Bowling maestro Jason Belmonte can add a seventh Orange Sportsperson of the Year to his extensive resume, winning the award for the first time since 2014. 

In 2017, Belmonte was the first PBA bowler to pick up three majors in a year, winning the PBA Player’s Championship, USBC Masters and the World Championships, bringing his total to nine major championship wins. 

That total is just one major title behind the record of 10 held by Pete Weber and Earl Anthony, but both were winning titles into their late 40s, while Belmonte is just 35. 

Belmonte also picked up the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in August last year, finishing 2017 with 16 titles. 

Swimmer Emily Nobbs was named Junior Sportsperson of the Year for her efforts in the pool, which included multiple gold medals at the Pacific School Games last year. 

The Games were an international event, with Nobbs not only competing against the best in the country, but also the best young talent in the world. 

Nobbs picked up gold in 100m and 200m breaststroke, which let her qualify for the 2018 Hancock Prospecting Australian Swimming Trials, which was this year. 

Orange Triathlon Club were awarded Team of the Year after the club cleaned up when hosting Triathlon NSW Club Championships at Gosling Creek Reservoir, securing three of the five available major titles.

The Piranhas’ juniors did much of the heavy lifting, while the club also secured the division two crown and the much-coveted country championship – presented to the best performed regional club.

Long-time Orange District Cricket Association secretary Peter Jarick was awarded Sports Personality of the Year. 

Full coverage and interviews will be in Friday’s paper and online at centralwesterndaily.com.au.