West Adelaide Bearcats Basketball Club

Legends & Hall of Fame

The West Adelaide Bearcats Hall of Fame was established in 2013. The Hall has three parts - Legends, Hall of Fame Inductees and Honour Roll.

Nominations for the Bearcats Hall of Fame are now open and close on Friday 17 September 2021.

2021 Hall of Fame Nomination Form: 2021 Hall of Fame Nomination Form (word document)

Read about our 75th Anniversary celebrations here: 75th Anniversary

Bearcats Legends

ALAN DAWE

Alan Dawe is a true legend of the Bearcats. Alan claimed championships with the Bearcats as a player in '51 & '52. His playing career spanned over a decade in the 50’s & 60’s. A wonderful backcourt player whose skills for the time were ahead of all guards. Alan went on to win two Woollacott medals as South Australia’s best and fairest as a player in 1958 & 1959 before being selected to represent Australia at the 1960 Olympics. Alan then saw a natural progression to coaching where he led the Bearcats to 6 Championships in the club's famed 1960’s and 70’s era. A natural progression came, as he was asked to lead South Australia. You can guess the result ... Alan led South Australia as its senior men’s coach for 7 years where he won 3 Australian Senior National Championships. Alan was an Australian selector and then Assistant coach at the 1980 Moscow Olympics before finally being inducted into the Basketball Association of South Australia’s Hall of Fame. A true legend of SA Basketball and now a legend of the Bearcats.

WERNER LINDE

Werner Linde has often been described as the greatest pure shooter is Australian Basketball history, and few could argue that. As a player Werner’s career is unique. Starting with West Adelaide as a junior under the tutelage of Keith Miller, Werner progressed thru the junior ranks at an alarming rate with his pure mastery of shooting the ball being evident at a young age. A 6 time premiership player, and the first player to ever win 3 Woollacott Medals, in 1966, 69, 71. Selected for two Olympic Games in 1964 and 1968 and few could argue there should have been a third! A multiple club MVP, Multiple Senior State player for over a decade with 3 x Australian Championship victories. Werner amassed over 10,000 points playing in the SA State league competition in his illustrious career. To quote Boti Nagy from the Advertiser, “Linde was South Australia’s most mercurial talent of the era, a remarkably gifted shooter who worked relentlessly to keep his offensive game and its stunning arsenal at the sport’s forefront. He was the Andrew Gaze of the mid-60s to late-70s, averaging similar numbers across his career, and this was in the days before the 3-point line. He was the MVP of the South Australian competition three times and it would have been more if his silky skills had not been taken for granted.” Werner’s legacy to a generation of basketball players is enormous, not only at the Bearcats but for his state and country as well. A true legend of SA Basketball and now a legend of the Bearcats.

KEITH MILLER

Keith Miller is one of the founding fathers of the West Adelaide basketball club, a lifelong player, coach and supporter of basketball in South Australia. Keith enjoyed a distinguished playing career that included 4 championships in 5 years as a player. He was awarded the inaugural Woollacott Medal in 1947 as the best and fairest player in the South Australian men’s competition, but it is as a coaching pioneer and innovator that he will be remembered most. Keith was Head Coach of the South Australian State Men’s team that won three Championships in 1960, 62, 63 and began coaching the Australian men’s team in 1962. He led them to contest the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where the team finished ninth, an incredible achievement for that era. Keith has been made a Life Member of West Adelaide Basketball Club, the Metropolitan Amateur Basketball Association and the South Australian Amateur Basketball Association. In 1981 he was the deserved recipient of an Australian Basketball Union Merit Award and then inducted into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2007 as a coach. A coach at just about every imaginable level not only at West Adelaide but in South Australia and Australia, Keith Miller is a true legend!

