Oamaru rower Logan Docherty took the top award at the Network Waitaki Sports Awards 2022, on Monday night.

Docherty, an electrician, made the New Zealand under-23 squad last year, and competed at the Under-23 world champs in Italy in a lightweight double, where he placed 16th.

North Otago Sports Bodies Association member Pip Sutton said the award was well-deserved.

“He had an awesome season last year. I remember when a couple of years ago, he also had another awesome season, but was always topped by Courtney (Duncan, 3-time World Motocross Champion).”

About 175 people attended the awards, held at the Loan and Mercantile building on Ōamaru’s Harbour St.

This was the first year at the venue, and Pip said it was a “cool atmosphere”, and overall people had a great night.

Network Waitaki Sports Awards organisers, North Otago Sports Bodies Association (from left) Pip Sutton, Julia McLennan (president), Carmen Brenssell, Di Talanoa, Denise More, and Peter Simpson (absent: Sandra Kitto). PHOTO: Maneland Photography

The guest speaker was former New Zealand equestrian turned adventure racer Ben Lott.

Ben shared his story of how he fell competing in the 2018 Coast to Coast, suffering a traumatic brain injury, and how he fought his way back to compete in and complete the Yukon 1000 - an extreme 1000-mile kayak race.

“He spoke about excellence and sticking to your values . . . also encouraging people to branch out from just netball and rugby and to try new things,” Pip said. 

Boxing coach, the late Ave Luxon, “known as the grandfather of North Otago boxing”, was admitted to the Waitaki Sports Hall of Fame, an honour accepted on his behalf by his daughter Kathleen Mercer.

Luxon coached nine national champions - the first in 1962, was awarded the Brian O’Brien Trophy for services to NZ Boxing in 1994, and had coached more than 1000 fighters over 50 years.

“Speaking to people . . . he kept thousands of kids off the street,” Pip said. 

The awards night could not have happened without the on-going support of the sponsors, some of whom had been part of the night for many years, she said

The complete table of results are as follows: 

Network Waitaki Sportsperson of the Year

Logan Docherty, rowing

Plunket Electrical Sportswoman of the Year

Cheyenne Cunningham, rugby

K South Sportsman of the Year

Logan Docherty, rowing

Sutherland Mens and Ladieswear Junior Sportswoman of the Year

Samantha Gillies, equestrian

Hi Flo Plumbing Junior Sportsman of the Year

Jakob Cunningham, triathlon

LJ Hooker Coach of the Year Award

Ivan Docherty, rowing

Milligans Food Group Team of the Year

Rowing Novice Mens 8, rowing

Maheno Tavern Athlete with a disability Award

Emma Paton, squash

Loan and Merc Catering Stewart Mitchell Award for Official in Sport

Jessica Crossley, touch rugby

AON Insurance Dennis Birtles Memorial Services to Sport

Gary Paterson, basketball/cricket

Adair Craik Female Emerging Talent

Olivia McLean, swimming

Adair Craik Male Emerging Talent

James Soal, swimming