MASTERMIND: After three national titles, Wanganui Squash Club's John Roestenburg was named as Coach of the Year.
It was the first time he had ever attended the event, and it could not have been a better night for Pat Dillon at the 2015 Ray White Wanganui Sports Awards.
The veteran Wanganui jet sprint driver was a popular winner of the NZCT National Senior Sportsperson award for claiming the Superboats title in the 2015 NZ Jet Sprint Championship.
Dillon and his 1500hp PPG Hulk boat dominated the series, after having toiled for years to create a unique engine package he was convinced would be effective.
He retired from racing with NZ1 now linked permanently to his name.
"This is a real privilege to be here. I've never been to these awards before, it's just amazing," Dillon told the audience.
"Nineteen years I've been sprinting for. Biggest thanks to my family and friends.
Dillon thanked Richard and Julia Murray for helping bring the vision of a local jetsprint track at Upokongaro into a reality, as well as the team at Engine Rebuilders for their work in putting together a Ford engine that could compete in superboats when big city businesses told him it wasn't feasible.
"Something that couldn't work, we made it work, and here we are."
Another big cheer went up for Wanganui Squash Club's John Roestenburg, wearing his famous lucky blue hat, as he accepted the Mars Petcare Coach of the Year trophy for guiding his team to the national C Grade title - their third championship in four years.
Even in the excitment of the moment, Roestenburg was able to thank each player in their seeded order.
"Thank you guys very much for getting off your arses and being prepared to lose for the last four years.
"If you're prepared to lose, you will have friends who will support you and be with you for life - you have a much better chance of winning."
While public speaking is not easy for Rivercity Gas Disabled Sportsperson recipient Judith Bradley, the indoor bowler of Special Olympics Wanganui was wonderful with her smile and stories of attending the tournaments in the lower North Island.
"We played everywhere too," she said.
Geordie Beamish is currently attending the University of Arizona, but his father Simon made the trip from the Hawke's Bay to accept the Stirling Sports National Junior Sportsperson award for the former Collegiate runner.
Beamish senior credited coach Alec McNab for taking his son from a shy book-reader to a NZ Junior and NZ Schools middle distance running champion.
There was also time for reflection for other honoured sports people who could not be there on the night.
As one of two latest inductees into the Wanganui Sports Hall of Fame, the late Clarrie Healey, who died in 1987, had his recognition accepted by grandson David Mills.
"What a man," said Mills of his grandfather, pride of the Union Boat Club.
The former Olympian and soldier could serve as an inspiration for any modern sportsman when faced with challenges.
"Clarrie and those around him, they managed," said Mills.
Megan Compain, freshly returned from working in England during the Rugby World Cup as a corporate manager for the NZRFU, was on hand to accept her hall induction as the first New Zealander to play professionally in America, preceding household names like Sean Marks and Steven Adams.
"To hear the prestigious names that were read out by the judging panel for the Hall of Fame makes me very humble to receive this award," Compain said.
Leaving home at a young age, Compain said she was thankful that whenever she could make it back, Wanganui "opened doors" with chances to train in gyms and the YMCA.
Another absence noted was cycling stalwart Gordon Sharrock, who passed away during the week.
Sharrock was due to be among the eight sporting identities added to the Wanganui Roll of Honour for having given 25 years or more service to local sport.
Grandson Chris Sharrock, who would be wicketkeeper for Active Physio Wanganui against Taranaki the following day, accepted the plaque and said the family greatly appreciated it.
"Cycling was his life and it would mean so much to him to be recognised tonight for doing what he loved."
Combined, the eight new members of the Roll of Honour had 326 years of voluntary service between them, with cycling's William 'Bill' Main (65 years) and swimming's Frank 'Toddy' Sollitt (50) the standouts.
Other award recipients Sport Whanganui Services to Sport: Stuart Bevan (Multisport), Garth Hammond (Rowing), Jason King (Football), Michelle Low (Hockey), Alec McNab (Athletics), Bevan Tasker (Lawn Bowls), Shaun Tucker (Cycling).
Tupoho Sports Scholarship: Liam Goodhall (Judo, Hockey), Jeron-Reef Hiri-Gush (Basketball), Teah Te Omanga Kahaki (Football), Jahvahney Nahona-Hina (Rugby League).
Roll of Honour: Roy Anderson (Cycling), Kenneth Carvell (Rugby), Mark Kennedy (Mountain Biking), Alan Luff (Rowing), Gina Maihi (Netball), William Main (Cycling), Frank Sollitt (Swimming), Gordon Sharrock (Cycling).