VSDCA: Box Hill appoints Simon Cornelius as coach
Box Hill has appointed its new coach for the 2021-22 VSDCA season, with the emerging list exciting the incoming mentor.
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Box Hill has unveiled its new coach, with a former Greenvale Kangaroo taking the reins.
The VSDCA South-East outfit has announced Simon Cornelius as its new mentor, following 2020-21 coach Richard Armstrong’s move to lead the Mustangs’ senior women’s program.
Cornelius spent the past three seasons with the ‘Roos at Premier level where he served as the club’s Second XI captain, after 100 appearances for Ringwood District association outfit, St. Andrews. He also played four seasons with Yarraville in the Subbies’ North-West group.
Box Hill finished sixth with a 7-6 record in 2020-21 under Armstrong, where it played off in the finals.
The club showcased a wealth of youth last season, including leading bowler Sam Kimber who took a leading 28 wickets, while batsman Kyle Rayner, medium-pacer Campbell Gerney, left-handed bat Jack McLaren and bowler Moiz Khan were among those to have their first taste of First XI cricket.
Cornelius said in a club statement that the Mustangs’ emerging talent made the coaching gig an attractive prospect.
“I was drawn to the enthusiastic young group, their eagerness to learn and to the very dedicated committee,” Cornelius said.
“I hope to develop a culture of responsibility, communication, and inclusion.
“I’m looking forward to working with each player on identifying their strengths and weaknesses to ensure they understand the strategy to enhance and minimise these respectively.”
Box Hill director of men’s cricket, Michael Vozzo, said Cornelius was highly regarded among cricket circles, with the appointment backed by Armstrong.
Vozzo added Cornelius’ experience made him the ideal fit.
“He brings coaching experience at Premier Cricket, an understanding of Sub District cricket having previously played in the competition and has the ideal philosophies on coaching that suit our young playing list,” Vozzo said in a club statement.
“He plans to empower the players and has a calm nature that will ensure players entrust him in improving their individual games that will further enhance our men’s program.”
Vozzo paid tribute to Armstrong’s body of work in the men’s coaching role, pointing to the development of players throughout the 2020-21 season.
“Whilst Richard was only in the position of men’s coach for 12 months, he undoubtedly made a huge impact on our players,” Vozzo said.
“We now look forward to Simon taking the baton and continuing Richard’s great work.”
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