HISTORY MAKERS

 ROSS (DINKS) HARRIS

Ross Harris played for North Adelaide’s Men’s District team in what proved to be the program’s most successful decade, being a member of the 1953, 1954, 1957, 1958 and 1959 Winter District Premiership teams.

He commenced playing District in 1951 at just 16 years of age and proved what a great player he was by being selected in the SA State squad just a year later, before making the team in 1952. He went on to represent the state consistently over the next 8 years, which also proved to be a “golden era” for SA, winning the National Championship four times!! He was also selected to tour New Zealand in 1960 with a “District Association Team”.

He was runner up in the 1958 Woolacott Medal (losing to the winner Alan Dawe of West Adelaide by 1 point).

Ross coached various North Adelaide teams from 1956, (including the Women’s team in their formative years) but following the retirement of Merv (Harris) he took over the Senior Men’s program in 1960, and coached them until the end of 1967. He also coached the State Under 16 Men’s team to a National title, and the 18 Boys team to 3^rd.

He was a prolific member of the North Adelaide Management Committee for many years from the mid 1950’s all the way through to the late 1960’s and a club Delegate to the Association several times during that period. Importantly he was part of the original “Building Committee” in 1964, which eventually saw the construction of Hillcrest Stadium.

For his contribution to the North Adelaide Basketball Club, over a long period of time, through playing, coaching and administrative involvement, Ross was awarded Life Membership in 1963.