News & Updates

Friday, 17 July 2009 08:35

This will be Jackson’s third season in the league and will look to continue to improve under the guidance of new Head Coach Gordie McLeod.

“Daniel’s addition to the Wollongong ahm Hawks roster is a strong sign of the talent that the Illawarra can produce and has produced over the years.” Wollongong ahm Hawks CEO Wayne Morris said.

“Over the years he’s worked his way up through the Illawarra junior ranks to the Australian Institute of Sport and has represented his country on the International stage. Now he has the opportunity to continue to represent his home town and take that next step in developing a long term career in the NBL.”

Daniel has spent the current off-season with the Mackay Meteors in the Queensland Basketball League. After a slow start to the season, Jackson found his feet and has put together consistent and strong performances the past two months. He is currently averaging 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Meteors.

Jackson’s addition is the fifth signing for the Wollongong ahm Hawks 2009/10 roster, joining Glen Saville, Mat Campbell, Cameron Tragardh and new signing Tim Behrendorff.

“I’m excited to return to the Wollongong ahm Hawks this season. There’s no better feeling than representing your home town in the sport you love.” Daniel Jackson said.

“Without the community rallying behind Mat Campbell and the Save the Hawks Campaign I would never have had the opportunity again to represent Wollongong and the region I grew up in.”

Daniel took time from his QBL commitments with the Mackay Meteors to spend the past two days working out with Mat, Glen and the coaching staff.

“I’ve spent the past two days working out with the guys down here. It was also good to sit down with Gordie and get a feel for what his plans are for not only the team but for our involvement in the community.”

Jackson will be in Mackay until early August finishing up his playing commitments with the Mackay Meteors before he arrives back into Wollongong for preseason training.

”I’m looking forward to returning from Mackay in August and focusing on the season ahead. It’s going to be great feeling in September to be putting on that Hawks singlet again, hopefully in front of another sold out crowd” Jackson concluded.

The Wollongong ahm Hawks office is now open at the Snakepit from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

For more information on the Wollongong ahm Hawks or to secure your membership today please visit www.hawks.com.au.

Monday, 13 July 2009 10:38

The front office of the new not for profit organisation is now located at Illawarra Basketball Stadium (Snakepit), Gwynneville the home of Illawarra basketball and open to the public.

“We’re excited to finally open up our new front office to the public. We’ve spent the past several weeks setting up the infrastructure needed to begin operations of the club, this included setting up our office furniture, bank accounts, purchasing the equipment needed to run the organisation and much more.” Wollongong ahm Hawks CEO Wayne Morris said.

The Wollongong ahm Hawks office will now be located at the heart of basketball in the Illawarra. The office location opens the club to be more accessible to the basketball community especially the large number of junior participants in the region.

“We must thank the Illawarra Basketball Association for providing an exceptional location for the new Wollongong ahm Hawks front office. It is a perfect location for us and takes the club back to the grassroots of basketball.”

The club now has an experienced front office staff that will help guide the ahm Hawks operations this season. The ahm Hawks front office includes former staff member and Life Member Yvonne White as Finance and Administration Assistant, Doug Sweeney as Sales & Partnership Manager, Jess Tory as Membership & Events Manager and Mili Simic as Operations & Marketing Manager.

“We have put together a very experienced front office and one that our previous members will be familiar with. Yvonne White has been recognised as a Life Member for her contribution to the administration of the club over many years and her support to join us again with the new organisation is tremendous.” Wayne Morris said.

“The front office also includes two individuals that played a major role in the “Save the Hawks” campaign behind the scenes. Mili Simic & Jess Tory joined myself and Mat Campbell all those months ago in completing the NBL Expression of Interest in just four days to meet Basketball Australia’s deadline.”

“Their commitment to this club over the past four months is a testament to the passion and drive they have to see the new not for profit community based organisation succeed. They both have played an integral part in setting up the new organisation and we’re extremely pleased to have both on board in the front office.”

The Wollongong ahm Hawks will now work towards releasing Season Ticket information by the end of the week.

“Now that our office is operational, we’re not too far away from launching our new website and releasing Season Ticket prices for the 2009/10 NBL Season.” Morris added.

“As we have promised Season Ticket prices will be lower than last season, which we’re sure will put a smile on the faces of our supporters.”

The Wollongong ahm Hawks office phone number will be 02 4229 7722 and will be open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

For more information on the Wollongong ahm Hawks or to secure your membership today please visit www.hawks.com.au.

Brief of Wollongong Hawks Basketball Limited.

The not for profit organisation was formed in June 2009 after the successful “Save the Hawks” Campaign lead by Mat Campbell.

Mission
We exist to provide our community a quality professional basketball team that is successful on and off the court and to provide exceptional service and a sense of belonging to our members and the community.

Vision
We will be recognised as a sustainable not for profit organisation whose networks and relationships strengthen the community through the promotion and development of basketball.

Values

Community
To be actively involved in the community.

Excellence
To provide a top level team on and off the court.

Respect
To earn the respect of the community as a sustainable not for profit community based organisation.

Professional
Professionalism and integrity in all aspects of our operation.

Entertain
To delight each and every person who attends our events and games.

Thursday, 09 July 2009 14:06

Today the Wollongong ahm Hawks announced an integral role within the new not for profit organisation.

Local Matt Flinn will join the Wollongong ahm Hawks as not only the Second Assistant Coach but will also be the Wollongong ahm Hawks Community Development Officer. This new full-time role will see Matt take on a greater responsibility in the activation of Wollongong ahm Hawks initiatives in the community.

“We’re very pleased to have Matt involved in the new Wollongong ahm Hawks. He is not only an important part of our coaching staff alongside Eric Cooks and Gordie McLeod, he also brings great knowledge, skills and expertise in the delivery of community programs.” Wollongong ahm Hawks CEO Wayne Morris said.

