The Highway Hotel - 290 Anzac Highway Plympton
Friday 4th May - 7.00pm start
Cost - $60 for adults - $50 for Under 14, Under 17 and Under 20 athletes.
3 Course dinner - drinks not included
Dress code : cocktail (no denim, shirt and tie for males)
Tables of 8 - 10
Please advise well in advance of any special dietary requirements.
RSVP Friday 27th April 2012

Ticket sales for the dinner have now closed.

Hope to see you all at The Highway

When asked to write a piece on my athletics career, I felt a sense of accomplishment, prowess and honour. So what experiences can I share that might serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to be the best that we can be?

My athletics career spans over two decades with three distinctive chapters led by three different coaches. I began with my first coach (Des Cooke, Mile Stawell Winner) and regular training at 10 years of age. By 13 years old I won my first QLD State Titles with gold medals in the 100m and 200m double. This continued each high school year, usually with gold medal wins in the 200m (my pet event) and silver in the 100m. One junior career highlight was breaking the 14 years girls 200m central QLD record (1993- previously held by my hero Cathy Freeman) in a time of 25.31 seconds. That year I ran 12.3 seconds over 100m.

Another memorable moment was competing at my first invitational Grand Prix in Brisbane in 1995. I was 16 years old when I lined up against Melinda Gainsford, Cathy Freeman and Nova Peris-Kneebone. I learnt that heroes remind us of what excellence looks like and gave us something to aspire to.

But, the sacrifice and dedication didn't always pay off. In 1996 (end of year 12) I represented QLD for the 5th time, competing at the combined Pan Pacific Games/National Championships in Perth. I ran the second fastest qualifying time in the U20 women's 200m semi final to be told I was disqualified for coming in contact with the line inside my lane. Absolutely gutted and heartbroken, I had to dust myself off. I still had the 100m to come. Having made the final we all crossed the line in a photo finish. Point 2 (0.2) of a second separated first to fourth place. I missed out on a bronze medal by one hundredth (0.01) of a second. And that was the closest I ever came to winning an individual national medal.

For a number of reasons I turned my back and walked out on the love of my life, running. The fire in my heart grew dim and there seemed to be a gross imbalance between my sacrifices and the expected reward.

Two years later I was approached by my classmate David Rose. I had moved back to my home town Adelaide where I was studying my first degree. David remembered me from the Pan Pacific Games and wanted me to train with his coach Lynn Larson at the Hills Districts Athletics Club. Lynn trained me from 19 (1998) to 26 (2005) years of age. During this second chapter, Lynn improved my performance to my personal best form. I ran 11.95 seconds over 100m and 24.29 seconds over 200m (7th fastest at the National Championships). Although I regularly supported the South Australian Athletics League, my PB form and handicap haunted me and I never won a race. My most treasured accomplishment during this chapter was winning the prestigious "Di Burge Best Female Sprinter", awarded by ASA (2 seasons back to back).

My performance declined and again I found a mismatch between sacrifice and reward. For the second time in my life I walked out on my love.

For three years I worked as a health professional to the mining industry in Central QLD. The distance made my heart grow fonder. When I returned to Adelaide I was 29 years old and almost out of the game. I was picked up by Paul Young and the YGTS. This was a fantastic opportunity to develop my career with the league. And so begun the third chapter of my career.

Although it's taken a couple of seasons to build form, extinguish old habits and establish my mark, I have begun to reap the rewards. At 31 years of age last season I won my first sash (Reynella 300m). So for those of you chasing your first sash, don't give up. It took me 12 years to win mine.

I then went on to win the 300m at Marion (second in the gift) and the 400m Women's Camden Classic. I see my Camden win as a great example of Serendipity. It was never part of my season goal plan, but as my form over 300m improved the prospect of winning Camden became increasingly plausible. Paul and I only made the decision to commit to Camden after Marion. This gave less than three weeks to extend the training distance, since I don't usually race 400m. In fact, the last time I had run this distance with the league was the Open Invitational Ansett 400m handicap at the cricket match between Australia and the West Indies in 2000. I placed third to Duncan Tippins and Keith Sheehy.

The main thing I recall about my Camden win was the rush of endorphins, which made my skin tingle. I felt so alive with every cell in my body switched on. If only you could bottle that feeling. The rush encouraged my confidence and I was lining up knowing I was going to win. My stable mate Lucy Buckley shared her experience winning the same race one year prior, and this helped my preparedness. It wasn't easy and my competitors gave fight to the finish line. Surrounded by YGTS stable mates, my husband Frank and Coach Paul Young, I had finally won a significant race. It was time for me to lap up the glory and the victory because I had worked dam hard and I deserved every minute of it. Paul understood my very long term commitment and dedication to the sport and I know he was particularly happy for me. That night we all celebrated with dinner and drinks at the Highway Hotel.

This season I won my first gift (Henley). Although it wasn't mint green in colour with extra silver trim to distinguish its value, I see it as one step closer to fulfilling my ultimate dream the 'Women's Bay Sheffield Gift'.
So my experience of inspiration would say a few key things:
'Dare to dream, run with your heart and the fire inside.'
'Focus on your performance. Be accountable for the consequences of the decisions that you make. Only concern yourself with things in your control. Anything else is counterproductive and a distraction'.
'The more we fail the greater the exhilaration and tribulation when we succeed. Failure is fuel for the fire.'
When this third and final chapter comes to an end you will know that the fire inside has gone out. For now I'm chasing my dream.

