The trophies of the Ovens & Murray District Swimming Association represent many years of competition, achievement and tradition within our swimming community.
Many of these trophies have been presented for generations, carrying with them the names of swimmers, clubs and individuals who have contributed to the history of swimming across our district.
We are working to document the story behind each trophy — including its origins, who it was named in honour of, what it was awarded for, and how its significance may have evolved over the years.
Our records are still being developed, and we welcome contributions from past and present members. If you have photographs, stories, historical records, corrections or additional information about any of the trophies below, please get in touch.
Ovens and Murray Championship Trophy Awards
Long Course Trophies:
Individual Awards:
The Dr Worch Trophy
Male Open 100 Free
Dr. Worch was the first President of the Association and held this position until his untimely death on September 20th 1953. This cup was presented by the Association in memory of its foundation president and has been awarded every year since 1953.
The Gordon Dowling Trophy
Female Open 100 Free
Gordon Dowling was the Association’s first secretary for 8 years, then treasurer for 18 years as well as holding positions as referee and registrar. The formation, progress and growth of the O & M Swimming Association was built on the tireless work, efficiency and enthusiasm of Gordon Dowling OAM who died on 4th August, 1997. This cup was donated by the Association in 1956 to recognize the sterling services rendered by Gordon Dowling.
Gordon Dowling
Gordon Dowling Trophy recipients
Gwen Howard
Male 12/Under and Female 12/Under 100 Freestyle
Gwen Howard was very active in the Corowa club and was a past secretary. When she moved away from the district, she left these trophies as her regard for the district. These trophies were first presented in 1977/78.
H Jorgensen
Male 12yrs 50 Fly
Heather Jorgensen was a parent with the Albury North Lavington Club and donated this trophy. She was herself a swimmer approximately 1977 -1982.
Heather Jorgensen Trophy Recipients
Barry Martens Memorial Trophies
Awarded to the Male and Female 12 Year Old 100m Backstroke winner at the Ovens and Murray Swimming Championships.
Barry Martens was a long serving technical official and office holder of the Ovens & Murray District Swimming Association. On the 27 January 2013 Barry received the Herb Jeffrey Award at the Victorian Country Swimming Championships. This award recognises outstanding service to Country Swimming in excess of 20 years – for Barry this was in excess of 30 years.
Barry Martens
Barry Martens Trophy Recipients
H Batey
Female 12yrs 50m Butterfly
Helen Batey was a swimmer of some note from the Wangaratta Club. At the Country Championships held in Mildura in 1981, Helen won 9 medals and was awarded the Australia Day Medal for the swimmer of the meet. Helen was only 15 at this time. In 1983 Helen retired from swimming to concentrate on her Year 12 studies. She donated this trophy at that time. Since then the trophy has filled and no longer had space for swimmer’s names. Helen donated a second trophy in 2009, and the original is now held at the Wangaratta Club rooms. Helen’s family has continued their involvement in swimming, with her own children swimming and her brother Max a swimming coach. Her late father, Ross Batey, was a life member of the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association.
Gwen Miller Memorial Trophy
Female 14yrs 100Breast
Gwen Miller was the wife of Neville Miller, both Life Members of the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Ass. Gwen was a member of the Rutherglen club, and together they were the main stay of the Southern Division competition. After Gwen’s death, the family decided to donate a trophy in her memory, and chose the 14 years breaststroke as she had always had a wish for a trophy for this event. The trophy was first awarded in 2005.
The Benjamin Pascall Trophy
Male 15 years Boys 50m freestyle
Benjamin “Ben” Pascall developed his love of swimming at just eight years of age when he joined the Wodonga Swimming Club (WSC).
In 1999, Ben moved with his family to Mount Gambier, South Australia, where his swimming talent continued to flourish. He became the youngest swimmer to be selected for the South Australian Swim Team and went on to compete at the 2000 Pacific School Games in Sydney.
Upon returning to Wodonga, Ben resumed swimming with the Wodonga Swimming Club before progressing to the Albury National Swim Squad.
