Steve Irish takes Rugby Coach of the Year Award
by Jeremy Atkins 27 Apr 2025 16:49 BST
Steve Irish wins the Rugby Borough Coach of the Year Award © Jamie Gray / Rugby Sport & Leisure
Better known for being head coach of the Draycote Academy and having coached the likes of Hannah Mills and other sailing superstars, Steve Irish finally took the Rugby Borough Coach of the Year Award. Having been short-listed for each of the last five years, Steve had a broad smile on his face as he reached the top step this year.
His achievement was much celebrated by the other Draycote Water Sailing Club members present who had their own reasons to be cheerful.
Of the ten prestigious Excellence in Sport awards, five of them went to Club members - four for sailing (Bob Byne, Hari Clark, Imogen Green and Jess Powell) and one for artistic swimming (Lola Huett). Staggering for a relatively minor sport to do so well so far from the sea!
The Draycote Junior Waszp Swarm was also short-listed for Junior Team of the Year, reflecting the fact that Swarm members are first and fifth in the overall 6.9 Waszp World rankings, No. 1 in the female rankings and three of the top 5 in the men's rankings. Although they didn't win the award, to be short-listed against teams from more traditional team sports was a great achievement! They look forwarding to hosting the Waszp National Championships at Draycote in October.
Roger Darbyshire was short-listed for the Unsung Hero 'Volunteer' Award. Roger set up the Club's Improver's Group to provide a pathway for new members. It operates every Sunday throughout the summer months. The members of the group go out and sail in company with Roger sailing along with them, helping out wherever he is needed, giving advice and guidance.
All in all, a great night for the Club in an area of the country not normally associated with sailing excellence.
Club Commodore, William Whittaker, said, "We are so delighted that Steve finally got this award. His contribution to the success of the Club is immense and is reflected in our great junior sailors. Nevertheless, it is worth pointing out that the Waszp Swarm has been developed by the sailors and their parents - it has not been part of the Draycote Academy or formally supported by the Club. It has been driven by their own enthusiasm, and we really look forward to welcoming the class to Draycote for their Nationals."