One life.

Andrea Di Paolo

I have been racing competitively since I was 7 years old. Started off with surf lifesaving and was a member of Seacliff for many years. I gave this up to run with the Athletic League after watching a Bay Sheffield in 1994 and seeing Chris Vlachos victorious over the 70 meters. Chris was another surf club member who was running both sports but I thought if he can, I can also. However I am yet to win that elusive 70m sash.

I joined up with the Brighton Athletic crew coached by Keith Patching. I then gave up surf to continue running with the Athletic League as it is well organised, competitive at all levels and involves a great bunch of people. I love the handicap system as it gives everyone a go from the elite to the more physically challenged.

The last few years I have been lucky and have been reasonably injury free. I think this has been my key to being consistent and catching the name Mr Evergreen as Terry McAuliffe calls it. I am usually seen presenting in finals from the 70m to 550m.

The Camden Classic has always been a race on my calendar and I am usually fired up to run. In 2011 I didn't feel as prepared as I have been in the past. At the end of 2010, I concentrated on the 120m Over 35s at the Bay Sheffield. After that, I squeezed in a bit extra longer training to carry me around the 400m at reasonable pace. That was nothing too unusual but I thought was a little underdone. As Camden always clashes with my wedding anniversary, I have to be careful not to splash out on too many glasses of red on the night before. This year it was spent in Melbourne and I made a decision to leave the family in Melbourne and catch an early flight on the morning of the race. Of course this didn't go down well on a wedding anniversary. I got dropped off at the oval by a taxi and the plan was that I would be joined by my family later that day.

Once on the spectacular Camden surface provided by the Camden crew, I felt an automatic lift in readiness to get around that track as fast as possible. I picked up a program to find young Alex Saliu in my heat. I knew I then had to go hard all the way to the finish, knowing he will be gaining on me rapidly for the last few strides. After winning my heat, I recovered remarkably well - something that is difficult after a Camden Classic heat. So I was well recovered ready for the final, faster than usual.

The final is always going to be tough, no matter how prepared you are. I was running off 36m next to Jarrad Dartnall after he claimed fastest heat. He was going to be pace man for the first part of the race and I knew he wouldn't give up until over the line. However I had confidence I could finish a little stronger over the last few strides. The race plan was to let him go a little but to keep in reach and hope to finish a little stronger.

Bang!! And we were off!! I managed to hold "Darters" out wide for a little before he moved past. He crept away a little further than I was hoping.

Coming around the home bend still in second place, it was definitely time to make a move on him. I could feel the back markers breathing down my neck which pushed me harder. Adam Coote from Victoria crept up on the outside but I managed to hold him off until the finish by a matter of inches. It was another close Camden finish. At this point I knew I had it won but the decision took an eternity as the finish was bunched. I ran in the grey which replaced by the pink for the final. When it was time to call out the winner - "It is not the pink" announced Terry. It was a moment from which my heart has never recovered. But then he went on to say "But the grey has got it"!

Obviously this was my year and the planets had aligned as Michael Nitschke called it. I had won my first big race in 15 years and will always remember this one.

I would like to thank all the organisers of the Camden Classic and officials that make it such a great event. Unfortunately the family didn't make it in time as I was just stepping down from the podium when they arrived, but would also like to thank my wife Haylie for putting up with race days and a quiet anniversary every year.

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Ladies 8 - 16
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2008 Women's Bay Sheffield winner and former national relay representative, Alicia Wrench-Doody scorched down Colley Reserve on Sunday to easily win the Women's 70m at the Pre-Bay meeting. It was Wrench-Doody's third SA Athletic League sash of her career - coincidentally all have been won at Colley Reserve.

In the most impressive performance of the day, the only woman to win both the prestigious Women's Bay Sheffield and Burnie Gifts, Wrench-Doody was simply stunning blowing away the field by 3m off the very tight handicap of 1.50m in the super quick time of 8.60secs. The Steve Butler trained Emma Freer (3.25) finished 2nd while the recently married Zoe Steele (8.25) finished 3rd.

Wrench-Doody burst on the scene two years ago; winning medals in both the 100m and 200m at the national titles before joining 2011 world 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson in a 4 x 100m team in Osaka. The Western District athlete has suffered a few set backs through injury since 2009, but on Sunday the diminutive Wrench-Doody left no-one in doubt she was back to her best and a serious chance for the Women's Bay Sheffield on December 28.

Coastal squad athlete Luke Buchanan (8.25) followed up his recent Henley Gift win with another victory in the 70m Open. Buchanan was too good leading home Camden's Brad Schutz (9.00) and 2004 Bay Sheffield winner Andrew Steele (4.50) in 7.76secs.

After a quiet season last year, 30 year old Dylan Hicks (9.75), returned to some of the form that netted him the rich Whyalla Gift in 2009, winning the Mort Daly 120m Open in 12.97secs. Camden athlete James Cibich (7.00) continued his impressive Gift form with his third runner's up prize of the season while dual Bay Sheffield finalist Ryan Hancock (9.50) was 3rd.

The 550m Open became a race between two athletes running from the same mark. With both starting on 44m, Sam Royans took the lead down the back straight, to hold out Andrew Brown while Brad Jones (68m) from the newly formed Southern Intensity Squad held on for 3rd. Royans' time of 1min 12.02secs was very good considering the extremely windy conditions.

