have made an effort to engage with the wider Saints Sport community by running a judo session for Women’s Rugby. The club has also supported Athletic Union campaigns, such as Purple Friday and International Women’s Day.

Wallace Prize for Most Improved Club

Judo Club

49

Club of the Year Award

Boat Club Winner

Excellence

The Boat Club had a very successful season. UStABC athletes got 3 gold medals in W8+, W4- and W4+ at Home International Regatta 2019 for Team Scotland. They also became Scottish Champions in M2- and W4+ at Scottish Championships 2019. First gold medals and 2 bronze medals were also gained at BUCS Regatta 2019 and UStABC were runners-up of the Scottish Student Rowing Victor Ludorum 2019. The Women’s Team reached the quarter finals of Henley Women’s Regatta for the third year running and the Men’s Team made club history by reaching the semi-finals of Henley Royal Regatta for the first time. They were also Medium Academic Pennant winners and broke a club record at Head of the River 2019. In the GB Trials, 2 athletes progressed through the first round and 1 continued through the second round. The club has shown great depth this year because gold and silver medals were also won in the beginner relays at Scottish Rowing Indoor Championships 2019.

Experience

UStABC is entirely run by students. This provides many leadership and management opportunities for students, particularly on Saints Regatta Committee. Saints Regatta is the largest student-run regatta in the UK. There are opportunities to develop life-long connections with the club through the alumni and supporters club, Eden Boat Club. The Boat Club also conducted their most successful fundraising campaign to-date on the SaintsFunder platform, raising £35,000 for new equipment.

Engagement

The club saw a 200% increase in beginners from 2018-19, showing a huge rise in student engagement. The club has engaged with pupils at Lochgelly High School, running weekly indoor sessions for them and there are plans to begin learn-to-row courses for the local community next year. The Boat Club also raised £1092 for Maggie’s Fife through a 24-hour ‘Ergathon’, took part in the Row Britannia campaign, and were the first sports club at the University to sign Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport. The establishment of the club’s Welfare Team helped raise awareness surrounding mental health through campaigns such as ‘Movember’.

Boat Club

50

Club of the Year Award

Football Club Finalist

Excellence

This year, the Women’s 1st Team were crowned champions of BUCS Scottish 1A for the first time. They achieved this by winning all 10 of their league games along the way. This team won 13 of 14 games played and progressed to the 4th round of the BUCS Trophy. They also progressed to the SSS Cup Final for the first time in 8 years. The Men’s 1st Team won the Conference Cup for the first time in 4 years and also progressed to the Queens Park Shield Semi Final. Many other teams in the club have also enjoyed successful seasons. The Women’s 3rd Team progressed to their furthest ever stage of the Conference Cup and the Men’s 3rd Team finished mid-table in Tier 4 to sustain their place as one of the highest ranked 3rd teams in the country. The Men’s 6th Team recorded their highest ever BUCS points return, whilst the Men’s Amateur Team are on track for promotion and have made it into the latter stages of the prestigious Fife Cup.

Experience

Both 1st Team squads have made a strong effort to gain experience in their sport by trialling GPS software and having weekly individual, team and unit video analysis sessions to give themselves the best chance of improving. The club have supported Junior Saints and the Saints Leadership Programme and provided non-competitive club members with weekly activities to help players gain experience. The Football Club have a clear ethos of strong behaviour qualities, which is reflected on a daily basis through the interaction with Saints Sport staff, opposition teams and the Grounds team, always leaving changing rooms tidy and putting goals together at the end of games and training.

Engagement

Communicating with alumni, sponsors and families of players has been one of the club’s goals this year. The creation of an online matchday programme and the first Thanksgiving event to celebrate the club’s American members were successful initiatives. The Football Club have frequently engaged with the local community, continuing their outreach work with St Leonards School and St Andrews Girls Football Club. The club has also been involved in a number of charitable projects: a charity cycle to Manchester which raised over £4000 for Bloodwise, donating to food banks, raising money for Coppafeel, and raising awareness of mental health.

Football Club

51

Club of the Year Award

Judo Club Finalist

Excellence

The Judo Club had a series of excellent results this year, winning 7 medals at the Scottish Student Kyu Grade Championships and a further 14 at the Scottish Student Judo Championships, including a notable gold for the Men’s Mixed Grade. In the BUCS competition, 2 gold medals were won and two first time competitors placed fifth.

Experience

The club entered more competitions this year in order to support the development of athletes. An external coach was secured for the full year to support and develop the existing student coaches. There was also improved planning of sessions to enhance the coherence between sessions and ensure the club could cater to a wide ride of ability better. Many individuals graded up and moved into higher competition categories this year.

Engagement

Membership to the club has significantly increased and the club have made an effort to engage with the wider Saints Sport community by running a judo session for Women’s Rugby. The club has also supported AU initiatives, such as Purple Friday and International Women’s Day.

Judo Club

52

saints sport

EXCELLENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

53

Saints Sport: Dedicated to Creating Individuals Who are Passionate about Being the Difference

Many clubs have practiced excellence in the face of adversity this year and have truly pulled together to support individuals having a tough time with their mental or physical health, or to shine a light on things that are important for the greater good. Here we look at three different initiatives which reflect ‘excellence in the face of adversity’. Cairo to Cape Town: Two boys on a bike for sight

On World Sight Day, 11th October 2018, and with the support of an R&A International Scholarship, University of St Andrews students Alex McMaster and Merlin Hetherington set off on a tandem to cycle the length of Africa, a 10,000 km journey across the continent from Cairo to Cape Town. Their journey took them through some of the most medically under-resourced regions of the world, where they delivered training to health workers and students with the Arclight, an instrument developed for eye care in St Andrews.

