STAFF WRITERS
FOOTBALL
UMPIRING
MORE milestones have been reached at the Latrobe Valley Umpires Association.
Bryan Sultan reached 500 games recently.
A life member of the LVUA, Sultan brought up the milestone at the Yinnar versus Newborough match on Saturday, May 22.
Sultan has formed quite a legacy at the LVUA in his time, notching up 15 Grand Final appointments including senior Grand Finals in all disciplines (Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League goals 2011, 2022, boundary 1993, 1999 and Gippsland League field 2006, 2008).
His resume off the field is quite impressive too, awarded dedicated service in 2002 and life membership in 2001. He has been LVUA president (2011), secretary (2005-10), vice president (2002-04), assistant secretary (1998, 1995), boundary coach (1996), junior vice president (1996) and was also on the social committee in 1996, 1997 and 2001.
Fellow life member Stephen Scholz also recently brought up his 400th match.
In his 20th year of service to the panel, Scholz notched up game number 400 last weekend in the Mid Gippsland match between Newborough and Mirboo North.
On field, Scholz has been appointed to 21 Grand Finals with the highest being the Gippsland League Reserves (goal) back in the 2012 season.
Off field, he has served 10 years on the social committee (including running footy tipping and Tattslotto competitions) and spent three years on the general committee.
Youngster Blake Gittos could have a few more milestones in him yet.
At just 21 years of age, Gittos already has 300 games under his belt.
Now in his 11th year, Gittos joined the panel in 2013 and was awarded the LVUA Golden Whistle in 2017.
Gittos has 10 Grand Final appointments to his name with the highest being the Gippsland League seniors boundary and Mid Gippsland reserves field in 2019 and 2022.
On the junior panel, there was also a recent milestone, with Ashlee Bosch reaching 50 games.
One of four Bosch’s on the panel, Ashlee is continuing a strong legacy.
THE Latrobe Valley Umpires are celebrating 70 years of umpiring country football on June 24/25.
The panel has a long and proud history of contributing to football in the community and would love to see as many member both retired and current as possible to help celebrate this outstanding achievement.
Information and bookings can be done by getting in touch with Barry Lawrence on jblaw@speedweb.com.au or phoning 0431 081 116 or by emailing the LVUA umpires panel at lvumpires@gmail.com or on 0413 076 555.