McKinnon Parade's Katherine Robb (52) won her first race for several years, when she took out the Women's 550m in 1min 21.70secs. Robb had to work hard to overcome tenacious frontmarkers Lauren McHugh (86) and Lisa Roberts (82).

AFL boundary umpire, Dillon Tee (190) developed a commanding lead in the first two laps of the 1600m Open, effectively putting the race out of reach for the gallant Flinders athletes Rob Killmier (70) and Shane Thiele (105) and scoring in 4mins15.55secs. The ease of the win, suggested Tee is looking ominous for the 1600m at the Bay Sheffield carnival.

Tee's comfortable win was replicated in the women's 1600m when Flinders' Tasmin McMahon ( 175) scooted away with the race in 4mins 40.01secs, McMahon ran a well judged race to quickly round in the frontmarkers before storming away to win from Lauren McHugh (240) and Courtney Ryder (310) who filled the minor placings.

As part of the Pre-Bay meet the SA Athletic League conducted several junior races involving over 100 athletes. Beach sprinters won both the sprint events with Grange Surf Club's Tjimarri Sanderson-Milera (10.00) winning the Under 20's 120m and Coastal squad's Taylah Scapens (16.00) scoring in the Under 17's 70m. The Under 20's 1000m was won for the second year in succession by McKinnon Parade's Max Stevens (70) while 12 year old Kyle Roberts (56) from the Camden club, won the Under 14's 550m.

In the veteran's events Camden stalwart Mick Abbott (82) was a popular winner of the Over 35's 550m, holding out Shane Rubino (64) and Steve Wilson (32) who finished 2nd and 3rd, while a thrilling finish in the Over 45's 120m saw Ross Hill-Brown (19.50) narrowly beat Brett Stokes (21.00) and Ali Saliu (8.00).

BANKSIA PARK personal trainer Tom Sclanders stormed away with a unique double at the Whyalla Gift carnival on Saturday when he took out the feature event - the 120m Whyalla Gift after earlier winning the 70m Novice event.

Running off 8.00m Sclanders, in his first season with the Young Guns Track Squad, won the prestigious Gift in only his first visit to Whyalla in the fastest time of the night of 12.66secs. Camden athlete James Cibich (7.00m) ran an eye-catching 2nd place, while 2003 Bay Sheffield winner Todd Bateman (3.25m) was close behind in 3rd place.

It was the first Gift final, the part time model had made and he was delighted to return from Whyalla with two sashes and the Gift winner's cheque of $3,575.

"I wasn't sure about going for it (the 70m/120m Gift double) but I knew I wouldn't get this chance again so I'm rapt to be the first to do it", Sclanders said.

Earlier in the day, Sclanders (5.25m) easily won the 70m novice race in 7.82secs emulating his coach, Paul Young's win over the same distance at Whyalla in 1992 when he won the 70m Open. Flinders athlete, Ben Hardy (8.00m) was runner up narrowly from third placed Jarrad Watkins (5.75m).

In another first, National heptathlon champion Lauren Foote (6.75m) won her first SA Athletic League sash when she won the 120m Women's event in a time of 13.94secs, beating Megan Letton (15.00m) and 2010 Whyalla women's winner, Ali Trewartha (11.75m).

Bay Sheffield Hall of Fame member and Camden coach, Frank McHugh continued his stellar start to the season with a one-two finish in the Open 300m when Brad Schutz (33m) beat home his stable-mate James Cibich (18m). The two athletes were well clear of the field which was led home by past Bay Sheffield and Whyalla Gift winner Clay Watkins (4m) in 3rd place. McHugh's squad has grown rapidly with an injection of youth in the last 12 months and the Camden colours were represented heavily in many of the finals throughout the night.

The run of the day was backmarker Bridgid Connolly's astute decision in the women's 300m to patiently wait for an inside run, avoiding the need to run around a single athlete. Running the slick time of 39.30secs, the former Whyalla local, Connolly (16m) took the shortest route home upstaging the athletes fanned across the track. Flinders' teenagers Teagan Kustermann (22m) and Eleni Glouftsis (32m) were 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In a rarity for professional athletics due to the unique nature of the handicapping system Kostya Khudoshin won his third consecutive Whyalla 800m Open sash, setting a meet record as the first person to win the same race, three times. Khudoshin (48m) from the powerful McKinnon Parade stable moved through the large field before overtaking early leaders Camden's Ashley Brown (66m) and the Flagstaff stable's Ben Crawford (68m) in a time of 1min 51.02secs.

Joining Khudoshin as a back to back winner of the same event, was Over 35's 300m winner, Ali Saliu. The self-trained Saliu (20m) now running his own stable based in the southern suburbs, bull dozed his way down the outside to win his first race for the season in a time of 36.84secs. Backmarker Mark Beveridge (14m) followed Saliu home in 2nd place while the ever-consistent Camden veteran, Mick Abbott (46m) held on for 3rd.

In the 1600m Open, Bryce Watkins won his first race under new coach Michael Hane, a former state 800m champion. In a highly competitive event, Watkins (120m) had to work hard to overcome tenacious Flinders' teenager Aiden Miller (140m) while the Michael Buckler trained Tim Earle (145) enjoyed his second podium finish for the day with a 3rd place. Watkins' winning time was 4mins 08.77 secs.

