Gladiators celebrate 50 years of basketball

Gladiators Basketball Club of Warragul recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Christmas celebration at Western Park.
A highlight of the celebrations was presentation of life membership to Leanne Cruwyz.
Held at the Warragul Industrials Football and Netball Club rooms, the event was the first gathering in many years of the club's past and present players, coaches, life members and founder John Vickerman.
John shared with the 200-plus attendees how the club began and how far it has come.
Reflecting the club's history and success, Gladiators has experienced continuity over the past 50 years with many current players being second- and even third-generation Gladiators representatives.
Those present enjoyed catching up with friends, teammates and coaches from years gone by, as well as celebrating the club's current players and achievements.
A successful door raffle featuring prizes donated by sponsors and local businesses and a visit from Santa and his friends at the
Yarragon CFA made for a wonderful evening.
Gladiators Basketball Club began in the 1972/73 summer season.
The Warragul-based club was one of three original clubs of the
Warragul and District Amateur
Basketball Association (WDABA).
Over the past 50 years, the club has seen its junior players develop and go on to play and coach for the Warragul Warriors, in state teams, at NCAA/college level, at national (NBL and WNBL) level and to represent Australia at international competitions and world championships.
Gladiators currently fields teams in the boys' and girls' junior divisions of the WDABA.
It is wholly reliant upon volunteers to fill coaching, team manager and committee positions.
For further information about how to be involved with the Gladiators Basketball Club or if you have any photographs or stories to share, email admin@gladiatorsbasketball.com.au