Sargeant a four-star general
From the Armidale Express Extra’s ‘On ya’-page 30/11/2005:
The departure of Jonathon (Mr Aussie Rules) Sargeant from Armidale will leave a big hole in the sport’s playing and administration ranks.
Sargeant was the four-star general of Aussie Rules in Armidale and New England, establishing the New England Nomads in 1999 and guiding them to three premierships and two runners-up awards in the Tamworth Australian Football League.
The tall ruckman-full forward and UNE lecturer almost singlehandedly established Aussie Rules in Armidale and gave it a profile equal to rugby league, rugby union and soccer.
Sargeant arrived in Armidale from Victoria in 1998 and with no local AFL competition, he and a couple of other players drove to Coffs Harbour each weekend for a game in the Holiday Coast competition.
In 1999 he and several other players entered a team in the fledgling Tamworth competition which consisted of four teams.
The competition has since expanded to eight including teams from Muswellbrook, Gunnedah and Inverell.
Sargeant also played a major role in TAFL’s development and expansion, the introduction of a junior program which involved a team of youngsters playing a game at half-time during a Sydney Swans game in Sydney.
He also developed a modified version of the game as a summer training program and as an introduction to novice players.
Sargeant will take up a position at Bond University on the Gold Coast in January.
His successor as Nomads’ president is Ben Horne who has a strong committee in place to continue Sargeant’s work.
The club will advertise for a new coach in the new year. Details from Adrian Walsh, phone 6773-2657.
Not for reproduction except by permission of the Armidale Express Extra.
February 7th, 2006 at 3:54 am
Just like to wish Sarge and family the very best as they embark on their new adventure.
Anyone that has been within coo-wee of a sports field in Armidale over the last 6 or 7 years knows of Sarge and therefore should only be too aware of his legendary energies devoted to his beloved Nomads. He has single handedly built a very successful Armidale sporting institution and all Armidilians should be proud of their Australian Football club.
Well old mate, it’s on to a lot of new challenges, all of which you and the family will revel in.
One question – does this mean you trade in the Ol’ Blues badge again for a Bears blazer??????
Congrats to Benny and the boys on stepping up to the bar for the good of Aussie Rules and the Nomads. Stay strong Guys!
All the very best to the No’ies for yet another (undoubtedly) successful year to come, both on and off the track. Good to see the Auskickers back.
Will be keeping an eye on proceedings from afar
Strongy
Mark Strong
Elections Operations Coordinator
Centre for Transitional and Post Conflict Governance
International Foundation of Electoral Systems
Baghdad Iraq
mstrong@ifes.org