When it comes to junior sport, there are not too many bigger names than Ross Hammer.
`Sledge' _ as he prefers to be called by his students _ has done it all, coaching football, cricket, basketball and netball during a 14-year stint.
The sports lover first got involved in junior sport after rupturing his achilles tendon when playing football at Murchison.
``I had never really thought about coaching, but I couldn't play because of my achilles,'' Ross said.
``I wanted to stay involved in sport, and because I couldn't play . . . coaching was an option.
``So when Jo Crowe rang me to see if I was interested in coaching Wanganui, I jumped at the opportunity.''
In his first four years as a football coach Ross achieved two premierships and coached some of Shepparton's most promising sportsmen, including Shannon Byrnes and Aiden Blizzard.
``I had a really good group, fortunately, at Wanganui,'' he said.
``I have never thought I was a fantastic coach, but I certainly do know a little about the game and I believed I could teach them how to play the game properly.''
From there Ross went on to coach interleague squads, Shepparton Swans' thirds, and teams from Bourchier Street Primary and Shepparton High School.
In fact, if you look at the most promising GVFL senior players under the age of 25, Ross Hammer has most likely coached them at one stage or another.
``I just enjoy the interaction with the kids,'' Ross said.
``There have been some fantastic kids that I have coached, and we still catch up at 21st birthdays.
``That's one thing I really like about the interaction _ no matter how long we are apart from each other, we will still stop and say hello the next time we see each other.''
Ross has coached some of Shepparton's best cricket players _ with Ramadan Yze just one of many to have been influenced by Sledge _ and took the Shepparton High School netball team from running laps to doing drills and later to a satisfying premiership. He has also coached Tigers Basketball Club.
Why does he do it all?
Sledge has a simple answer:
``I just love sport and love to see the children participate.
``It is a very important aspect of life, so if I can help them along the way, I am satisfied.''
Ross has enjoyed the privilege of leading his own children during his time involved in junior sport, coaching Dillon from day one, Andrew and Katelyn.
``I am very proud of my children's achievements,'' Ross said.
``You don't get those opportunities too often to coach your children _ it is a pretty special moment.''
While Dillon has a couple of years left in junior football, Ross will continue to coach him at Shepparton High and weigh up his options at a later date.
``I haven't had enough of coaching _ I will just sit down and have a think about what I want to do,'' he said.
While he still enjoys coaching, Ross said he had to thank his wife Kerri for letting him do it.
``There are not too many weekends now that I am not involved in junior sport,'' Ross said.
``She is an amazing person, and I probably couldn't have done this without her.''
Previous story
Back to top
News index