The trip was not without problems and the boys decided to abandon the tandem bike due to issues with saddle pressure. A lot of walking ensued, but after a few weeks of hauling their belongings by foot across the wild Masai Steppe, they were saved by ElliptiGO and Burley who provided stand-up ‘running on wheels’ bikes and trailers, which they used to complete their journey.

Through their efforts, the pair have raised over £24,000 towards funding Arclight devices and the associated materials required for delivering training sessions.

Alex and Merlin completed their adventure on 15 May 2019 after covering 10,450km (Tandem 4600km; Walk 350km; ElliptiGOs 4600km) in 217 days on the road, delivering training to 843 people and distributing 1050 Arclights.

For a full report on their journey please see: https://news.st-andrews.ac.uk/archive/african-expedition-a-sight-for-sore-eyes

You can read more about the Arclight here: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/medicine/about/malawi

54

Saints Football: St Andrews to Manchester Cycle for Charlie

On 21 August 2019, 10 players and staff from the University of St Andrews Football Club and the Department of Sport and Exercise took on a challenge that involved cycling from St Andrews to Manchester to visit Charlie Andrews, a Men’s 1st Team player who had earlier in the year been diagnosed with blood cancer. In doing this challenge the group also had the intention of raising money and awareness for the charity Bloodwise. Bloodwise is an excellent UK based charity dedicated to funding research into all blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, but also dedicated to offering information and support to blood cancer patients.

Taking place over 3 days this challenge was both physically and mentally demanding for the group who had to endure various obstacles such as the weather, getting lost and bikes and vans breaking down. With little or no cycling experience, the group cycled 90-115 miles a day over 3 days in order to complete the 280-mile ride. The group was significantly encouraged and motivated following news on day 1 that Charlie had been told he was in remission. Day 3 saw the task completed as they arrived in the early evening to meet an emotional Charlie and his family outside the iconic Old Trafford stadium, home of Manchester United Football Club. A fantastic effort from all involved which raised an incredible £4,336 for Bloodwise. 5 months on from this, Charlie not only returned to the University to finish off his Postgraduate course in Computer Science but also returned to the Football Club to continue his playing career and signed off the BUCS season in the perfect way as he helped the Men’s 1st Team win the Conference Cup for the first time in 4 years. Saints Hockey: 3 Peaks Challenge

During the 2018/19 Academic year, a member of the Hockey Club, Charlie Greenbeck, was diagnosed with cancer and received treatment for this during his second semester. The club wanted to support him by raising money for two charities that had supported him throughout his treatment. They decided to embark on the 3 Peaks Challenge in order to raise money for CLIC Sargent and Teenage Cancer Trust. Charlie had just finished his treatment and only a few weeks later took part and completed the challenge as well.

Congratulations to the 13 people who took part in the challenge and raised an incredible amount for both charities: CLIC Sargent – £1600 Teenage Cancer Trust – £1500 The club are so pleased to welcome Charlie back as he starts the 2nd year of his Chemistry degree in September.

Congratulations to everyone involved in raising money for such fantastic charities. The lengths our students go to know no bounds.

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The People Who Have Been the Difference to the Sports Awards

We would like to give our sincere thanks to the following individuals and teams who have worked through unprecedented circumstances to collate and highlight the amazing efforts of our student-athletes this year.

The Awards Committee

For their work in narrowing down the extensive list of nominees.

The Media and Graphics Team, past and present

For their help gathering and putting together footage and photos.

The Events Committee

For their hard work and organisation in putting together this event. From the planning and preparation of the original concept for the event to the change of focus when the event moved online, thank you for everything you have done to make this possible and never losing sight of our key aims for the Sports Awards.

Heather Gaunt

Whose expertise, direction and commitment has been instrumental.

Macron Store Dundee (formerly Richmond Sports)

For their continued support and generous sponsorship of the Martin Barkla Volunteer of the Year Award and the Saints Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year Award.

Accommodation, Conferences and Events

For your support and professionalism in the planning of the original event, and your support thereafter when the event moved online. Looking forwarding to working with you again for next year’s event!

Print and Design

For helping us with our last minute request and a special thanks to Suzanne Issa for her support and hard work with the brochure.

The University

Our thanks to the Principal’s Office for its continued support and funding of sport at St Andrews. With over 70% of students active in sport or physical activity, Saints Sport is a key player in delivering a unique and sector leading St Andrews Experience and we would also like to extend this thanks to all who continue to support us.

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Environmentally friendly events

We are passionate about ensuring Saints Sports events leave positive stories and provide motivation to all. We don’t wish to leave an unnecessary trail as we do so. We are trying to reduce the carbon footprint of our events and we thank you for your support in receiving information electronically and helping us to omit paper from our events.

We will continuously strive to make our events friendly to the environment and each other.

We look forward to seeing you back in St Andrews when it is safe to do so. Here’s to another year of being the difference.

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SPORTS AWARDS2021

SAVE THE DATE

THURSDAY 22ND APRIL 2021

BYRE THEATRE

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