Adelaide University Sport and Fitness is excited to confirm the nominees for the 117th Annual Blues Awards, set to take place on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.

Nominations have now been announced for the following awards: Patron’s Cup, Jessop Shield, Bennett Shield, Coach of the Year, and Service to Adelaide University Sport and Fitness.

In contrast to the Blues, Half Blues and Club Letters (for Service and Competition) which are chosen by the Blues Committee, recipients of the above awards are chosen by the AUSF Board of Management from nominations received from members and AUSF staff.

Winners of these awards are presented at the 117th Annual Blues Awards in November.

Purchase your tickets for the 117th Annual Blues Awards here
 

Patron’s Cup

The Patron's Cup is awarded to a club which had an outstanding achievement in the past 12 months. It is presented in recognition of Professor McWha's support of Adelaide University Sport during his 10-year tenure as Vice Chancellor. 

The Nominees for 2025 are: 

AU Fencing
AU Fencing Club has had an exceptional year, achieving outstanding success across national, university and state levels. At the Australian Fencing Federation National Championships, club members secured gold and bronze in the Veteran Men’s Foil. At UniNationals 2025, the team recorded its best-ever result earning 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals, with female participation increasing from one to six fencers. State-level competitions also saw record performances, with podium finishes across all major divisions and weapon categories.

AU Judo
AU Judo Club achieved outstanding success during 2025, winning multiple medals at national and state events. Highlights include gold medals at the Melbourne International, Adelaide International, Veterans Nationals and UniNationals, and podium finishes at the Sydney International, Cadet Nationals and Junior Nationals. The Club had a selection in the Hong Kong Cadet Asian Cup.

AU Boat
AU Boat Club earned multiple medals throughout 2025, including 3 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze at UniSport Nationals, 14 gold, 9 silver and 6 bronze at State Championships, and 22 Oceania Teams Rowing Championships. Further success came at the Sydney International and Australian Championships, and 11 members were named to the SA Masters Teams, along with 19 to the South Australian state team.

AU Athletics
AU Athletics Club achieved impressive results in 2025, including 2 gold and 1 silver medal at the Athletics SA Cross Country Championships, bronze at the UniNational Championships, 2 gold and 1 silver at the 3000m States, and 4 gold, 2 silver and 7 bronze at the State Championships. 14 members were named to the Athletics SA Cross Country team.

Jessop Shield

CLUB OF THE YEAR - 50 OR LESS MEMBERS

The Jessop Shield is award to the Club of the Year, with less than 50 members. It is presented in recognition of Charles Jessop, one of the first life members.

The Nominees for 2025 are: 

AU Kendo
In 2025, the AU Kendo Club recorded its strongest membership and retention results to date, while also implementing improved governance systems and preparing for its merger with UniSA Kendo. The club promoted itself through O'Week demonstrations and social media campaigns, and fostered a welcoming culture with regular social activities and volunteer recognition.

Competitively, the club delivered one of its best seasons, winning 10 medals at the SA Kendo Championships and sending its largest UniNationals delegation since 2019. These achievements highlight both the growth of the club and its ongoing contribution to the University sporting community.

AU Wing Chun Kung Fu
In 2025, the AU Wing Chun Kung Fu Club strengthened its governance by expanding its committee, updating strategic and risk plans, and appointing a promotions officer. Membership reached its highest level in years, surpassing targets, with increased engagement through collaborations, wellbeing workshops, school visits, and community events.

Hosting the upcoming Australian Wing Chun Federation national conference has elevated its profile, with the head instructor elected Chair. The club also launched new social and competitive activities, including South Australia’s first Kung Fu San Shou competition since 2018. With national leadership and new member pathways, the club is a thriving part of the University community.

AU Lawn Tennis
After a period of dormancy, the AU Lawn Tennis Club has been revitalised over the past two years, with a strong focus on governance, culture and member engagement. The committee sourced a dedicated coach to support player development and deliver structured programs, while introducing shared leadership roles and securing ongoing sponsorship and grant support.

The club has rebuilt a vibrant playing environment through weekly socials, training, and competition, achieving runner-up in the Division 3 Summer Lawn competition, second place in the University Tennis League, and success at intervarsity level. With growth in both social and competitive participation, and plans to expand pathways for female players, the club has re-established itself as a thriving and inclusive part of the University sporting community.

AU Swimming
In 2025, the AU Swimming Club strengthened governance and culture by updating Blues Criteria, engaging a coach for structured training, and supporting leadership development through coach accreditation. Partnerships were renewed with Norwood Swimming Centre and Freedom Fitness, while grants supported new equipment and training.

The club grew its reach with initiatives such as a Learn to Swim day, recognised volunteers via social media, and promoted itself actively through O’Week, Sportopia, and Clubs in the Hub. Social activities and strong communication ensured members remained engaged and connected during a period of growth and transition.

Bennett Shield

CLUB OF THE YEAR - MORE THAN 50 MEMBERS

The Bennet Shield is awarded to the Club of the Year, with more than 50 members. It is presented in recognition of Richard Bennett, one of the first life members.