“Matt’s experience as a High School Teacher at Illawarra Sports High and his involvement with the development of basketball in the Illawarra over the past few years saw him as a perfect fit as our new Community Development Officer.”

“Matt’s role outside of his coaching duties will be to help promote and enhance the sport of basketball and develop the youth of the Illawarra through the delivery of Wollongong ahm Hawks community initiatives.” Morris added.

Friday, 03 July 2009 10:46

Mat Campbell was today announced as the i98fm/ahm Local Hero of the Year for his efforts in the Save the Hawks campaign and ensuring the Wollongong ahm Hawks survival in the National Basketball League.

Dubbed as “the Saviour” Mat was recognised by a judging panel which included ahm ambassador and cricket great Steve Waugh for his commitment to the community and the regions economy.

Mat Campbell stood up for the community and led a small team of individuals in the fight to save the Wollongong ahm Hawks and the $5 million dollars the clubs existence brings to the Illawarra economy.

“It’s overwhelming to have just been nominated let alone be announced as i98fm/ahm Local Hero of the Year. There are so many individuals in the Illawarra just striving to do their part for the community and make our region a better place for all.” Mat Campbell said.

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.”

Thursday, 25 June 2009 13:23

Wollongong ahm Hawks veteran and dual Olympian Glen Saville has committed to the Wollongong ahm Hawks for the 2009/10 NBL Season.

“Glen is one of the premier players in the NBL. We always knew other teams would attempt to lure him away from Wollongong, but Glen has always said he would like to stay with Wollongong and continue to play for the city he calls home.” Wollongong ahm Hawks CEO Wayne Morris said.

“The club has been very open in our desire for Glen to remain as a member of the ahm Hawks team.” Morris added.

Wednesday, 24 June 2009 09:21

The Wollongong ahm Hawks today have announced the signing of 211cm big man Tim Behrendorff as a new addition to the club for the 2009/10 NBL Season.

At 27 years of age, the Queensland born centre has five seasons under his belt in the NBL with the past four seasons with the New Zealand Breakers.

Behrendorff has just finished a breakout season with the Christchurch Cougars in the New Zealand National Basketball League averaging 18 points per game and finishing in the top ten in Rebounding, Block shots and Field goal percentage.

“We’re very excited to secure the services of Tim Behrendorff for the 2009/10 NBL Season. He has continued to improve over the past several seasons and Gordie has paid close attention to his play while he has been in New Zealand” Wollongong Hawks CEO Wayne Morris said.

“He’s a promising talent and adds some great height and length on the floor, this is a great opportunity for Behrendroff and we look forward to him taking full advantage of a fresh start and the chance to represent the Wollongong ahm Hawks.”

Behrendorff is the third addition to the Wollongong ahm Hawks roster and joins Mat Campbell and Cameron Tragardh as official Wollongong ahm Hawks signings for the 2009/10 NBL Season.

“This is a great move for me, it’s an exciting opportunity to play under Gordie next season and hopefully helps me take my career to the next level” Tim Behrendorff said.

“I’ve heard so many great things about Wollongong, including the lifestyle it offers and playing for a club with so much history and community pride.”

“Just witnessing the support the ahm Hawks have received from the community the past few months to keep this team alive has been amazing. I’m looking forward to representing Wollongong and a community that has done so much to save the last remaining foundation NBL club” Behrendorff added.

Behrendorff has just finished his New Zealand NBL season and is currently away on a personal holiday in the United States. He will arrive in Wollongong in late July to begin pre-season training with his new club.

The Wollongong ahm Hawks are continuing negotiations with a number of players and hope to make further announcements shortly.

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

Thursday, 18 June 2009 09:19

The Wollongong ahm Hawks have announced the signing of forward Cameron Tragardh for the 2009/10 NBL season.

Tragardh will re-join the ahm Hawks for his third season with the club and can’t wait to play in front of the fans that have done so much over the past three months to save the last remaining foundation club from extinction.

“The way the community rallied to save the team has been nothing short of amazing. The energy the community showed to save the Hawks definitely makes you want to be part of that same community spirit” Cameron Tragardh said.

“I’m very excited that the ahm Hawks are alive and will continue for years to come. I feel very proud and privileged to play for the last remaining NBL foundation club and a club that is rich in so much history.”

“The people of Wollongong certainly had a big influence in my decision to return to the club. They welcomed me with open arms two years ago and have made me feel like part of the community. Our supporters have made Wollongong feel like home for me, and I can’t wait to return for the 2009/10 NBL season” Tragardh said.

Wednesday, 10 June 2009 09:48

The Wollongong ahm Hawks have made their first player signing for the 2009/10 NBL Season. It is with no surprise that Save the Hawks Campaign Leader Mat Campbell is the first player to be secured for the Wollongong ahm Hawks.

After leading the charge over the past three months in the fight to Save the Hawks, Mat Campbell has decided it’s not yet time to hang up the boots and still has the drive, passion and legs to go for seasons to come for the Wollongong ahm Hawks.

“Words can’t express what Mat has done the past three months in the fight to Save the Hawks, Mat has put in so much time and effort into saving this club and it’s a pleasure to be announcing Mat as our first player to be secured for the 2009/10 NBL season” Wollongong ahm Hawks CEO Wayne Morris said.

“His leadership, commitment and passion are those intangible qualities difficult to find in many players.”

Monday, 08 June 2009 11:03

Today the 2009/10 National Basketball League schedule has been released, with the Wollongong ahm Hawks opening game to be played at the WIN Entertainment Centre against the Perth Wildcats on Friday September 25.