Waterford Wade Trophy

for Most Outstanding Cross Country Athlete

In the 1978/79 season, the Ryde Women’s Amateur Athletic Club had a strong group of cross-country athletes. At the time, the NSW Women’s Amateur Athletic Association conducted a Saturday cross-country competition during the winter months, held on the grounds of what was then known as the Ryde Psychiatric Centre (now the Macquarie Hospital in North Ryde).

To encourage greater participation from club athletes, Desleigh Spitteler donated a trophy in memory of her father, who had been a distinguished long-distance runner.

The inaugural winner in the 1978/79 season was Maxine Jollye, who later went on to represent both NSW and Australia at championship level.

Previous Winners