WITH the cricket season around the corner, Irymple Cricket Club’s (ICC) new president says he will begin his role by learning about the needs of all club members.
Glen Crisera became president after joining ICC’s committee during the 2019-20 Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA) season. After enjoying success implementing changes in senior men’s cricket, Crisera recognised his new role would challenge him to take in a wider view.
“It’s very easy for me to focus on the on-field side of things with performances and players. But now there’s … the committee, women’s cricket, junior cricket.
“I’m very, very wet behind the ears.”
Crisera began demonstrating his candidacy for the president role after using his position in ICC’s committee to improving lines of communication among cricket staff. He was also able to develop coaching roles to help with player development.
“(I put) a big emphasis on moving forward with our coaches and having other coaching staff under them, the batting coach, bowling coach, a chairman of selectors — those sort of important roles, that people understand who’s doing them and what their role is (so that) everyone knows everyone’s position moving forward.”
ICC saw success in 2020-21, with the men’s side winning the Sunraysia Cricket Association First Division and T20 competitions. However, the club’s Premier Women’s and Under-14s sides had less stellar years.
Crisera’s presidency follows a stint as captain of Irymple men’s cricket side, along with experience coaching Irymple’s senior men’s side in the Sunraysia Football Netball League.
While his new role will require him to think about various issues, Crisera said he would stake his presidency on his ability to talk clearly, and passionately, about the club’s needs.
“I like to think that I’m very approachable, and have people’s backing. I am vocal. I will voice things. I will listen to people. And I can be very firm.
“I’m Irymple through and through. (In football and cricket) the Crisera name is synonymous with Irymple sport.”
As he waited for the SCA season to begin, Crisera hoped to use his time as club president to create positive change.
“A club always needs to look at progressing.
“(The challenge is to) leave it in a better place than you found it. (Then) you’ve done a great job.”
