Hawks Celebrate 50 Years

In 2023 the Perry Lakes Hawks will celebrate 50 years, a huge milestone in the club’s history and today we officially launch our 50 year logo. We have also updated our website and Facebook header to reflect this significant year.

Over the year there will be plenty of activities and initiatives put in place to celebrate this achievement and provide our current Hawks with an opportunity to learn more about the club’s history and be involved with past and present Hawks.

 

Current Hawks President Peter Barrow has been a part of the club for over 40 years. “Hawks has been integral to my life from the moment I started playing basketball as a 13 year old.  I played at Perry Lakes in the junior competition, represented Scarborough City Hawks in the old District competition and then Perry Lakes Hawks as the top tier transformed into the State Basketball league.  As my children became interested in playing I joined Claremont/Cottesloe basketball club as a coach, then committee member and then club president.  Since rejoining the Perry Lakes board I held a variety of roles and am currently club president. Memorable moments for me include being part of the club’s first SBL championships;  assisting in our  2018 championship will always be special. As a club we have collected 14 SBL/NBL1 championships over the journey, but probably the best thing about being involved with a club like Perry Lakes is seeing our juniors develop both as players and people who go on to do good things in their chosen profession. Having a strong Hawks junior representation at the senior level will always be important to me. It has been an honour and privilege to represent our club in many different capacities over the journey and I am looked forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary with Hawks people, both past and present”. 

 

Championship WSBL Coach Rick Morcom reflected on his time with the Hawks. “Little did I know when I started coaching Perry Lakes WSBL Women in 1993 that I would still be here coaching kids 30 years later in 2023. It makes me extremely proud to have spent so many years at a great organisation that is now entering it’s 50th year. It looms as a very exciting year with the Club to honour it’s old and current players, both men and women, and to recognise the achievements and successes of the past 50 years. Perry Lakes has been the stand out Club over that period, winning more SBL/NBL1 Championships than any other WA Club and holds a proud record of progressing both players and coaches to both State and International level. It makes me very proud to say that I coach at Perry Lakes and can honestly say that no other Club could tempt me to leave. Whilst we have had much success, Perry Lakes still feels like a family club and I sincerely hope it stays that way. Bring on 2023 I say, and let’s celebrate 50 years”.

 

Former Hawks championship Player and Hawks legend Tanya Dickson (Kelly) is looking forward to the celebrations. ” I am so excited to celebrate the 50 years of Perry Lakes. It is a fantastic achievement and is a testament to the stalwarts of the club and the many selfless volunteers over the years that have helped shape the club to what it is today. 

I played for Perry Lakes for 13 years. They welcomed me with open arms and not only gave me many opportunities to grow and develop as a player and eventually a captain, but also,  be part of a professional and successful organisation that included 5 championships. I made lifelong friends and many memories I will cherish for a lifetime”.

 

Current NBL1 West Men’s captain and games record holder Ben Purser commented, “50 years is a significant milestone for the Hawks and a great time to pause and reflect on the club’s rich history. So many amazing people have come through the club over the years – whether for a season or as a Perry Lakes “lifer”, they have all contributed to the club’s amazing culture, sense of community and success (on and off the court)”. I feel fortunate to be part of such a great club and there is always a sense of pride when telling people where I play my basketball. 

By my calculations, I’ve been a part of the journey for about 27 of the 50 years.  As a kid, I played in the domestic competition for Subiaco, attended Hawks holiday camps and went to SBL games to cheer on my heroes. As a teenager, I played WABL and started coaching at the same holiday camps I used to participate in. During the last 15 or so years, I have been a SBL/NBL1 player, junior coach and die hard supporter. When I finish playing, I am sure the connection to the club will always remain. 

Like others, I am looking forward to the planned events and celebrations throughout the year and encourage everyone in the Hawkies community to get around them! 

 

Some of the upcoming 50 year celebration activities include:

• The launch of the club’s history section on the website
• The announcement of the 50 year Men’s and Women’s teams and coaches
• A special NBL1 West game night on Saturday June 24th when the Hawks take on the Cockburn Cougars @ 5pm and 7pm
• A Past Players and Coaches function
• A special Hawks Club artwork that all past and present players, officials and coaches will be invited to take part in.
• A message book for congratulations messages to the Club on the achievement of 50 years.

 

Keep your eye on the website and social media for further announcements. For more information click here

 

Happy 50th Birthday Hawks!

1973-2023