Rupert Sapwell has resigned as Norwood Men’s ABL Coach after a successful six-year stint which yielded back-to-back ABL titles, and two Coach-of-the-Year honours.

Sapwell said the decision to walk away was a tough one, but that he was proud of the work the group had done, and excited about its future.

“This group is an absolute inspiration to me” he said “They give everything they have, they never give up, and they’re a super-tight group”.  “(David) Cooper and (Todd) Matthews are already planning their preparation for next season, and I fully expect Keith (Krause) and Dan (Thompson) to ante-up again once their bodies have healed, because they’re such fierce competitors.  We also have some excellent young players ready to make an impact, in particular Peter Hooley and a college-returning Max Papendieck.”

“The team is great shape, and the fact that so many players are staying with this group and playing into their thirties speaks volumes of the team’s culture and the players’ commitment to each other . . . there is no other team like it.”

Sapwell leaves the team to free up more time to be involved in junior basketball at the club, but has not ruled out a return to senior coaching in the future.

“I have two boys both playing at Norwood (U10s & U12s) and they’re my greatest joy.  I want to put my energies into them and their teams.  In a few years time I’m sure I’ll get the itch and be back, but it’s family time now.” If I had a wish, it would be that they grow up in the image of their role models in the ABL Men – and that’s my job now.