TED POWELL

Ted Powell is often regarded as the founder of the WNBL. A man who had a vision to promote the game across the land and so with one small meeting that he co-ordinated, the WNBL began. Ted was the Senior Women’s coach at West Adelaide from 1976 to 1991. He Coached the WNBL Team from 1981 to 1991 for 235 games at a 67% win/loss record. Ted coached the Lady Bearcats to 3 State Championships in 1980, 83 ,87. A Finalist at the Australian Club championships in 1985, and a WNBL grand finalist in 1985. A two time State Senior Coach, BASA Coach of the Year in 1987, a WNBL Award of Merit in 1995 a WNBL Executive Member from 1980 to 84. Ted was awarded Life Membership of the WNBL in 1995. But Ted also had a distinguished Junior coaching career. Winners at the National Classic Girls U/16’s in 1980, U/16 State Coach in 1976,77 & 78, Winning a national championship in 1977. U/18 State Coach in 1971,79,80,81 and West Adelaide Junior Coaching director from 1977 to 1992. Ted even managed to start “Mini ball” basketball here in South Australia in1976.

KEN RICHARDSON

When Ken Richardson hit South Australia to play for West Adelaide, he was a sensation. Not only had the Bearcats lucked into a super basketballer but he was in fact quickly to establish himself as the best player in Australia, import or otherwise. He guided West Adelaide to an immediate championship success in 1975 and won the Woollacott Medal as the states best player in the same year. Ken had been such a phenomenon Victorian clubs had been trying to steal him and the dominant, lithe big man was just as anxious to ply his trade in the nation’s basketball capital which was Melbourne. He joined St Kilda for the 1976-77 seasons before returning to the Bearcats in 1978. With the formation of the NBL in 1979, Ken Richardson took charge of the Bearcats and won the Inaugural NBL MVP, averaging 26points per game and close to 10 rebounds per game. In 4 seasons as Head Coach of the Bearcats NBL side, Ken led them to finals appearances every year, a runner up in 1980 and of course the legendary 1982 Championship. He compiled a 63-25 win/loss regular season record, one of the highest in NBL History. As a player in South Australia Ken won 6 Championships with the Bearcats, including a record 5 straight as playing Coach from 1978 to 1982. A true legend of SA and Australian Basketball, a true gentleman and now a legend of the Bearcats.

RACHEL SPORN

Rachel is a sporting icon in South Australia and the Bearcats played an important role. A West Adelaide player between 1986 and 1995, incredibly for Rachel there was only one State Junior Team, but of course it yielded a championship victory in 1987 in the u/20’s. A two time Hall’s medallist in 1989 and 1993, a three time Championship player for the Bearcats in the State League in 1987, 1992 and 1993. A 27 rebound haul in 1989 is still the single highest rebound tally in a WNBL game and that it was achieved while at West Adelaide! Rachel was recently inducted into the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame and who could argue that. Rachel leads the Lightning for games played and all-time scoring and rebounding, with 377 WNBL games and 5,823 points. She was the WNBL’s Most Valuable Player in 1996-1997. Rachael represented Australia at three Olympic Games, winning two silver medals in 2000 and 2004 and a bronze medal in 1996.Rachael was also Basketball Australia’s Female International Player of the Year in 1993 and is a seven-time WNBL All-Star five member, and now rightly so, a Club Legend of the Bearcats!

Hall of Fame

PETER ALI

Peter Ali’s impact on West Adelaide has been immense. A club Junior player since the age of 6, Peter moved through the grades of Bearcats representing the State at almost all levels. Peter played in a record 10 consecutive Grand finals, winning 7 championships and 5 in a row from 1978 to 1982. A Championship winning coach in 1994, a multiple Senior State Player, a two time NBL Championship player, firstly with West in 1982 and then a Member of the 1986 36ers Invincibles. A playing career that spanned 16 seasons in total including 279 NBL games and nearly two decades in the State League of over 500 games. Peter’s greatest individual highlight was as a member of the Boomers 1980 Moscow Olympic team. Peter is still involved in the club today coaching juniors at the U18 level, recently completing a 20-0 Championship season.