McKinnon Parade's Sean Roberts, coached by Steve Butler was a popular winner of the under 20's 120m, in 13.90secs. Roberts (16.00m) held on from fellow McKinnon Parade athletes, Tim Earle (13.00m) and Corey Watkins (14.00m).

In a novel addition to the Whyalla Gift program, Robbie James won the 50m Skins series after winning the final in a showdown with Women's gift winner Lauren Foote. The final race followed three elimination races that gradually reduced the seven person field to two. In a photo-finish, James off 0.50m and Foote (5.75m) had to wait a few moments before the judges could confirm James the winner.

And in the 6km King of the Mountain Challenge, Flinders scored the quinella with Shane Thiele winning his 3rd King of the Mountain title beating home Robert Killmier.

Local Coastal athlete Luke Buchanan's tough winter preparation came to fruition when he won the 120m Henley Gift on Friday night. The much improved Buchanan has clearly turned up for the early SA Athletic League meets stronger & fitter than previous seasons. Looking a lot more powerful in the upper body following a strong off season of gym work, Buchanan (running off 13.25m) held off Ryan Hancock (9.25m) and Paul Taylor (11.75m) in 12.64secs to win his first Gift and the Luke Hildyard stable's second Gift following Russell Scott's 2009 Bay Sheffield title.

Later in the night, inspired by her husband's impressive Gift win, Lauren Buchanan (36m) powered around the track to easily win the women's 300m in 38.34secs, giving the Central Coast squad a Henley double. Following Buchanan home was McKinnon Parade's Ali Trewartha (28m) 2nd and Flinders' Bridgid Connolly (16m) in 3rd place.

The SAAL's return to the Henley Oval for the first time in a decade proved a spectacular success for both the Athletic League and its major sponsor of the meet - the Charles Sturt City Council as a large number of athletes strived to win a Remembrance Day sash.

Like Luke Buchanan, also picking up her first win over the traditional Sheffield distance was 32 year old Andrea DiPaolo. A member of the Young Guns Track Squad, DiPaolo (6.75m) has been knocking on the door for 12 months trying to win a 120m sash, and was relieved to finally add to her wins over 300m and 400m last season, winning in a hand held time of 14.7secs. Not far away was the Lyn Larsen trained Lauren Edwards (9.00m) in 2nd place while McKinnon Parade's Kathryn Robb (7.50m) was 3rd.

Reigning Loxton Gift winner Jarrad Dartnall (25m) continued where he left off from last season winning the Open 300m in 34.73secs. Dartnall had to stave off a challenge from 2005 Camden Classic winner Matthew Cousins (27m) who just edged out McKinnon athlete Adrian Harris (20m).

There were two under age races at Henley with Gemma Plummer (70m) from the strong Flinders based squad, coached by Toby Schreier, winning the Under 14's 800m in 2mins 13.97secs while Tjmarri Sanderson-Milera (22m) won an exciting Under 20's 300m, overtaking the early leader Ellie Meich (55m) with metres to go. Winning in a time of 34.93secs, Sanderson-Milera was one of several runners in the final from an emerging new force in professional athletics - the Grange Surf Club whose members include reigning Bay Sheffield champion Jordan Caldow.

Veteran athlete Gregor Dingwall from the McKinnon Parade stable was never headed, winning the 800m Open off the front mark of 130m in a time of 1min 53.12secs. It took an examination of the video camera to separate 2nd and 3rd where Camden's Ashley Brown (66m) got the verdict for 2nd over Reynella athlete Brad Jones (110m).

Michael Buckler's McKinnon Parade stable completed the 800m double when youngster Tim Earle (58m) joined Dingwall as a winner on the night, taking out the 800m Novice in 1min 53.67secs from Connor McIvor (70m) and Corey Watkins (80m).

Flinders teenager Teagan Kustermann (50m) ran away with the women's 800m from Team Tempo's Demi Axford (70m) 2nd with Tasmin McMahon (60m) making a late run for 3rd.

There were three veteran's events over 120m (Over 35's), 300m (Over 45's) and 800m (Over 35's).

The winner of the Over 35's 120m - Ross Hill-Brown and the Over 35's 800m - Chris Dimitrak backed up later in the night for the Over 45's 300m and at one stage both runners looked set for a memorable double. However they couldn't match the tenacity of Sue Turner (66m) who held on from Hill-Brown (46m) and John Turner (44m). It was another sash for the Turner family after John's break-through win at Port Adelaide earlier this year.

In the over 35's 120m, Hill-Brown (19.50m) ran 13.64secs to beat backmarker David Palmer (4.00m) with David Wilczek (8.50m) 3rd, while Chris Dimitrak (95m) streaked away with the Over 35's 800m in 2mins 08.46secs, beating event 'bookends' Mark Beveridge (0) and Cheryl Zeuner (200m).

This Saturday, athletes will head north to Whyalla to contest a number of events including the prestigious 120m Whyalla Gift.

2010 Bay Sheffield winner Jordan Caldow demoralised the field over 200m at the Flinders Athletic Club's annual SA Athletic League carnival on Sunday suggesting that a second Bay Sheffield title later this year, is not beyond him. Coming off the back mark of 6m, the national beach sprint champion, ran a scintillating 20.53 seconds to win the 200m Bill Ross Memorial off the tightest handicap in the event's 11 year history.

