Yovich to manage Whangarei Aquatic Centre gym

Not one to let a challenge slip by, Northland's Joseph Yovich has taken on a new role - as the CLM's Whangarei Aquatic Centre's gym manager.
The Northland and Northern Districts cricket stalwart will work alongside facility manager and mate Scott Linklater, in a drive to improve the gym for its users.
Linklater - a former New Zealand Maori representative and hooker for the Waikato Chiefs - has been in charge of the leisure centre for two years since his return from a stint with Bristol Rugby in the Guinness Premiership.
Gaining Yovich - a well-known sporting figure in Northland - was a bit of a coup for the centre, 32-year-old Linklater said.
"Coming from a background in sport, Joey has a lot of attractive qualities as an employee which will translate well into his working career - plus he is a well-known sporting personality up here so that's great to see him here with us," the facility manager said.
Linklater's offer came out of the blue for 34-year-old Yovich, and it was too good - and challenging - to refuse.
"I love a challenge in life. Hopefully I will be able to use traits I've gained through sport ... I commend Scott for all that he has already done to the facility, it's a great community set-up," he said.
Yovich is an architect and has enjoyed being involved in building development through the family business, so he will draw on all his skills to manage and grow the gym, which has a membership of 650.
Yovich has been thrown into his new role with a $60,000 gym extension and upgrade funded by Community Leisure Management about to get under way.
Not only will the extra space and the addition of more weights and machines keep existing punters happy, it is hoped the extension will attract new members.
The extension has been timed perfectly, to accommodate Rugby World Cup teams Tonga, Japan and Canada, who have booked in to use the centre facilities when they stay in Whangarei for their pool games at Toll Stadium during September.
"We asked the teams if they wanted sole use of the facilities, but all three said they were happy to share with the public as it was good for the community - which is great," Linklater said.
A new air-handling system has just been installed, funded by Whangarei District Council and Sport Northland, and a general spruce-up around the centre is on the cards over the next few months.
The facility continues to work with Primecare physio for injury rehabilitation and GP referrals as well as running programmes such as the Weight Loss Challenge and Boot Camp training.
The leisure centre also has many events planned over the next half of the year, including the upcoming Taniwha Day on August 6, swimming carnivals and Wave Raves.
The new gig fits in well with Yovich's other life - his cricketing career. Linklater has given him the all-clear to fit his sport around his new role, so long as he fulfills his work commitments. Northern Districts are scheduled to name their contracted players for the 2011-2012 season on Friday, after which Yovich will have more of an idea of what his summer will look like.
Regardless of what his provincial duties might be, he planned on being involved with Northland Cricket and City Cricket Club in one form or another.