JACKIE ASTON

Jackie began playing for West in 1960, aged 14 years old under coach Bern Bruning. In Jackie’s own words she “looked upon Forestville stadium as heaven on earth with Keith Miller as her god, a man who would always lend me a ball to practise with”. A state junior player, Jackie’s senior career came quickly. A multiple Club Best and Fairest winner, Jackie Capt West Adelaide in Singapore in 1971, and was the club’s first ever female Hall’s Medallist in 1967. She was also Runner-up twice in 1965 and 1966. She then led the Bearcats women’s team to their first ever Championship in 1968! A State Senior player for South Australia an incredible 11 times in 12 years from 1964, to 1975. Jackie then plied her silky basketball skills on a National level representing Australia 10 times over many years. A wonderful career for a truly outstanding player.

ALAN BRANSTROM

Alan Branstrom was the Bearcats first Club Captain. A big man with wonderful athleticism, Alan was an Australian Baseball player before playing basketball. He was a founding member of the club and a two time Championship player in 1948 & 49. Alan also took out the Woollacott Medal in 1949 as the State best player. A senior state player who possessed a wonderful full court pass courtesy of his baseball days, Alan would have been delighted to have known his contribution to the Bearcats was being honoured in the Hall of Fame.

DEB CLARKE

Originally recruited from Mt Gambier after selection in successive junior and senior State Teams and then developed by coaches Terry Aston and Ted Powell, Deb powered into SA basketball at an elite level. Her career at West Adelaide spaned nine years from 1975 until forced into early retirement in 1983 aged 26 due to recurring injuries to both knees. An outstanding player who possessed a deadly jump shot, incredible work ethic and fighting spirit as well as being a dour defender that typified the teams she captained. Deb’s Career highlight included selection in 1980 Olympic Team, Captaining West Adelaide from 1979 to 1983 and being a two time premiership player.

JO GILBERTSON (nee WATTS)

Jo Played for the Bearcats during the late 70’s thru to the mid 80’s in a distinguished playing career. A multiple State Junior at the U/16 & U/18 level Jo progressed quickly to senior level where she represented South Australia at a National Senior Level. A multiple club MVP award winner, Jo also won the prestigious Merv Harris Medal. A Bearcats Captain, Jo showed her superior interior play as she powered the Bearcats into multiple finals and multiple championships in 1980 & 1983. Jo’s career was finally noticed nationally and she was rewarded with selection to represent Australia on the National stage in the early 80’s. A tenacious player who played the complete team game and led from the front.

AL GREEN

Al Green literally changed the face of basketball in this country. An incredible athlete and super talent Al Green arrived from LSU at the recommendation of Ken Cole. Originally from the Bronx New York, Al turned his back on a pro football career to play basketball and now is regarded as one of the greatest American born players to come to Australia, and he was a bearcat. Al arrived in Adelaide in 1981 and made an immediate impact. He won the leagues MVP award in 1982, lead the league in scoring in 1984 and holds the NBL scoring record of 71 points in a single game. A Woollacott Medallist in 1982, club MVP, 2 x State League Championships, 2 NBL Championships with West and of course the 1986 36ers, NBL all Star 5 Awards, the list goes on. Now inducted into the NBL Hall of Fame and now a member of the Bearcats Hall of Fame.

LEROY LOGGINS

What can be said about this iconic and legendary player. Leroy came to the Bearcats in 1982 and made an immediate impact. A State League Championships in 1982, followed by the 1983 Woollacott Medal. He was an integral member of the 1982 NBL Championship team, winning the 1982 NBL Grand Final MVP Award. Two years with the Bearcats produced 2 All-Star five selections. He averaged 25 Points per Game at 56% in 1982 and 8 ½ reb per game, Leroy was the prototype player other NBL teams would chase for decades. Leroy of course went on to play over 500 NBL games, represent Australia at the Olympics and was inducted into the NBL Hall of Fame in 2006. We acknowledge his contribution to the Bearcats in a wonderful era in a wonderful team.