The teenage sprinter, trained by Peter Burdett at the Grange Surf Club conceded up to 19m to the front markers but like the world's best racehorse, Black Caviar, he appeared to have much up his sleeve as he made light of the task at hand as he left his rivals in his wake. Fastest heat winner, Luke Buchanan (23m) from the Coastal squad coached by Luke Hildyard, was 2nd while 2010 Flinders 200m winner, Wallace Long-Scafidi finished strongly in 3rd place.

The feature distance event, the David Abbott Memorial 3200m, was won by Team Tempo's Andy Axford (120m) from the fast finishing Flinders' local Riley Cocks (60m) and McKinnon Parade's Dillon Tee (290m) in a time of 9mins 15.64secs. The eight laps was an intriguing contest with 19 year old Axford working hard to reign in Tee and young Lachlan Scott (230m) before working his way through the field to peel off the gap to gallant young front marker Tasmin McMahon (490m). Axford was still conceding 10m to McMahon with a lap to go, but quickly reeled her in as he upped the tempo at the urging of his coach Adam Didyk to put the race beyond the reach of the backmarkers including the dual reigning champion, Jacob Cocks. It was the much improved Axford's first sash with the SA Athletic League and the ease of the win suggests there will be a few more as the season unwinds.

Camden athlete Megan Letton (24m) caused the boil over of the day in the women's 200m beating the hot favourite Lauren Buchanan (25m) who had recorded the fastest heat time of 23.19secs. Letton won in a time of 23.63secs by 1m from Buchanan with the state's fastest woman, Leanne Hodge (4m) storming home for 3rd.

The Open 70m saw a Young Guns Track Squad quinella with 17 year old Brett Richards (5.00m) recording 7.86secs to beat his new stable mate Tom Sclanders (5.25m) by 1m with the Tim Johnson trained Paul Taylor (8.25m) 0.50m further back in 3rd place.

In the closest finish of the day, Hectorville veteran Lesley Tompson (10.25m) held on in a four way photo to narrowly win the Women's 70m from McKinnon's Ali Trewartha (8.25m) 2nd, Western District's Leanne Hodge (1.50m) 3rd and Amy Mittiga (5.00m) just missing a place on the dais. Tompson's winning time of 9.01secs was only five hundredths of a second ahead of 4th placed Mittiga who ran 9.06secs. It was Tompson's second SAAL win after a 10 year absence from the sport and a triumph for her coach, 1987 Bay Sheffield winner, John Turner.

The Michael Buckler trained Stephen Jelfs won the 800m Open in 1min 51.29secs narrowly from the fast finishing Camden athlete, Ashley Brown (68m) with Brad Jones (110m) just holding on for 3rd.

Flinders athlete Melissa Lloyd (54m) won her second consecutive sash when she took out the women's 200m from Courtney Ryder (150m) and Demi Axford (70) in a time of 2mins 09.04secs.

The under age races saw wins to Jessica Oates (12.0m) in the Under 14's 70m, Corey Watkins (30m) in the Under 17's 200m and Port Adelaide's Kane Russell in the Under 20's 800m. While both the junior sprints were relatively easy wins, Russell scored after an epic battle with Scott Hargreaves (58m) and Aiden Miller (65m) in the very quick time 1min 49.70 secs, faster than the winner of the Open 800m.

David Wilczek (16m) from the powerful veteran's stable of Team Townley flew up the inside to win the Over 35's 200m in 22.27secs from the self-trained Hectorville mentor John Turner (25m) while Ross Hill-Brown (29m) held on for 3rd.

The next SA Athletic League meet scheduled for Friday 11th November returns to the Henley Oval for the first time in 10 years where the feature event will be the 120m Henley Gift.

Veteran Tea Tree Gully front-marker Shane Grimwade held on to win a thrilling 120m Port Adelaide Gift at the start of the SA Athletic League season on Sunday. Grimwade, who ran off 16.25m, ran 12.64 seconds to beat fellow front-marker Brad Schutz (13.5m) with back-marker and local hero Jordan Caldow (3.5m) storming home to run a brilliant third.

Caldow's effort shows the talented Alberton-based 18-year-old is unlikely to suffer the second-year blues as he attempts to back up last season's Bay Sheffield triumph and contends with a tough handicap.

Grimwade, who at 36 is eligible to run as a veteran, is self-trained and also has his own stable at Tea Tree Gully. His win was one of the highlights of an action-packed meeting at Alan Iverson Reserve, Port Adelaide.

In the women's gift, the state's top female sprinter Leanne Hodge (1.5m) made up 13.5m on front-marker Megan Letton (15m) to snatch victory on the line. Letton finished second behind Hodge - who is coached by her father, John - with Lauren Edwards (9m) grabbing third.

In the open mile, Flinders athlete Jacob Cocks (90m) also produced a brilliant back-marker performance but couldn't catch front-markers Melissa Lloyd (285m) and Dillon Tee (185m). Lloyd finished in 4mins 7secs to beat Tee by two seconds with Cocks third, a further four seconds back.

In the women's 550m Letton (72m) capped off a great day to beat Lloyd (56m), with Port Adelaide runner Catherine Robb (52m) third.

Middle-marker Matt Fallon (58m) took advantage of a generous handicap to win the men's 550m by nearly a second ahead of Brad Jones (68m), with back-marker Michael Nitschke (38m) third.

In the over-35s 120m gift, former Bay Sheffield winner John Turner (15m) produced one of the stories of the meet by claiming his first sash in more than 20 years.

Turner, who founded the Hectorville Athletics Stable last summer, held on to beat former state 100m champion Tim Johnson (scratch), with Ross Hilbrown (19.5m) grabbing third.

