Some people play basketball. Others build communities around it.
As told by Glennis Tucker.
For our family, basketball has never been just about sport – it has been a lifetime of friendships, memories, opportunities and belonging. Our journey began in 1978 when my husband John, our sons Brad and Scott, and I moved from Sunbury to Apollo Parkways.
At that time there was no primary school in Apollo Parkways, so our boys (Brad and Scott) attended Greenhills Primary for 12 months. Basketball in the area was centred around the Diamond Valley Stadium, which had just two courts. John had played basketball for many years and soon found a spot for himself in one of their senior teams. He asked about his sons being able to play and they encouraged him to form a new team which he did. In their first season in U9’s they lost every .game, in their second season they won every game and won the Grand Final.
With the primary school now built at Apollo Parkways and after speaking to Lyn McClintock from Greenhills we decided to leave Greenhills and form our own team. We left with seven excited boys and their very enthusiastic families. Apollo Basketball Club was born. I stitched blue numbers on green singlets, John became coach and before long our very first team was taking the court.
In 1982, Apollo Basketball Club officially formed its own committee, beginning decades of incredible volunteer service. Looking back, it wasn’t just about basketball – it was about families working together to create opportunities for their children. Lifelong friendships were formed, many of which continue today. Aside from running Apollo I was also part of the Junior Boys Committee for a number of years along with these great people; Bill Stacy, Lyn McClintock, Ros Goring, Norma Fox, Roy Ellard and Arthur Clark. We all spent from 8-30am to 6pm most Saturdays watching games and players making sure the teams were graded correctly. Sure mistakes were made at times but I believe we got it right most times.
As Apollo grew, so did our family. Our daughter Sam was born. She joined basketball at 6 yrs of age, beginning in the U8 competition played on the old mini courts (the former table tennis courts), and she proudly played all her junior basketball with Apollo before continuing into the senior competition. She also represented Apollo in mixed basketball alongside many of her friends.
Before Sam ever played a game she and a wonderful group of young girls were the cheerleaders for the Diamond Valley Eaglesmen’s team. Alongside her friends Hayley and Melanie Todd, they loved running onto the court, dancing with their pom-poms and creating an exciting atmosphere at games. They absolutely loved being part of the Eagles family.
As our club expanded, Diamond Valley Basketball Association was also growing. Friday night basketball at Diamond Valley became something special. Parents, players and volunteers travelled together, shared meals, celebrated wins and supported each other through losses. The atmosphere was unlike anything else, with rival clubs becoming lifelong friends.
As basketball continued to evolve, many talented Apollo players progressed into representative basketball and beyond. One of those was Marcus Todd, whose basketball journey took him overseas. Marcus is still giving back to basketball, coaching as he has done for sometime, for both Apollo and Diamond Valley.
Our own family was fortunate enough to watch Brad and Scott develop through the Diamond Valley pathway. Brad represented Victoria at U16 level before making the U18 and U20 Victorian teams. We were especially proud to go to Burnie and watch him represent Victoria in the U18 State Team for the U18 Australian Championships.
Scott also enjoyed his basketball journey, eventually moving to play with the Melbourne Tigers, where he continued his development after playing many junior years at Diamond Valley.
The development of the Civic League competition was another milestone. A brainchild of Brian Harvey, (the then centre manager), the idea was simple but innovative: invite the strongest teams from other associations to compete against Diamond Valley’s best. The competition quickly became known for its fast, physical and highly skilled basketball. With outstanding coaches like Kenny Groat and Trevor Lee guiding our side, Apollo enjoyed back to back premierships during one memorable era.
Women’s basketball also flourished during these years thanks to many mums who decided to give it a go. Girls basketball with the help of passionate volunteers also began to develop. Heather Porter and Lyn Smith created an environment where girls basketball thrived, Coaches Marcus Todd, Pam and Allan Robinson continued that development, leading many successful teams, including several Grand Final appearances. Lyn Smith and another mum Faye Baldry were “the mother hens” of the girls program, nurturing generations of young players with endless care, encouragement and commitment.
Basketball has also been about recognising those who gave so much to the sport. I have always admired the contribution of people like Arthur Clark, Brian Harvey, Wilma Hay, Margaret O’Connor and Lyn Mc Clintock and many others whose tireless volunteer work shaped the Association into what it is today.
There have also been moments of sadness. Apollo established the Adam Dunn Memorial Trophy to honour a much loved young player whose life was tragically cut short by brain cancer at just 14 years of age. His memory continues to live on through the club.
Watching players grow from young beginners into outstanding athletes has been one of the greatest rewards. I was so proud to see Lucas Todd who began his basketball at six years old with Apollo, become the first Apollo player to reach 600 games as a senior player by then. To me that shows great commitment and loyalty.
Our family has celebrated many milestones with both Apollo and Diamond Valley Eagles. Both John and I received Life Memberships from the Apollo Basketball Club in 1988, of which we were very proud to receive. Both of our sons received Life Memberships from Apollo at our 10th Anniversary Dinner. At the Eagles 21st Anniversary celebrations in 1995, Brad was recognised with a Life Membership for his commitment and service as a player to the Association.
Although our involvement changed over the years, basketball has never truly left any of us. More recently I returned through the Walking Basketball program, where new friends have been made and once again feeling the sense of belonging that Diamond Valley has always provided me with.
When I watch Apollo players wearing the green and blue today, I still feel that same pride I did all those years ago. The uniforms may have changed, the stadium has grown, and generations have come and gone, but the spirit remains and I am so proud that after 46 years the Apollo Basketball Club still exists today.
Basketball gave our family far more than games and trophies. It gave us lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, opportunities for our children and a community that has always felt like home.
Thanks Glen for such a awesome account of the start of the Apollo Basketball Club it was like our other home on Saturdays for many years
It created amazing friendships we made as a family and our children friendships we all knew where everyone was on a Saturday with our boys and the girls throughout the week
The biggest asset for all family’s was the Apollo Basketball Club gave our children too be able to learn and play the great game of basketball and had a hand in building boys and girls great development in commitment and respect for others and growing in to wonderful Adults
Lots of Apollo boys became referees and coaches on the weekends so part time jobs where created and amazing memories that shaped our lives
Thanks to John & Glennis Tucker this was all possible
Thank you so much Kym for sorting through and telling early Apollo’s story. The response has been overwhelming and very much appreciated. Every comment that I’ve read is special to me as I loved each and every player. They were part of our family. Once again thank you
What a great story – I was apart of the Apollo basketball club back in 80’s and it was touching to read that story . My family met lots of great people during our time at Diamond Valley – Brings back lots of great memories