GORDON PEARCE

Gordon “Ginger” Pearce was something of an icon with the early years of the Bearcats. A two time Championship player in 1951 & 52, Ginger again typified the working class spirit the bearcats had in those early years of Kingston. Ginger was recognised as the states fairest and most brilliant player in 1954 when he won the Woollacott Medal. A Senior State player at Australian National Championships level, the Bearcats are honoured to acknowledge his wonderful career with his induction into the Hall of Fame.

GLENN MARSLAND

Glenn joined West Adelaide in 1962 after being selected in the u/16 State team. His career in the senior team spanned from 1965 to 1977. Glenn captained the bearcats from 1973 to 1976, and was captain coach in 1977. Glenn represented South Australia at a senior level from 1967 to 1976 with aplomb and was State Captain of SA from 1973 to 1976. Glenn won an incredible 6 State league championships, 1967, 68, 70, 71, 72 & 1975. He was finally recognised nationally when he was selected to represent Australia on the 1971 World Tour. Ultimate reward came to Glenn in 1972 when he was selected as member of the Boomers at the Munich Olympics. His international career came to an end in 1974 when again he represented Australia at the World Championship in Puerto Rico. A wonderful player and a true ornament to the Bearcats history!

MIKE McKAY

Mike McKay walked into Bowden stadium at the age of 12 and wanted to play basketball. John Wright said at the time, that he knew immediately this kid was destined for greatness. Playing over 1000 games in total including Internationals, NBL and State league, Mike debuted in the NBL in 1983 after a stellar State Junior Career. In 1984 he was selected in the Australian National Junior Team, he won 1984 Milestone Medal, 1985 NBL Rookie of the Year, member of the 36ers 1986 Invincibles Championship team, a two time Championship Captain in 1988 and 1994. Mike was selected to represent Australia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and stayed involved in the senior team for the next 3 years. Mike was also runner-up in the 1988 Woollacott Medal and lost the 1987 Woollacott Medal on Count back.

PAT MICKAN

Pat Mickan comes from a South Australian sporting icon family. Pat commenced playing for the Bearcats in 1982 and remained an integral part of the lady bearcats for the next 7 years. She was an instrumental team member in the 1987 Championship winning team, won numerous awards including all star five awards and club MVP awards. Pat went on to achieve the highest accolade when she was selected to represent Australia at the 1984 Los Angles Olympics. Pat’s durability was shown again when she was selected a final time to represent Australia at the 1986 World Championships in Russia.

CASS PUJALS

Cass Pujals was one of the most dynamic and prolific scorers the Lady Bearcats have ever produced. In a career that spanned over 14 years, Cass was one of the most decorated players the Bearcats have had. A two time Halls Medallist in 1987 and 1988, Cass played 167 WNBL games from the year of the WNBL commenced in 1981. She won 3 State League Championships, a Multiple Club MVP and was a true star in her on court play. Her contribution to West Adelaide has been enormous.

DAVID SPEAR

David’s story is a unique one. His first game for the Bearcats was as a three year old with a bag of lollies in his hand at the old Forestville stadium in a team coached by his father Bill. From there basketball would be his life. A consecutive career association with the club that is now over 43 years old. A three time State league Championship winner in 1988, 94 & 96, he played over 450 State League games, a club MVP and All star 5, David is also the last coach to bring home a men’s championship as a playing coach in 1996. A veteran of 144 NBL games with West and the 36ers, David was also a member of the 1986 Invincible’s. A five time state junior, captain, Championship winner, a SEABL Championship winning captain, a national classics winning coach, state junior coach and multiple junior championship winning coach, David’s contribution to West Adelaide has been enormous!

RAY WOOD

Ray Wood commenced playing for the Bearcats at the age of 10 and forged a wonderful long career. Noted for his dogged defensive style that earned him national respect as a player, Ray was a State Junior and National Championship winner during his junior days at the Bearcats. This success was acknowledged when he was selected to represent Australia at the u/20 National Junior level. A blossoming senior career followed that included 6 State League Premierships, over 500 plus games for the Bearcats, a two time NBL Championship player, with West in 82 and the 36ers in 86, a 2-time NBL Best Defensive Player Award winner in 1980 and 81 and a member of the Australian Senior Squad and 245 NBL games in a career that spanned 16 years at senior level.

