DHL Stormers thank departing stalwarts
The DHL Stormers have said a fond farewell to Greg Hechter and Lize van Schalkwyk, who have both been loyal and long-serving members of the team’s backroom staff.
Van Schalkwyk enters retirement having served as a physiotherapist for 19 years – nine years as the team physio and a further 10 as rehabilitation physio. She made a significant impact on the lives and careers of generations of DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province players in that time.
Hechter first joined the DHL Stormers set-up in 1999 and since then has held various roles including Fitness and Conditioning Coach, Kicking Coach, Defence Coach, High Performance Manager and High Performance Operations Manager.
Hechter is immigrating to Australia where he will take up a position with Tasmania Cricket as Head of Talent and Development.
Director of Rugby John Dobson said that both Hechter and Van Schalkwyk will leave lasting legacies which is testament to their character and dedication.
“Lize has performed a crucial function in our organisation for almost two decades, helping players come back from long-term injuries and doing it in a kind and considerate manner.
“She is a wonderful person who has played a key role in the careers of every player she has worked with. She heads into retirement with all of our love and respect,” he said.
Dobson also wished Hechter well on his new challenge in Australia and paid tribute to someone who has put his heart and soul into the team in every capacity he has served in.
“There are few people I know who care as deeply for this team as Greg Hechter. He has done so much over the last 25 years and leaves with all of our best wishes.
“Greg is passionate and knowledgeable, but most of all every action of his has been in the best interests of the team without getting the credit that he has deserved.
“His record as a coach speaks for itself and in recent times he has shown an incredible instinct for identifying talent, which has played a key role in assembling the squad we have today. We know he will thrive in his new position and we wish him everything of the best,” he added.