A talented and dedicated swimmer, Ben set the Ovens and Murray District record for the 15 Years Boys 50m Freestyle in 2006, recording an impressive time of 25.28 seconds. Remarkably, this record remained unbroken at the time of his passing in 2018.
Tragically, Ben was one of the workers who lost their lives in the Norske Skog industrial incident in May 2018.
In honour of Ben’s life, his passion for swimming and his achievements in the pool, his family generously donated a memorial trophy to be awarded for the 15 Years Boys 50m Freestyle.
The Benjamin “Ben” Pascall Memorial Trophy serves as a lasting tribute to Ben and his contribution to swimming in the Ovens and Murray District, ensuring his memory continues to be honoured by future generations of swimmers.
Ben Pascal
Joes Service Station
Male 15 & Over 200IM
Joes service station, the original Shell service station, used to be the hub of Wodonga when the saleyards were located close by and the highway passed through Wodonga. It was first awarded in 1968 when it was for the Open Individual Medley. In 1983 this was changed to the 15 and Over Individual Medley. Joe passed away a few years ago in his 90’s.
Joe’s Service Station
Joe Northey
Terill Trophy
Female 15 & Over 200IM
It was first awarded in 1966 when it was for the Open Individual Medley. In 1983 this was changed to the 15 and Over Individual Medley.
Frank Fenwick
Male Nearest to National 100 Fly time
Female Nearest to National 100 Fly time
Frank Fenwick – OAM 16/8/27-06/07/18.
The Benjamin W Pascall Overall Champion Memorial Trophy
Awarded to the Overall Champion.
Benjamin “Ben” Pascall developed his love of swimming at 8 years old with the Wodonga Swimming Club (WSC).
In 1999, Ben moved with the family to Mt Gambier where he became the youngest swimmer to gain selection on the South Australian Swim Team and competed at the 2000 Pacific School Games in Sydney.
Upon returning to Wodonga, Ben resumed swimming with the Wodonga Swimming Club and eventually joined the Albury National Swim Squad.
The trophy represents Ben’s work ethic that “you should try and compete in all events because you’ll never become a better swimmer if you don’t.”
Ben’s family have donated the trophy to encourage future swimmers to compete in all events.
Ben was one of the workers killed in the Norske Skog industrial incident in May 2018.
Ben Pascal in Action
Relay Trophies:
The Red Gum Shield
The Red Gum Shield was donated by Geoff Barrow who was from Wangaratta club. He was a referee and his family was very involved in swimming locally. Geoff worked for what was then Forestry Dept and obtained the wood and made the shield himself. He wanted to recognize clubs that did well with smaller club numbers.
Ken Connell
Male 16 & U 4 x 50 Free
A new trophy was started in 1998
Brian Wood
Female 16 & U 4 x 50 Free
First presented in 1963
Merle Mason
Male Open 4 x 50 Medley
Merle Mason was secretary of The Wodonga Swimming Club for 25 years and started learn-to-swim classes at the now defunct Stanley Street pool, which opened in 1959. She was a life member and district referee with the Ovens and Murray. She passed away in 2013 at the age of 83. This trophy was first presented in 1982.
Merle Mason
Pat Watson
Female Open 4 x 50 Medley
Pat Watson was on the committee of the Albury Club. The trophy was first presented in 1983.
R A Roy
Male Open 4 x 50 Free
First presented in 1977
H A Strong
Female Open 4 x 50
First presented 1961
Rita Scholz
Mixed Open 10 x 50
Rita Scholz was a member of the ANL Club. She and her husband Brian were very involved with the ANL Club and Ovens And Murray. Her children swam for ANL in the late 70’s and early 80’s. After her sudden death, her children donated this trophy in her memory. First presented in 1979.
Short Course Trophies:
Alchin Family Trophy
Awarded to the Most Outstanding Male Swimmer at the Ovens and Murray Short Course swimming Championship. This Trophy was first awarded at the inaugural Ovens and Murray Short Course Championship held 31 July 2011.
Jackie Clemson Trophy
Awarded to the Most Outstanding Female Swimmer at the Ovens and Murray Short Course swimming Champoionship. This Trophy was first awarded at the inaugural Ovens and Murray Short Course Championship held 31 July 2011.