SAM WOOSNAM

Sam commenced her playing career at the Bearcats at the age of 16. By 1997 – she had won a Silver Medal for the Australian Junior Team at the Junior World Championships in Brazil. Sam was a three time State junior player and played with the bearcats senior side from 1997 to 2010 compiling well over 250 games. In between seasons Sam ventured overseas where she played in 2001 and 2002 for Gustino Powerbasket Wels - Austrian league & European cup, winning the championship and being all star five in 2002. In 2003 in Germany, 2004 in France and 2005 in Portugal where she collected another championship! A veteran of 236 WNBL games where she claimed 3 x Championships -1998 & 2008 with Adelaide and 2011/12 with Dandenong. Sam was the Merv Harris Medalist in 1999, the Halls Medalist in 2006 a 2 time All Star 5, ABA Champions in 2007, Grand Final MVP in 2007. Sam also coached the Bearcats for 3 years being honoured as Coach of the Year in 2009.

JULIE WRIGHT (nee BAILLIE)

Julie joined the Bearcats in 1970 at the age of 12, through a connection with South Australian sporting icon Stan Wickham. Julie played half a season in the U16’s and then half season in the U18’s, all at the age of 12! In 1971 Julie played her first senior district game at only 13 years of age. Through the mentorship of Jackie and Terry Aston Julie blossomed into an outstanding player. She travelled to Singapore with the Women’s Team to compete in the Pesta Sukan Games. A 4 time state junior she won 3 titles and then went onto represent South Australia at a senior level at age 15! Then selected in the Australian squad later that year, Julie was named as a reserve for Australia in 1973 and remained an Australian squad member for the next 4 years. A dominant force in the SA State league for over a decade, Julie went on to Captain the club in 1978 & 79 before retiring to travel overseas. A wonderful career for a wonderful player!

Honour Roll

Terry Aston

Terry was the Junior Coaching Director for the Bearcats for over a decade. He Coached the Women’s teams in the early years when women’s basketball was just beginning to emerge into a powerful sport. He was the clubs Women’s Coach for nearly a decade including one Premiership. Two and a half years with the District men and the NBL team as Bench Coach where they captured every title locally and of course NBL finals. Terry Coached the South Australian State Women’s team for 6 years and won 2 National Titles spanning his association with the club over 20 years.

Lloyd Bain

Lloyd Bain was one of the founding players with West Adelaide in the early 1950’s. Lloyd was a 2 x time State Championship player in 1951 & 52 and represented South Australia at the Senior State level at multiple Australian National Championships. A tough all round competitor Lloyd was an integral part of the foundation of West Adelaide in the early years.

Trina Balter

Trina commenced playing for the bearcats in u/12’s and turned a junior career into a veteran career of 144 WNBL Games for West along with close to 400 games in the State League in a career that spanned over 13 years. A five time junior state team member with two national championship titles. A two time Australian Junior u/21 team member, Trina collected 3 state league Championships as a player in 1987, 92 & 93. A club captain, Aust Classics Championship winner, Trina is a deserved inductee.

Suzy Batkovic

Suzy Batkovic represented West Adelaide in 2002 culminating by winning the Halls medal in a brilliant performance and in so doing, drove the Bearcats Women’s program back into the spotlight. Suzy is of course a league leading WNBL player with the Lightning & a former WNBA player, and of course an Australian Olympian.

Dick Bruning

Dick Bruning is truly an amazing man. His association with the club spanned back to when the first basketball ring was installed at the Kingston Tennis Club back in 1947. In fact Dick is regarded as one of the men who literally built the old Forestville Stadium. However Dick’s association with the Bearcats is a long and distinguished one. He is a multiple State championship winner in 1948, 49, 51 & 52, a multiple state player, he was a long term junior coach and supporter of West Adelaide for many years. Dick was in fact a member of the first ever West Adelaide team known in those days as Kingston.

