Stadium honour for Craig Herbert

GEELONG basketball legend Craig Herbert was surprised to add a new honour yesterday to the long list of tributes bestowed upon him in his sport.

YMCA Geelong announced it had named its basketball stadium in Newtown after the decorated player, coach and administrator.

Humbled by the honour, Mr Herbert, 60, described it as “a great thrill”, but said he was also “embarrassed” by the attention.

He paid tribute to other longstanding volunteers at Geelong’s YMCA Basketball Club and his wife, Helen, and children Nathan and Abbey, who have all been involved in the sport.

“Without people like Craig Herbert there is no club, no youth development, no participation, no learning, no competition, no championship banners hanging from the walls and no opportunity to make those friendships,” YMCA Geelong chief executive officer Shona Eland said.

“The YMCA survives and indeed thrives because people like Craig Herbert.”

Two years ago Mr Herbert was awarded an Order of Australia for services to his sport.

A key member of Geelong’s YMCA Basketball Club for more than 40 years, Mr Herbert played for the Geelong Supercats during its NBL years, and is a life member, former captain and board member of the club, while his son Nathan is also a club stalwart.

He is also a life member of YMCA Geelong, Basketball Geelong and the YMCA Basketball Club.

His long playing career with the YMCA club included five awards as player of the year, the first in 1976 and the final one 32 years later in 2008.

Mr Herbert said he joined the club as an under-12 player, but said his contribution was minor compared to the fun and enjoyment he had derived from the sport and the club.