By JARROD POTTER
LOVE of cricket runs deeply within John Wise.
Wise, 53, from Berwick Springs is virtually inseparable from the cricket ovals around the state each summer and throws himself into any role to help his beloved clubs – Berwick Springs and formerly Salesian Old Boys – become stronger.
This passion for chipping in and ensuring the next generation flourishes earned him Cricket Victoria recognition as one of 20 volunteers at the Boxing Day Test for his contributions to the summer sport.
“It’s a huge honour – you don’t do it for the recognition or for an award like that,” Wise said. “For me I’ve got a lot out of cricket – playing at two clubs Salesian Old Boys and Berwick Springs – and in 40-odd years involvement in club cricket I’ve just enjoyed every minute of it.
“To be recognised is a big thrill and I was just blown away – I just love the involvement in the game, love being around the club and I think it’s good for young people to be involved in the club environment.”
No matter where he’s gone in life, since 12 years old, Wise has always been drawn a cricket club nearby and wouldn’t have it any other way.
He played most of his career at Salesian Old Boys Cricket Club in Chadstone but the bowling all-rounder shifted to Berwick Springs and signed up with the Titans soon after.
After 36 years at Salesian Old Boys, the shift to Berwick Springs has been just as joyous for the Wise family – his wife Anne Maree, son Sam and daughter Antonia.
As all great volunteers usually are, the long-time cricket administrator/coach/player is particularly humble about his achievements, but there are a lot of stellar achievements on his resume.
“I play a small part in Berwick Springs,” Wise said.
“There are a lot of great people in Berwick Springs and I was fortunate enough to receive the award and I’m absolutely stoked – it’s great to have this recognition across two clubs I hold dearly.
“Both clubs are fantastic and I’ve made some great friendships through cricket and that’s one thing the young people will definitely get out of team sport as those friendships stay for life.”
Wise will look back fondly on his role helping Berwick Springs receive a turf wicket upgrade to Berwick Springs Reserve, allowing the Titans for the first time in 2015/16 to compete in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s turf divisions.
Another proud achievement in his coaching career was guiding Hawthorn-Monash Women’s Cricket Club to a premiership and also one for Berwick Springs – the club’s first flag – in 2011/12.
He also thinks cultivating the next generation of Titans talent is just as important for the departing president.
“My main goal – the goal with the club – would be to get a turf wicket put in the reserve,” Wise said.
“That was my mission and to make sure we got that turf wicket and with a lot of assistance from the City of Casey they’ve made a dream of the club come true.
“We’ll have a turf wicket to play on next year and that will help keep our kids at the club and that’s what I want to see.”
He had to step aside from the Berwick Springs CC presidency to devote more time to his family and his business – Universal Cleaning Group – but rest assured he will never be far away from the sport he loves.
Wise can be found most weekends in the blue and green Titan colours or out in the centre wearing the whites as he fills in wherever he can in the Berwick Springs’ D, E or F Grade teams.