The Nominees for 2025 are: 

AU Athletics
The AU Athletics Club has continued its strong growth and community impact in 2025, introducing targeted committee roles, strengthening governance systems, and securing new sponsorships. Membership and engagement were boosted through a well-planned social calendar, improved communication channels, and the flagship “Run the Loop” event, which connected the club with the wider running community.

On the field, the club achieved a historic milestone by winning the Athletics SA Men’s Winter Premiership for the first time in over 25 years, alongside strong participation in City-Bay, State Cross Country Relays, and Ekiden Relay. Off the field, the club delivered inclusive initiatives such as transport support for students, expanded volunteering opportunities, and high-profile community involvement, reinforcing its reputation as one of the University’s most vibrant and successful clubs.

AU Fencing
The AU Fencing Club experienced a landmark year in 2025, doubling its membership to exceed 50 members and achieving record competitive results across university, state and national levels. The club delivered its best-ever UniNationals performance (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze), expanded female representation, and secured a development grant from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.

Strong governance improvements were implemented, including a formal governance calendar, enhanced financial oversight, and the creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee. The club fostered inclusive culture through new leadership roles, wellbeing initiatives and community events, while strengthening partnerships with AUSF, Fencing South Australia and the University of Adelaide. These achievements highlight exceptional growth, sustainability and community engagement.

AU Volleyball
In 2025 AU Volleyball demonstrated outstanding leadership, governance, and inclusivity. Key governance reforms including a shift to a portfolio-based committee structure that improved operational efficiency. The club strengthened relationships with AUSF, VSA and other university clubs through regular communication and joint initiatives, while also investing in coach and referee development to enhance its volunteer base. The AU Volleyball club maintained a strong and inclusive culture through open social sessions, clear behavioural standards, and diverse leadership representation, including international and gender-diverse members.

The AU Volleyball club's competitive and community engagement reached new heights in 2025. The club fielded a record eight State League teams, with five reaching finals and two earning silver medals - its best performance to date.Social training sessions attracted over 200 weekly participants, and social events fostered community spirit and outreach. AU Volleyball club members also excelled at UniNationals and the SA Challenge, securing multiple medals. Promotional efforts through social media and on-campus activations boosted visibility and engagement, while initiatives like non-drinking events and inclusive catering ensured accessibility for all.
 

Coach of the Year

Coach of the Year recognises our highly skilled coaches and the influential impact they have on our athletes.

The Nominees for 2025 for Coach of the Year - Development are: 

Seth Piszczuk - AU Wing Chun Kung Fu
Seth Piszczuk has achieved his Fifth Instructor Level in Wing Chun and was elected Chair of the Australian Wing Chun Federation.He has worked with the International Sport Kickboxing Association to develop a beginner-friendly competition ruleset and successfully organised an ISKA-sanctioned event at the AWCF national conference in Adelaide, creating new competitive opportunities for martial artists in South Australia.

Mick Gray - AU Touch
Mick Gray has been nominated for Coach of the Year for his leadership with AU Touch Football, guiding teams to success in the A Grade Mixed Summer, Mixed Winter and Men’s competitions. He is recognised for his commitment to player development and inclusivity, particularly supporting female participation and mentoring players across all levels of the club.

Peter Barry - AU Fencing
Peter Barry has played a pivotal role in elevating the AU Fencing Club’s performance and participation. Through his structured coaching programs and supportive team culture, the club achieved its best-ever UniNationals results in 2025, securing 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals while expanding female representation. His commitment to athlete development has delivered success at state and national levels, building competitive depth across all divisions and fostering both high performance and inclusivity within the club.

The Nominees for 2025 for Coach of the Year - Elite are: 

Scott Freer & Lachlan Coppick - AU Waatu
This year Scott and Lachlan returned to UBL program and continued the professionalism and performance established last year. This includes preseason training, S&C and recovery sessions. This approach again yielded strong results with the women having their most successful season to date and making the finals for the first time and men making finals for the third consecutive year. Both men’s and women’s team made finals of Div 1 at the UniNationals. With over 130 students trialling for a place in only one men’s and one women’s team, and people already registered for 2026 trials, the program continues to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Scott and Lachlan.
 

SERVICE TO ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY SPORT AND FITNESS

The Service to Adelaide University Sport and Fitness Award recognises people who have given an outstanding and highly commendable contribution to Adelaide University Sport and Fitness or to sport at the University of Adelaide, of at least 10 years' duration for association-based service and 15 years for club-based service. It is regarded as a higher award than club letters in club-based service.

The Nominees for 2025 are: 

Adrian Howard - AU Football
Adrian is nominated for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the Adelaide University Football Club, with 33 years as a member and player winning numerous titles and awards, and 30 years as a volunteer. Positions held by Adrian include Director of Football, Executive Committee Member, Adelaide Football League Club Delegate, and as volunteer director on the AUSF board from 2012-2016. In 2025 he was recognised with the Jo Richardson Memorial as AU Football Club's Volunteer of the Year. In 2012 he received a Club Letters (Competition) and followed this in 2019 with a Club Letters (Service).

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES FOR 2025! 

Purchase your tickets to the 117th Annual Blues Awards here