Tuesday, 30 June 2009 12:08

The Wollongong ahm Hawks today have signed Eric Cooks as Assistant Coach for the 2009/10 NBL Season.

Cooks has a long history with the Wollongong ahm Hawks dating back to 1997 when he joined on as a player for his first season with the club. Since that time Cooks had become an Assistant Coach and more recently as Head Coach for the better part of the previous three seasons.

“Eric is a very loyal and committed individual. We’re very proud to have Eric continue his involvement with the club as Assistant Coach for the upcoming season.” Wollongong ahm Hawks CEO Wayne Morris said.

“Cooks is a perfect fit to be involved in the new not for profit organisation. The knowledge, skills and personal qualities he brings to this organisation is not only a benefit to our coaching staff but to the entire community.”

“Our fans have grown up with Eric as an integral part of the club since he arrived in Wollongong. He is well respected in the community and we are happy to have him as part of the team.” added Morris.

Eric joins Head Coach Gordie McLeod as the second addition to the 2009/10 Wollongong ahm Hawks coaching staff.

“It’s great to be involved with the new organisation. There has been a lot of changes made to how this club will be operated which is a positive sign and I’m very happy to be continuing my association with the ahm Hawks.” Eric Cooks said.

“I had never officially met Gordie until earlier this year, so it was great to sit down with him and get to know each other. After a couple of good conversations it was clear we were on the right track together and I’m looking forward to working with him this season.”

“We’re excited to be building this club for the community. Over the years the support I have personally received has been tremendous and the support the new organisation has received in recent months has been just amazing.”

“We’re really looking forward to getting the team together in July and preparing for the upcoming season” Cooks concluded.

The Wollongong ahm Hawks will soon also make an announcement on the second Assistant Coach role and their involvement with the club for the upcoming season. This role will have an emphasis on community development and the activation of Wollongong ahm Hawks community programs in the Illawarra.

“As part of our new organisation structure, our second Assistant Coach will also take on a Community Development Officer role for the Wollongong ahm Hawks. This will allow the club to take part in more community programs and activities than ever before” Wayne Morris said.

“We look forward to making a further announcement on this role in the near future.” Morris concluded.

For more information on the Wollongong ahm Hawks and to sign up as a member please visit www.hawks.com.au