The Australian Sports Commission last night announced national men’s hockey coach Ric Charlesworth as recipient of the 2010 AIS Coach of the Year award at a ceremony in Canberra.

Under Charlesworth’s coaching and guidance, the Australian men’s hockey team won triple titles: the Commonwealth Games, World Cup and Champions Trophy all in the same year. The Kookaburras recorded an incredible 25 wins in 26 competitive games throughout 2010.

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker paid tribute to Charlesworth’s remarkable achievement and commitment to both the AIS and Australian men’s hockey.

“For Ric, to win the AIS Coach of the Year award over such a high-quality field is a reflection of his outstanding coaching ability,” Professor Fricker said. 

“Ric and his coaching team deserve much of the credit for the tremendous results achieved by Australian Kookaburras on the international sporting stage.  

“His leadership, professionalism and enthusiasm have seen the Kookaburras finish 2010 as the world number one team.”

Other finalists for the Coach of the Year award included Michael Blackburn (sailing), John Fowlie (swimming), Steve Graham (Paralympic alpine skiing), Michael Roth / Cord Spero (aerial skiing) and Tom Sermanni (football-women’s). 

Other major 2010 AIS Awards presented tonight at the AIS Arena included:

• AIS Athlete of the Year: Lydia Lassila (Aerial Skiing)

• AIS Junior Athlete of the Year: Lauren Mitchell (Gymnastics)

• AIS Team of the Year: Australian Men’s Hockey Team  

• AIS Program of the Year: AIS sailing program

The full list of award winners is on the 2010 Honour Roll at www.ausport.gov.au

Contact: David Packwood, AIS Media Officer 0408 417894.