Dick Thomas, left, hands over the reins of the general manager for Kilsyth Basketball Club to Greg Wallace, right.By Tania Martin
KILSYTH Cobras will rein in another exciting year of basketball in 2008 with a new general manager at the helm.
Greg Wallace will take over the top job from veteran Dick Thomas, who retires after nine years in the job.
Thomas has been involved in the association since 1975 but his first official role wasn’t until 1978 as the head of the senior match committee.
He was appointed to the top job in 1998 but has been involved with Kilsyth for more than 31 years.
Thomas is also known for his role in starting up the Basin Wildcats Basketball Club, and coaching junior and senior Cobras boys and girls teams.
In his illustrious career, Thomas has also served as a SEABL assistant and team manager and helped lead the Under 20 Cobras boy’s team to a Victorian State title in 1996.
During his time in the top job at Kilsyth, Thomas, has overseen some major projects including the planning and building of the foyer at the Kilsyth Sports Centre.
Thomas said he has enjoyed being involved in the sport he loves so much.
“I will cherish the memories and friendships I have made,” he said.
“I believe Kilsyth Basketball is on the crest of a wave with both domestic and representative basketball and has a bright future with a young and enthusiastic such as Grant Wallace at the helm.”
Wallace will take over the top job in early January and is excited about the challenges he now faces as the new general manager.
But he comes to Kilsyth with a strong history of sports management from roles with Basketball Stadiums Victoria and the City of Whittlesea.
Wallace has extensive management and leadership experience as well as a detailed history with basketball and an appreciation of Kilsyth’s history.
He is also not a stranger to Kilsyth as he has coached the Cobras men’s team in the SEABL since 2004.
Wallace has also been the assistant coach of the Victoria Giants in the NBL and head coach of Nunawading’s SEABL team for seven years.
“I feel a little like Matthew Knights with the high expectations of taking over from the great Kevin Sheedy,” Wallace said.
“But I am looking forward to getting into the role and working with the passionate and loyal staff and volunteers to take the next step in our journey.”