Gordon Clamp

People often talk about players who changed the game. Few talk about men who did that off the court. Gordon Clamp was such a man for the Bearcats. A long serving Club Secretary for over 15 years, Gordon steered the club through its most exciting period, the early NBL days and ensured the success was not just on the court. A tireless worker who’s vision for the Bearcats was cut short when the club dropped out from the NBL at the end of 1984. However, as far as administrators are concerned, Gordon Clamp is regarded as one of the finest to ever work in the sport of basketball in the entire country and his passion for the bearcats was second to none.

Alan Hughes

Alan was the typical West Adelaide player, defiant, tough and relentless. A multiple State Player through the 1960’s and 70’s Alan was a player in a wonderful period of the club that captured him 6 Championships. Alan coached at senior and Junior levels for many years at the club and typified the West Adelaide spirit in his play.

Bob Hunnerup

Bob’s career at West Adelaide spans nearly 4 decades as a coach. Commencing in 1980 at the Bearcats Bob steered the junior girls program into the elite level. 13 Consecutive u/18 Grand Finals for 9 Championship victories including a National Classics Title in 1985. A State Coach who guided SA to 6 National Championship games culminating in a National Title in 1987. A senior assistant coach of the lady bearcats in the WNBL for 3 years, Bob returned to the Bearcats in 1997 where he has remained spending 13 years as Junior Coaching Director, 3 years as Senior Men’s head coach, multiple Junior grade coach with multiple premierships and culminating in the State Boys Junior Champions in 2002.

Denis Jones

Denis is best described at West Adelaide today as simply “Coach Jones”. A man who has given the best part of 40 years coaching juniors at West Adelaide in all grades and at all levels. Denis is multiple winning championships coach at the club achieving success at almost every single level. Denis has been a wonderfully successful state coach at u/16 level with great success over many years. Denis has been the coaching director of the club on multiple occasions and his contribution to the club over 40 years is enormous. His spirit and passion for coaching today is as strong today as it was when he started some 40 years ago.

Roger King

Roger was the prototype forward that started a trend. A jump shooting forward with accuracy and athleticism Roger made an immediate impact on the basketball scene in South Australia. A Milestone Medalist in 1970, a multiple State player and a 6 x Championship winner through the clubs powerful era of the 60’s & 70’s. Roger was as elite level player for well over a decade and well over 300 games. Roger’s local success was rewarded when he was selected in the Australian Squad in the lead up to the 1972 Olympics. His powerful play set the scene for clubs most successful era’s.

Fred Maddiford

Fred Maddiford was one of the longest serving Presidents in West Adelaide history. For nearly 14 years Fred lead the bearcats off the court and through one of the most successful periods in club history. With both the Senior men’s and women’s teams competing in the National leagues from the outset, Fred’s vision was to provide the best possible foundation for the club. Not as if being a father of 5 Bearcats children players was enough, Fred was a member of the NBL and WNBL Board Committee’s from day one and ensured the bearcats success off the court created a seamless transition for success on the court. Fred’s legacy is still with the bearcats today

Trevor Maddiford

One of the nicest guys off the court but Trevor Maddiford was possibly the best 6th man the club has ever produced. A Mr fixit, Trevor’s combined nack of scoring at the right time and stealing the ball and intercepting passes made Trevor invaluable. A club junior from age 7, Trevor was a multiple State Junior player with 3 x National Titles, a multiple junior championship winner and a 5 x time State League championship winner and senior state player for South Australia. Trevor was a member of the Bearcats NBL team from 1979 to 1982 and of course an invaluable member of the 1982 NBL Championship team.

Debbie Miller

Debbie played over 500 State league games for West Adelaide along with 168 WNBL games between 1985 and 1993. A five time State representative and captain, Debbie represented Australia in the u/21’s in 1988. Debbie commenced playing for West Adelaide at the tender age of 6 and that lead to a State League career that spanned over 13 years. A three time championship winner in 1987, 92 & 93, Debbie was also a club captain and winner of the Dora Mudge trophy.

