Rower wins top gong at sports awards

Logan Docherty. PHOTO: SHARRON BENNETT
Logan Docherty. PHOTO: SHARRON BENNETT
Rower Logan Docherty was the big winner at the Waitaki Sports Awards in Oamaru last night.

Docherty won the Network Waitaki sportsperson of the year award.

Docherty had a great 2022 during which he made his international debut. The sculler was selected for the New Zealand team for the world under-23 rowing championships in Italy last year.

He teamed up with Otago rower Reuben Cook to finish 16th in the lightweight double in July.

Docherty, an electrician, rowed at last month’s national championships.

The female sportswoman of the year award went to rugby player Cheyenne Cunningham.

The midfield back had a top season for the Otago Spirit and her ability was recognised with selection for the South Island women’s Super Rugby side, the Matatu.

A stalwart of the Waitaki Wahine side, she also was called in for a training session with the Black Ferns last year during their successful World Cup campaign.

The junior sportsman award went to triathlete Jakob Cunningham, while equestrian Samantha Gillies picked up the junior sportswoman award.

Rowing coach Ivan Docherty, who is the father of Logan, was awarded the coach of the year prize for his efforts at the Oamaru Rowing Club and in the secondary schools rowing scene, while the club’s novice eight won the team of the year prize.

Squash player Emma Paton won the disability award. Jessica Crossley, who is involved in touch, was the winner of the award for official in sport.

Swimmer Olivia McLean won the emerging female talent award. The emerging male talent award was won by James Soal, who is also a swimmer.

- Staff reporter