The league moves to Flinders Athletics Club on Sunday October 30, where the distance runners will enjoy the limelight in the feature 3200m David Abbott Memorial race.

I have always been intrigued by professional running; wearing a colour, racing again people ahead and behind me and the thought of winning a race that always ends with a hard sprint for the finish. Before I started my professional career I had been heavily involved with running amateurs over 800m as well as the occasional 400m and 1500m with a small amount of success at national level. When I moved to train with Paul Young and the YGTS I was introduced to the wonderful world of professional running, which to be honest I was a bit sceptical of to begin with. I was intrigued with professional running after hearing Hayden Cook, my training partner; talk of the thrill of running from the back and kicking hard down the home straight. Paul also helped with many, many tales of P.C Young in the Green, Stawell in 1985 and of course BRIMA or Steve Brimacombe (Arguably the world's fastest runner).

With Paul at the helm my 2008/09 season saw a big improvement in my speed and lactic tolerance and I was starting to get quicker and quicker over my pet distance, 800m. I entered Camden that year and ran well in the heat but had an incredibly quick Matthew Hargeaves kick over the top of me down the home straight in the final. I was happy to come second in such a prestigious race but I wanted the sash so I would have to wait another year.

I started a very hard winter with Robbie James, Alicia Wrench-Doody and co where I realised how much more strength I needed to be competitive. The season started off well with some solid 800m which saw me edging slowly towards my personal best. In the lead-up to Camden I was still indecisive about what to do as State Championships was on the same weekend and I was tossing up between the two competitions. I still had other things on my mind which included competing in Australia Cup in Canberra the weekend before. I managed to run 1.50min for the 800m at Australia Cup and was very happy with my form after the race.

The week leading up to Camden was a very good week of training. Clay Watkins was the favourite for the race having just run a sizzling 45.95sec over the 400m in Canberra which took a lot of pressure off me. I was able to focus on training hard and managed to get some very quick sessions under my belt. I decided to run the Camden Classic instead of State Championships, which started off with immediately hazing Clay as he was still feeling the effects from his 400m race half way through the week.

Next thing I know I was warming up for the heat enjoying the company of Hayden Cook and Simon Thompson and feeling ready to give it a red hot crack. I was a bit nervous having Leon "10 Camden Finals" Burckhardt in my heat. I was able to race relaxed and manage to finish strong across the line in one of the fastest heat times. As soon as I raced the heat I cooled down as quickly as possible and enjoyed a refreshing shower.

The lead up to the big race mainly comprised of me and Robbie James enjoying some friendly banter and Hayden doing his best to keep me focused on the race and the task at hand. I felt really good warming up and had the quiet excitement building up inside me with the confidence that I could pull it off. Soon enough with my warm up complete, bodysuit in place and blue singlet tied up with a borrowed scrunchie I was lining up with Shaun Hargreaves a metre behind me and with Clay 9m behind ready for the gun. The race went off without a hitch and I managed to move quickly away from Shaun and get into a good rhythm as I pushed to be in front with 150m to go. I moved passed Dartnall, the front marker, and kicked hard along the home straight knowing that Clay could be coming for me. I was lucky enough to hold form and win the Camden Classic.

I would like to personally thank Paul Young and all the Young Gun's for all their support and for putting up with me every single training session. I would like to thank Simon Thompson for his massages and ongoing support and to Matt Fallon, my physiotherapist who always has time for me and keeps me in great condition.

As far as I can remember, I have always loved running. I started little athletics at the age of five, following in the footsteps of my older brother, Robbie, younger sister, Alex, and our cousins. I participated in little athletics for ten years, when I decided to take a short break and later returned to the sport when I was twenty years old. Season 2009/2010 was my fourth consecutive season with the South Australian Athletic League and my most enjoyable to date.

My pre season was long and arduous. Previously, in 2009 I had made the final of the 400m women's race at Stawell and finished fifth. It was such a fantastic race and despite not winning, I was still proud of my efforts. From that race onwards, I was more determined than ever to train as hard as I could, in every single rep I could. I spent a winter in the gym and ran with Gary Thompson during the winter. During the middle of December 2009, I moved to Western Districts to train with Paul Young. Although it was a hard decision, it felt like the right one and I loved training with runners such as Bridgid Connolly and Abbey Dunn.

Having won the women's 550m at the Bay in 2009, I was still on a high in January. We began training for Camden with many runners trying to improve their endurance. I trained with Abbey, Brigid and Emma Burckhardt and we all pushed each other along. I was just starting to feel fast, when the Wednesday night leading into Camden I started to feel ill. I went home from training early that night and much to my horror, I woke up the next day with tonsillitis. I just remember I spent all day Friday, Saturday and the Sunday morning leading up to Camden in bed sleeping and conserving my energy. The doctor had told me I wouldn't be able to race Sunday and I was devastated. However, I spoke to Paul Young and he reassured me I would be fine, after all it was only tonsillitis, and my mum, Veronica, and partner Dave all reiterated I would be fine and I just had to get through two races.

The morning of Camden I was pumped and felt considerably better after some serious rest. It was a warm day and I shortened my warm up to suit the conditions. I don't remember the specifics of my 400m heat simply that I finished second to Megan Letton and progressed through to the final. I do remember I felt sluggish and terrible and went straight over to my Mum. Mum immediately said "how did you feel?", "Terrible!" I replied, Mum paused for a moment and said "Oh well, you looked good". I laughed and that reassured me that even though it didn't feel fast, at least I didn't run too badly. As it was hot, I had a shower in the club rooms and since it was only one hour until the final I went to relax and sit in the tent.

