Life at the Y real journey for coach
‘‘It keeps me feeling young and keeps my brain ticking.’’
him, as he maintains the club building and repairs the gear. His CV includes being a board member for more than 30 years, 20 years as a vice president and eight years as president. In nominating him for a Hutt Valley Sports Award, YMCAmember Barbara Meiklejohn said his contribution had been immense. ‘‘Brent has coached thousands of children over the years from recreational to competitive levels. He has a great sense of fun that makes his classes enjoyable and exciting. ‘‘We are extremely grateful to Brent for his outstanding contribution and dedicated service.’’ The YMCAhas also been good to him. That is where he met his wife, Sandra, and like him she enjoys coaching kids.
‘‘To be involved with him and to marry him I had to join the Y.’’
Ludlam said he had enjoyed every minute and having Sandra beside him, had only made it more enjoyable.
With a background in nursing, she was always in demand when volunteers were needed for holiday programmers and camps.
Seeing children grow in confidence and develop had motivated Ludlam to keep coaching.
‘‘It keeps me feeling young and keeps my brain ticking.’’
Having coached for so long, he is now seeing the grandchildren of his early pupils.
It is not only in Wainuiomata that Ludlam has made his mark. For many years, he and his wife turned their house into a haunted community house known as Ludlam’s Haunt.
But two years go they were the victims of arson and their home is still being rebuilt.
When he is not teaching kids to do forward rolls, Ludlam works in IT specialising in artificial intelligence.