A SPORTING alumni honour wall paying tribute to Wonthaggi Secondary School teacher and sporting mentor Dennis Vague has been unveiled at Bass Coast College.
Bass Coast sporting alumni who have gone on to compete at the highest level in their respective sports gathered in the senior campus gymnasium with former students from Wonthaggi Technical School, Wonthaggi High School, and Wonthaggi Secondary College.
Bass Coast College acknowledged Dennis Vague’s vital role in the alumni honour wall project and his long association with the school.
Guest speakers included current Melbourne Cricket Club coach Ben Vague and former Victorian cricket captain, all-time leading run-scorer for Melbourne grade cricket and Australian cricket coach Darren Berry.
The 1997 Ashes tour veteran spoke of Dennis Vague’s guiding role in the success of many former students.
“I am thrilled that we’re getting to unveil Dennis Vague’s honour wall,” said Darren Berry.
“It is a wonderful celebration of past students and Dennis Vague who was so connected to the school community.
“Dennis Vague was not only synonymous with the College, but he was also a significant community member, passionate about local sports. He was a true and genuine character with an exceptional sense of humour and was valued for his outstanding ability to connect with all his dedication to students extending over forty years, and he is remembered for the significant impact he had on so many young people’s lives.”
Members of the Vague family were welcomed by Bass Coast S.C. Principal Darren Parker who said Dennis Vague had worked for 37 years at the college.
“It seems most appropriate we can celebrate Dennis and success,” said Mr Parker, “to show just how proud we are of past students.”
“Dennis’ contribution to local sport was renown.”
Anecdotes shared at the launch included Dennis Vague once telling a student that he was a much better footballer than his Dad was.”
AFL footballer Brett Lovett, who played for Hawthorn U19s at the time, remembered Dennis Vague telling him, “If you want to be great at something you have to work a little harder. You can make it in sport no matter how small a country town you come from.”
Mr Lovett told the gathered alumni he had ambition and a dream he wanted to chase.
“I have wonderful memories of growing up in Wonthaggi.
“These people were inspirational teachers and mentors and helped me chase my dreams.
“Between High School and Tech there was a bit of rivalry.
“Rovers versus Blues, High School versus Tech, times have changed.
“What hasn’t changed is the opportunity to chase your dream.”
“Don’t let the numbers dwindle for junior sport,” said Mr Lovett.
Darren Berry recalled coming down to Wonthaggi in 1997 to visit Dennis Vague.
Just back from the Ashes Tour, Dennis Vague asked a class of students who Darren Berry was.
“No one knew,” said Darren.
“I’m proud to be here today supporting the Vague family.”
Ben Vague said he was so grateful for the love and support given to his family.
“To the inductees, congratulations.
“The coach was really proud of all the students and had a real connection with the students and their sporting careers.
“Thank you for honouring my father in such a wonderful way.”
The 2024 inductees to the Dennis Vague sporting alumni honour wall are first-class cricketer Darren Berry, AFL footballer and former co-captain of the Carlton Football Club Sam Docherty, professional road racing cyclist Nick Aitken, West Coast Eagles AFL forward Archer Reid, Essendon AFL defender Zachary Reid, Hartford Hawks NCAA basketballer Hunter Marks, world volleyball player Phillip DeSalvo, Collingwood Magpies netballer Zali Anderson, St Kilda AFL women’s footballer Kelly O’Neill, St Kilda, Hawthorn and Richmond AFL women’s footballer Tamara Luke, Victorian Teal Cup footballer and Melbourne half-back Brett Lovett, Brisbane Lions defender Mitchell Golby and Paralympic swimmer Amanda ‘Mandy’ Drennan.