I was nervous before the final and decided to concentrate on the mental side of the race. I remembered that the year before at Camden (2009) I made the Consolation final. I recall talking to my sister Alex after the heat, telling her I did not want to run another 400m. She just looked at me and said "Get your butt out there and win!". I lined up for the consolation final thinking about what my sister told me. I ended up running a good race and winning the Consolation final. That story made me think, I have done this before I can do it again.

The final was made up of some very talented runners. Amy Robb was in yellow, Megan Letton in blue and Bridgid Connolly in red, and all these girls were in good form. I was in the white off 41m and knew that Bridgid was a top runner and would be on my heels. The gun went off and I took off hard. I ran hard along the back straight, got into a good rhythm and sat behind the pack. Soon we reached the 200m mark when I remembered what Paul had said to me, that I had to be at the top of pack by the 150m. I dug deeper and passed Amy Robb in the yellow. As soon as I took off, I was passing all the girls. Finally, I came level with Jackie Chehade who was the front marker and running a great race. I ran alongside her and suddenly got a second wind and started to sprint away. I surged down the straight and powered over the line. As soon as I finished I looked back to see where the other girls were, Megan Letton was 2nd and Paige White and Yasmin Openshaw equal 3rd. I felt unstoppable and as soon as a broke that piece of string, and immediately felt a huge sense of relief. My partner Dave, all my family and stable mates from young guns ran out when I finished. My coach Paul said I had run the second fastest Camden time and I was ecstatic. Everyone congratulated me on the race and I was so proud that all my family and friends could see me win.

The Camden Classic is one of the biggest highlights on the South Australian Athletic calendar and continues to be one of my favourite carnivals alongside the Bay Sheffield, Bendigo and Stawell. Coming from a 400m and 800m background, meant that the Camden Classic was a wonderful event to aim for and I am so proud that I got to compete in and win such a prestigious race. Camden 2010 was a truly special race that I will remember forever.

With a massive 345 entries for this year's City of West Torrens Camden Classic Carnival, the first Sunday in February will see an action-packed afternoon of athletics. The entry list is up 75 nominations on last year, with numerous interstate runners travelling across to join stars of the SA Athletic League in what promises to be one of the best days of athletics ever seen at Camden Oval.

Talented athlete James Boden will be lining up in this year's 2011 Messenger Community News 400m Camden Classic and will face the challenging task of being the race's backmarker and becoming only the second runner in history to win back to back Camden Classics. Boden is trained by leading coach Paul Young who led Ben McLean to win the 2002 and 2003 versions of this state's most sought after 400m race.

The field for the $5000 32nd Messenger Community News Camden Classic includes four other former winners - Matthew Cousins (2005), Ben Koschade (2006), Wallace Lond-Scafidi (2007) and Matthew Hargreaves (2009). Recent 550m and 800m Bay Sheffield title holder Christopher Ross will be among the many challengers, along with Bryce Watkins, Kostya Khudoshin, Ira Thomson, Alex Saliu, Jarrod Sims and Damian Tohl. Interstate raiders include Shaun Hargreaves, Eric Sapac, Matthew Callard, Robert Keenan, Adam Coote and Kristopher McCarthy. With winners only through to the final from the eight heats, the competition is sure to be fierce.

The main women's race of the 2011 City of West Torrens Camden Classic Carnival, the $2500 400m Thirsty Camel Women's Classic, has attracted 30 runners hoping to add their name to the illustrious list of winners. 2010 Bay Sheffield Women's Gift winner Tamara Dartnall will be looking to join Ruth Taylor, Melinda McAinsh, Mandy Heath and Pirrenee Steinert as Bay Sheffield/Women's Camden Classic dual winners, while 2010 Bay Sheffield Women's Gift runner-up Ali Trewartha will be aiming to end her run of bad luck. Last year's winner Lucy Buckley will fancy her chances of performing well again while recent Bay Sheffield sash owners Brigid Connolly and Lauren McHugh are chances in a wide open affair.

Another highlight of the day will be the running of the Checkside Tavern 50m Sprint Skins, as 2010 Bay Sheffield champion Jordan Caldow and 2011 Burnie Gift victor Robbie James race four other top sprinters in a series of short sprints where the last across the line is eliminated.

The afternoon's program includes ten other races from 120 to 1600 metres for open, women, veteran and junior athletes, as well as special 400 metre races for local footballers and SANFL umpires. An opportunity for all children present at Camden Oval to run on the track will take place at the official break of the SA Athletic League program.

Spectators and participants will also get the opportunity to participate in a Lucky Program Draw, which will provide over $1000 in prizes. The first race of the day kicks off at 12noon, as the heats of the 400m feature races are set for 3:04pm. The 23rd 400 metres Thirsty Camel Women's Classic final will be held at 5:45pm and the 32nd 400 metres Messenger Community News Camden Classic final is scheduled for 6:00pm. A family-friendly environment will be present for all to enjoy, with food and bar facilities available for all spectators throughout the afternoon.

As the dust settles from another exciting Bay Sheffield carnival, runners turn their attention to Tea Tree Gully for the next event on the Pro-Athletics calendar.

