Volunteer of the Week - Karl Hombergen

Team Hawks has a team of dedicated game night staff who help out behind the scenes every week. Their contributions to the club are valued and we want to share the great work they’re doing. This week we’re paying thanks to Karl Hombergen, a big part of the game night management team, a member of the Hawks Board and is the ‘Karl of all Trades’ when it comes to helping out and getting things done.

How long have you been involved with the club? In comparison to some a very short time - it may be around 8 years.  It started out with my son Finn doing as Aussie Hoops program with the Hawks and playing mini-ball with the then PCYC now Clare-Cott basketball club. My involvement has escalated from being a wallflower parent who was clueless about basketball to being a very involved parent who is still clueless about basketball. Mind you I did have to coach a game once when Travis Hayto failed to appear at an U16 game and I called a very successful time out. We won the game and I retired from coaching with a 1-0 record. A fair amount of gratitude should also go to my assist coach that day, Tim Oates.

What other things do you do around the traps for Team Hawks? Whilst I am on the Hawks board as WABL director I assist the other directors in their portfolios as well.

What made you want to get involved? An often-asked question of self as well but fundamentally this is easy.  There are a great number of people around this club who have given freely of their time over the years to make the club what it is today. Namely existing and previous board members, coaches, managers, parents, players, volunteers (door (Chrissy), drinks, floor wipers, video) - at all levels of the club. I wanted to get involved to make what contribution I could as a form of respect and acknowledgement for all the hard work that they have done and continue to do.  There is a great sense of community around the club - and in some ways - that's more important than the basketball as it creates a sense of belonging.

Favourite things about being part of our game nights? To present the club in such a manner that visiting clubs are in awe when they depart. 

Favourite moments? The road trips. I've made my own way to Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury this year with three great games and two solid wins.  It's good fun particularly being one of the few if not the only person other than team wearing blue and white.   

Anything else you'd like to add? I'd like to thank my family for allowing me to be an at times insufferable basketball junkie.