Dr Trevor Height admitted he was “stunned” to find out Hunter Sports Centre’s new building would be named in his honour.
The organisation has partnered with the University of Newcastle (UoN) to operate the cutting-edge premises at Glendale, with student and academic scientists using the latest equipment and techniques to test, benchmark and improve the performance of athletes, from beginners to elite level.
And, on Tuesday 23 January, the Trevor Height Athlete Testing Facility was unveiled in the presence of Hunter MP and Olympic Games representative Dan Repacholi, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, Lake Macquarie City mayor Kay Fraser and Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO.
The honour caught the popular local by surprise, even though his association with Hunter Sports Centre spans almost three decades as an athlete, coach, administrator and manager.
“It was completely out of the blue,” Height said.
“I am still pinching myself at being given this amazing recognition.
“There is no comparable service available to sports people in our region.
“And, with the University of Newcastle on board to manage this facility, we will be a key plank in allowing more athletes to pursue their dreams.”
Professor Zelinsky said the testing at the premises would be delivered by a team of university staff working in exercise and sports science.
“This is a fantastic example of how our uni is not just about classrooms but is out there making a difference in the community,” he added.
“This is the kind of partnership we want.
“It benefits the people of Lake Macquarie and beyond.
“Plus, it also gives our students the chance to work in a hands-on way before they join the workforce and makes them highly employable graduates.”
Hunter Sports Centre general manager Brendan Barrett said the Trevor Height Athlete Testing Facility would seek to recruit local sports clubs, schools and other organisations hoping to learn more about their athletic performance and work out ways to improve it.
“We’ll be using the latest technology and research,” he explained.
“However, this new centre isn’t just for top-echelon athletes.
“It will cater to everyone from high school students learning about human movement, physical activity and sports to professional sportspeople who want to take their performance to the next level.
“Elite-level competition nowadays often comes down to hundredths of a second or millimetres, so having the best preparation is essential.
“Athlete testing is the start-line to benchmark performance and, based on that data, design a program for improvement.”
Cr Fraser said the facility was the latest milestone in the $52 million Hunter Sports Centre expansion, which also includes a new NSW Trampoline Centre of Excellence, a sport and community centre, gym and extra car parking.
“It’s another step towards delivering a world-class sports facility right here in Lake Mac,” she stated.
Mr Repacholi, who is aiming for the Paris Games in 2024, agreed.
“The expansion will provide pathways for athletes to pursue their dreams and is aligned with the government’s goal to promote healthy, active lifestyles throughout the community,” he said.
“Everyone’s been calling for this facility and I am proud to be part of a government that delivers for the Hunter.
“Sport is so valuable to the community for health and wellness, as well as a contributor to the local economy, meaning the impacts of this facility will be far-reaching.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley reiterated that sentiment.
“Sport’s integral to the region, from the grassroots to top levels,” she said.
“It’s always great to see the levels of government work together to deliver for the Hunter… that’s what’s happened here.
“With these facilities, we say to our athletes: ‘We’ll give you the best there is’.
“We’re proud to make this happen for them in the Hunter.”
Ms Hornery explained she was pleased the NSW Government had contributed $1 million to the testing facility.
“This crucial partnership between the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Sports Centre will deliver great results for our local athletes as well as attracting athletes from the broader region,” she said.
The new testing facility includes ‘VO2 max’ equipment that is usually difficult to access outside university environments.
Mr Barrett said it would be particularly useful for serious recreational athletes involved in cycling, triathlon, running and swimming.
It will also provide a setting for high school students studying everything from biomechanics to anatomy and sports physiology.
“The facility will complement existing allied health services offered locally, too, such as physiotherapy and sports nutrition,” he summed up.
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