https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/local-sport/townsville-sports-power-couple-keeping-each-other-on-their-toes/news-story/4ac3cb7729f9359e070c2ab8484ca87b STRIPPED of the sports that fuel their competitive sides, Townsville power couple Sam Hoare and Micaela Cocks are unwilling to let their seasons slip. Blackhawks captain Hoare sees the coronavirus shutdown as a time for goal-setting: whoever uses the hiatus best would emerge from the crisis on top. The pandemic has taken away athletic competitions across sporting codes. Hoare has lost the Intrust Super Cup for 2020, while Fire guard Cocks would have been making her case for an Olympic berth with the New Zealand basketball team. But they are athletes, it is in their nature to never surrender. “We both came from that background so it’s pretty easy to keep each other accountable and motivated,” Hoare said.
“Before they closed parks we were doing a bit of half court, but now that’s been knocked on the head so we haven’t been able to do one on ones — she beat me pretty convincingly anyway. “It’s been a bit frustrating not being able to properly train or have that team interaction, but in saying that we’re still pretty grateful we haven’t been directly affected by the pandemic.” Between his past commitments with the North Queensland Cowboys and rehabilitation from multiple knee injuries there has been little rest for Hoare in recent years. So the postponement of competitions opens a rare window for him to get back to full fitness. When Hoare was announced as the 2020 Blackhawks captain he told The Townsville Bulletin he was not just a team leader but a club leader. That onus has not changed in these trying times. The 28-year-old admits it can be difficult keeping a team galvanised without a season to play for. But such is the calibre of leadership within the group, he said he did not feel he was leading a solo mission. “We’ve got a good leadership at the club, not just me, there are a lot of guys in the group who will keep everyone on their toes and working towards something,” Hoare said. “The Blackhawks as a club have some great staff that look out for player welfare. It’s a challenging time for a lot at the club … so it’s important as a group we stick together. “I think it’s definitely a pretty strong point that the guys who do take care of their bodies the best will come back most ready to play and put their best foot forward. “Playing at a high level is a real privilege and something we don’t take for granted.”
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AuthorOne of my main responsibilities was to cover the Blackhawks and Gold Stars and build strong relationships at the club. Archives
May 2020
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