TWO Alton College students received gongs in this year’s renewal of the East Hampshire Sports Awards.

Held in February at Old Thorns Manor Hotel at Griggs Green, near Liphook, as previously reported in the Alton Herald, more than 300 sportsmen and women from across the region congregated to recognise sporting achievements and the commitment of the people who make success possible, such as coaches and officials.

The college success came in the form of Terry Brigdale, previously a pupil at Eggar’s School, who was named Junior Sportsman of the Year for his karate success, and Tia Ruel, previously a pupil at Treloar’s School, who was runner-up in the Junior Disability Sportsperson of the Year category for her involvement in boccia.

In addition, talented college alumnus Brad Taylor was joint winner of the Senior Sportsman of the Year Award for his success in captaining the England Under-19 cricket team.

On being announced the winner of his category, Terry said: “I’m extremely pleased with winning the award and I would like to thank the Alton Lions Club for their support and funding (in the form of a sports scholarship) which really made it possible for me to achieve as much as I did over the last year, and for the support from the sports department at college who have helped me juggle both aspects of my life and keep up-to-date with all my work while training.”

Darren Della Maestra, PE and sport lead at Alton College, who attended the evening along with fellow PE teachers Claire Hawes and Dean Gillatt, said: “I am really pleased that Terry’s hard work and successes have been recognised.

“Terry has recently stepped up into the adult ranks and is showing that he can cope at this new level. Terry is extremely modest about his achievements and manages his studies alongside the gruelling training and competitive schedule incredibly well.

“He is an all-round great lad, well done to him. I really hope that the International Olympic Committee agree to karate being entered as an Olympic sport in Tokyo 2020. Terry could well be there!”

Mr Della Maestra added: “It is fantastic that the long-standing tradition of excellent athletes coming through Alton College is continuing with the vast majority studying sport courses with us.

“We are very experienced at guiding and supporting young elite athletes including others in the past like Brad Taylor (England Under-19 cricket captain) and David Smith (GB Olympian at Boccia) who are all Alton college sports alumni.”

The winners of the East Hampshire Sports Awards will now be entered for the Hampshire Sports Awards, which take place in March.