Looking through the list of finalists for the 2024 Network Waitaki Sports Awards, you might notice one surname in triplicate.

But it’s not a misprint. Three Loe siblings have all been nominated in their respective sports and categories for the awards, which will take place on March 17 at the Waitaki Community Recreation Centre.

Molly Loe has been nominated for Female Sportsperson of the Year, up against two Otago Spirit rugby players Cheyenne Cunningham (who also played for South Island women’s Super Rugby team Matatū) and Jamie Church.

Molly has been a star all-rounder for her Otago women’s cricket team the Sparks. The Sparks won last year’s women’s domestic competition (Hallyburton Johnstone Shield), and her quality bowling has seen her attain figures such as 4/12 in the Super Smash competition.

Younger brother William has been nominated for Male Sportsperson of the Year, but faces extra tough competition from 2024 Coast to Coast winner Hamish Elliot and Black Cap Nathan Smith. William played in the New Zealand Junior Curling team who competed in Finland at the end of last year, at the World B Champs. 

Meanwhile, the youngest Loe - Angus, who was year 13 at John McGlashan College last year, will be competing against Ned Newlands-Carter (rowing) and Kobe Narruhn (rugby) for the Male Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

Angus had success at the 2024 National Secondary Schools Rowing Championships (Maadi Cup) winning gold with his partner in the U18 Double Sculls, a performance which also helped earn him a trial for the NZ Junior Rowing squad.

Their mother, Nicola Loe, says while she and husband Hamish always encouraged their children to play a team sport, which they believe taught them a number of life skills, it was the children themselves who did the “hard yards” with training.

All three of the children attended Weston School, before boarding at Dunedin secondary schools.

They were encouraged to make the most of opportunities, which then came with rewards, she says.  

“Many helped them along the way to achieve what they have - team mates, coaches, parents and mentors."

They consider themselves lucky to be “in the mix” for the awards, and are looking forward to spending the night catching up, Nicola says.

Some of the winners from the 2023 Network Waitaki Sports Awards. Photo: Supplied

Sport Waitaki co-ordinator Sara Harding says there were some outstanding nominees for the awards this time, which made it particularly difficult for the judges to reach their final decisions.

The judges are Nicki Paterson, Adair Craik, Barry Fox, Kayla Hodge, Anjelica Matapo and Sara.

“Our guest speaker this year is Kees Meews, who will share insights from his remarkable rugby career as an All Black, as well as his success as a rugby coach,” Sara says.

“It promises to be a fantastic evening, as we will be celebrating some incredible accomplishments. We will also be inducting two individuals into the Waitaki Sports Hall of Fame.” 

Tickets to the event can be bought individually or in tables of 10, through the North Otago Sports Bodies Website.

The complete list of finalists is:

Male Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Angus Loe (rowing)

Ned Newlands-Carter (rowing)

Kobe Narruhn (rugby)

Female Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Emma Gillies (equestrian)

Emma Spittle (rowing)

Ruby Fox (touch)

Male Sportsperson of the Year

Hamish Elliot (multisport)

William Loe (curling)

Nathan Smith (cricket)

Female Sportsperson of the Year

Molly Loe (cricket)

Cheyenne Cunningham (rugby)

Jaime Church (rugby)

Team of the Year

Oamaru Rowing Men’s Coxed Four

Waitaki Boys’ High School Year 9/10 Cricket Team

Excelsior Premier Rugby Team

Masters Athlete of the Year

Belinda Hurst (tennis)

Mark Esselink (multisport)

Craig Brett (hockey)

Coach of the Year

Sam Senior (basketball)

Shaun Cunningham (hockey)

Mark Holthusen (hockey)