MOAMA Bowling Club was filled with some of the biggest stars of the Echuca-Moama sporting community on Monday night, for the presentation of the 2019 Sportstar of the Year awards, sponsored by the Moama Bowling Club, Echuca Travel Centre and the Riverine Herald.
A year-long program, with monthly winners in senior and junior categories, the awards also include Team of the Year, Coach of the Year and Spirit of Sport Awards.
The junior Sportstar of the Year was awarded to swimming young gun Col Pearse, who took home the award for a second time.
Dual winners were named for the senior Sportstar of the Year as footballer Brodie Kemp and cricketer Todd Murphy – who had previously won the junior category – shared the award.
Kate Carlile, who fulfils multiple roles at the Echuca Football Netball and Echuca Cricket Clubs was awarded the Spirit of Sport award.
Leo Tenace was named the Coach of the Year for 2019, after winning two premierships – first with the Echuca Pirates senior team, followed by a second straight flag with the Echuca under 18s football side.
And the Echuca Basketball Association capped off an outstanding year on and off the court after being named Club/Team of the Year.
The night also saw shooter Steve Atkins honoured for his outstanding career as he joined Brett Sands in the Sportstar Hall of Fame.
Netballer Caitlyn Nevins returned to the twin towns as a guest speaker, talking to those in attendance about the ups and downs of her career.