HISTORY MAKERS

ALAN HARE

Despite football being his first love, (he was keen to play league football for West Adelaide), Alan began his basketball career in 1950 at the age of just fourteen playing C Grade at the Torrens Drill Hall. There were no “junior grades” like we know today, so he played against older players from the beginning. In his second year he played D Grade, but his game improved rapidly. The next year Alan was selected for the B Grade squad, but after his first two or three games of the season two of North’s District players became unavailable and Alan was promoted to fill in until they returned. He never looked back and played A Grade District for the next 16 years, managing to hit the court in more than 300 games for North Adelaide.

In 1956 Alan won the coveted Noel Woolacott Medal for the Fairest and Most Brilliant District basketballer. He won North’s Best and Fairest award in 1954, 1956, 1957 and 1958.

At the age of just sixteen (in 1953) Alan first gained senior State selection. He was selected in every state team from 1953 to 1963 except for 1957 and 1961 when he was unavailable. In 1960 Alan Hare reached the ultimate when he was chosen in the Australian Olympic Team, which went to Rome.

Alan, like many players of his time, also coached, running the District Men’s team on two occasions for a two year term each time. In recognition of his abilities in this area, he coached a Combined District team for the Ampol Tournament (held in Sydney) in 1968 and 1969.

Apart from playing Alan devoted much of his time to working for the Club. He first served on the Committee in 1957 and did so for many years. He was also North’s representative on the SA District Committee for 6 years.

The highest honour any club can bestow on one of its members is life membership. North Adelaide Basketball Club recognised Alan’s contribution with this award in 1963. It was given to Alan in recognition of his work for the club, not only as a player, but administrator and Coach over many years.