Mark Hilleard

As I've watched famous Snakes profiled each week in the newsletter it became apparent it was a list of Life Members. It made me wonder would we cover all life members or would modesty prevent our usual scribe honouring himself? Well though amongst his mates he's not abashed to talk himself up in general I didn't think he would, so I put this together to fill the gap.

Mark Hilleard, 'Big Mark', 'The Big Kahuna', 'Billy Bob', 'Markie Mark' take your pick. After a conversation with another club stalwart Gus Whittleton in 1991 'Big Mark' decided he'd give Rugby another go. Fossils had been on the cards but as he wasn't quite old enough 3^rd grade beckoned. With his 6 year old son Christopher signed up for Walla he fetched his boots which hadn't seen real footy action since his last playing days at St Columbian's College at Albion in 1977(and a small stint in the other rugby code that we won't talk about). Well hidden under the bed they were as his child bride was going to have none of this Rugby nonsense for her young beau. (I reckon she now wishes he had got it out of his system earlier). 3^rd grade did not hold him for long & he soon held a regular spot in reserve grade. Inspirational pre-match addresses is something his team mates remember well. He made his A grade run on debut against Kenmore in 1995 & a solid front row helped turn the previous result of 78 - 0 against, to a 3 point loss in which the Snakes scored a rare try against the reigning premiers. All this after a full tilt in Res grade to warm up. The playing career continued after this but was more casual after '95 & the best forward for Res grade trophy holds a special place on the Hilleard mantle. Apparently this is the clubs most coveted award.

His most valuable contribution has been in Rugby administration. He has served on the committee as a General Member, Secretary, Junior Vice President, Junior Representative & Club President he has served us well. The junior development achieved under his benevolent reign as Jnr Vice President between 1996 & 2000 was unprecedented. His real passion is coaching & junior development. Often being involved in coaching with his own son's teams but just as often throwing his hand in with other groups who benefitted from his guidance. When you see the respect in the relationships between Mark & senior players, the Hilleard era it is a greater testament to the man than I could lend words to here. More recently he has contributed to building a strong women's Rugby side at the club not only teaching the skills but also instilling some Rugby ethos.

Marks Son Christopher continues to play for the club & currently is in the A grade side, his commitment to the task, training & on field effort is something passed on, (we feel general ability may have an X chromosomal link though) the fire & brimstone speeches didn't pass on though. Mark's daughter Alicia though never in an official capacity at the club has clocked up plenty of volunteer hour over her time. Mark's lovely wife Beth, I'd be loath to describe her as long suffering as many wives are, as she is a strong minded woman who doesn't suffer fools gladly. You can rest assured that Mark would not still be about the club if Beth wasn't of the opinion that it was a good thing. (Thanks Beth we appreciate having him) She is another whose contribution is not always seen many an hour is spent managing club business on the home front by these true Rugby women.

I won't suggest as we have with some of our other legends that you make the time to introduce yourself & say G'day to Mark as I doubt there's too many who don't already. Maybe just a thank you wouldn't go astray.

Anon