Recognition & Party

So Saturday night was the Tri Alliance End of Season Presentation Night (EOSPN). My night started off earlier than most as I had to help with the set up. I got dropped off at 6pm and helped with the balloons, confitti and then it was out the front of the hall for the meet and greet side of the evening. I was in charge of ticking people's names off the list whilst Paddy and Des helped to sell raffle tickets.

The evening started off with the secret presentation which was our Flash Dance - a few of us had been practicing for over a week on this dance routine. I don't think many people were paying attention (or cared for much of it?) but it was a good way to start off a fun evening.

We started off the night with the formal awards. The awards are great because it recognises people's efforts not only in actual races but also their training and dedication to the squad and the sport of triathlon. The following people were winners:

Short Course Female: Lisa Dominquez - for her podiums, coming 2nd in the series, representing Aus at the World Champs in London 2013. She was also last year's winner.

Short Course Male: Xavier Flynn - his placings throughout the Gatorade series and general improvements throughout training and racing

Long Course Female: Bri Scarllett - overcoming hardships, raising money for Smiling for Smiddy, best female time for Ironman Melbourne (after from Sarah Grove)

Long Course Male: Nathan Sims - Excellent performance in long course racing and being just a great team player. Nathan is very helpful throughout training and he will be going to Kona 2013.

Best Newcomer: Jess Waugh - travelling from Bacchus Marsh everyday for training and comes to all sessions. This was a close one as her fiance (Glen) was also nominated.

Most Improved: Belinda Griffiths - improvements over all 3 disciplines

Team Players: Ryan Kidd & Simon Gronow (tied) - Ryan managed the 2 aid stations for Tri Alliance during Ironman Melb (Parkdale & Mentone), Simon is a supporter of Tri Alliance at all the events (even when he is not racing)

JC Memorial Scholarship: Brett Archbold (and he also won the Zoolander Award) - Brett has been training with Ollie for the last 8+ years and will be going to Kona 2013. As part of this award, he will receive all his training and Vic Training Camps by TA.

Happy to see that my (coach's) nominations all got throught the list and won awards.

Then the rest of the night was all about having fun - drinking and dancing. The after party was at the Belgium Beer garden and the after after party was at the Electric Ladyland. My feet were not enjoying the torture of wearing heels and dancing and so it gave up during the walk from Belgium to Chapel St. I don't remember enjoying the Electric Ladyland and ended up calling for my lift home at 2am.

One of my fave photos - Sharon, Mary, Caroline, Michelle and Lisa

Nola, Me and Steady (aka John Travolta)

I am sure more photos will emerge soon from the evening. For the moment, I think everyone is still recovering from a massive weekend.