Jack Miller

Jack Miller was another founding member of the West Adelaide Bearcats. A two x Championship player in 1951 & 1952, and younger brother of legendary coach Keith Miller, Jack was the prototype Centre, standing all of 6’1” Jack was the teams leading rebounder and hard man. He forged his own elite career highlighted by being selected to represent South Australia at State Senior level.

Heather McKinnon

A veteran of 211 WNBL Games with West Adelaide Heather made her impression on basketball in this state as a tireless power forward who played a selfless style of game to the benefit of her teammates. Heather Commenced playing at West Adelaide - 1977 – and retired 1991 Heather played 211 WNBL games and close to Six hundred for the club. A State junior from U16 to U20 and an Australian Senior squad member, Heather played in 3 Premierships 1980, 83 & 87 and captained the club for a number of years.

Vic Robinson

Vic stands as a beacon to junior coaches everywhere. Who else can state that there contribution to a club’s greatness was their ability to teach u/10’s the art of playing this great game and to do it over such a length of time is testament to Vic’s durability as a coach, mentor and club man. A career in coaching that spans 2 decades shows the spirit that Vic Robinson brought to this club.

Tracy Scrutton

A veteran centre of 219 WNBL Games and a well over a decade of State league games, championships and awards, Tracy held the Lady Bearcats together during the formative WNBL years and played a vital role in steering the club to the 1986 WNBL Grand Final. A three time Premiership player in 1987, 92 & 93, Tracy held played her role in one of the most successful periods in womens basketball in this state.

Fred Specht

Fred Specht may well be regarded as the man who put this club on the map. The clubs first ever coach and a man who led the men’s team to a staggering 4 championships in 5 years, 1948, 49, 51 & 52. Fred’s impact on West Adelaide in the formative years cannot be understated as he laid the foundation for success to follow. Fred stayed in basketball for many decades at other clubs and in administration but his heart belonged to the bearcats.

Kaye-Lee Stuart

Kaye-Lee started her career with the bearcats at the tender age of 5. A 3 time Championship player in 1987, 92 & 93, Kaye-Lee made every state junior team whilst playing for the Bearcats, 8 of them in succession and was captain on every single occasion. Captain of the Australian National u/21 junior team, Kaye-Lee played the first of her 226 WNBL games at the age of 13, and was the first player in the WNBL to reach 200 games, and no wonder giving her starting at age of 13! An outstanding backcourt player in a powerful era for the bearcats, Kaye-Lee has recently returned to the club in a coaching capacity and we acknowledge tonight her wonderful and ongoing contribution!

Jack Wood

Jack Wood was an influential club stalwart for the best part of 30 years. Starting as a parent, Jack quickly became involved at Executive and Committee levels. But this was only a small part of Jacks involvement. Jack became a major behind the scenes supporter thru his local business, “Complete Meat and Poultry". Jack supported many import players over the years, Leroy Loggins, Al Green, Ken Richardson to name a few, providing them with furniture, household appliances etc, and a weekly supply of meat from the Family business. Jack supported the club through the NBL years and his loyalty to the Bearcats was unquestionable. Jack was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition to the sport (given by the Queen) in late 90's. But Jack’s involvement was also far more than just West Adelaide. He was on the BASA Executive committee, he was a State and Australian Referee in his early years, then Chairman of the referees' committee later on, Chairman of the Basketball SA Tribunal committee and a board member of the 36ers during the 1980’s.

John Wright

John Wright was lauded by Keith Miller in print as one of the finest Junior Coaches West Adelaide has ever produced. A tireless teacher of the game John Played and coached juniors for West for more than 20 years. He coached at every level from U/12 to U/20’s collecting multiple titles and State Championships along the way. John coached State juniors as well as being West Adelaide Youth league coach in 1982, a state junior ass coach U/18 & U/20, and Head Coach of the Combined SA DISTRICT u/12 & u/14 teams. John was also Ass coach to Ken Cole for the club in the NBL in 1984. John is credited with producing some of the clubs greatest players like Mike McKay, Peter Dawe, David Spear who all went on to play NBL for the club.