The twilight meet is set to take place this Saturday at Bulkana Oval, the 200m Open considered the feature race of the program.

Despite not boasting big cash prizes, organiser David Jelfs is optimistic runners will support the developing event and promote professional running in Adelaides' North-East.

"We're expecting an increase in numbers this year, especially in the middle distance events which are very well represented," Jelfs said.

One of the favourites for the 800m Open is David's son Stephen (McKinnon Parade), who will be attempting to win the race for a third consecutive year.

A hat-trick of sashes seldom occurs in professional racing and although the pending handicaps could influence the race, Dad David believes anything is possible.

"It would be good to see him (Stephen) get up, you can't really worry about handicaps too much, hopefully he just goes out there and runs his own race," he said.

Out to spoil the Jelfs party is a host of talented runners, including the ever consistent Robert Killmier (Flinders) who has made a podium at every meet bar one this season and 800m Bay Sheff winning trio Christopher Ross (Flinders), Ryan Hage (Young Guns) and Ben Crawford (Flagstaff Hill).

The sprinters will use this opportunity as a chance to blow out some of those post-bay cobwebs, moving toward some of the bigger races down the track.

Stephan Thiel (McKinnon Parade) will be tough to beat in the 200m if fit, while Michael Nitschke (TMS track squad) and evergreen veteran Tim Johnson (TMS track squad) are also strong chances.

In the women's 200m race Tamara Dartnall (McKinnon Parade) will be looking to carry on her winning form from the Bay Sheffield, while backmarkers Andrea Di Paolo (Young Guns) and Bridgid Connolly (Flinders) are always massive threats.

Some of the other races on the program include the 70m (Open, Women and U17), 550m Over 35 and also the 1000m novice.

Racing action will begin at around 6.00pm, make sure you get down to the Gully and enjoy the atmosphere.

The South Australian sporting public will once again be treated to two days of free entertainment at Colley Reserve on the weekend of December 27 and 28, with the 2010 Bay Sheffield Carnival attracting a massive 746 nominations from athletes around Australia. This total is the highest number of entries ever recorded in the 124 years of the event, eclipsing the 718 entries received for the 2001 Bay Sheffield Carnival.

There are seven former Bay Sheffield champions entered in this year's race - Brendan Ramsey (1996), Keith Sheehy (2001), Todd Bateman (2003), Andrew Steele (2004), Clay Watkins (2005), Damian Tohl (2007) and Russell Scott (2009). Also entered are two winners of the Stawell Easter Gift - Adrian Mott (2006) and Sam Jamiseon (2008).

Other locals considered a good chance of performing well include the winners of this year's major country Gifts - Ryan Rossouw (Loxton), Stephan Thiel (Whyalla) and Wallace Long-Scafidi (Mt Gambier).

Some of the best female athletes from around the country will line up in races over 70, 120, 550 and 1600 metres. In the main race, the 120m Bay Sheffield Women's Gift, quality backmarker Sheena Steinert will be looking to join her twin sister Pirrenee as a winner of the race. Tamara Dartnall will be extremely hard to beat after a recent victory at Mt Gambier, while other class runners Andrea Di Paolo, Laura Whaler and Alicia Wrench-Doody are also entered.

The Thirsty Camel Select Mile will be a battle royale with the strongest field assembled in recent memory. Class milers Matthew Ferber, Chris Stapleton, Robert Killmier and Michael Hane will vie for honours with 800m specialist James Boden and Jared Peacock.

The 2010 event will once again include video screens for spectators on December 28, a Bay Sheffield Calcutta to be held at Colley Reserve and the announcement of new inductees into the Bay Sheffield Hall of Fame.

Ben Crawford starred at the Glenelg Athletics carnival over the weekend, mirroring his exceptional performance from the same race last year.

The gutsy runner has been an institution with the league for over a decade, his emphatic victory in the 400m Open a particularly meaningful milestone for Coach John LeRay.

The long time Flagstaff Hill trainer has now coached his runners to 150 sashes and fittingly his protege Crawford was the runner to achieve the landmark.

Carrying on that winning feeling, teammate Debbie Roberts also dominated her races, leading from start to finish in both the 1000m Over 35 and 400m Womens.

The feature race of the day was the Keith Patching Memorial 70m Open which was taken out by Bay Sheff hopeful Jordan Caldow who has been in exceptional form of late.

Sprinters used their races as one last opportunity to find form before the Bay Sheffield next week; David Gross ran well all day and eventually took out the 120m ahead of Robbie James and Brad Letton.

Sarah Thomas narrowly edged out Bay Sheff favourites Tamara Dartnall and Ali Trewartha in the 120m women's race; however an extremely strong headwind made it near impossible to accurately gauge the results.

In other races Richard McMahon and Bridgid Connolly won their respective 1000m races, making up considerable ground to claim victory.

After racing all around the state, the South Australian Athletic League comes home to Colley Reserve next week for the 124th annual Bay Sheffield Carnival.

For some great athletics action and a carnival atmosphere make sure you get down to the Bay on Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th of December - good luck tipping a winner.

In just over two weeks Colley Reserve will play host to the 124th Bay Sheffield carnival, the biggest sporting event on the Professional Athletics calendar and the most prestigious title in South Australian running.

With the overwhelming build-up and hype around the traditional event, one question is on everyone's lips - Who will have what it takes?

Many of the possible contenders for the sprint and feature races threw their hats' in the ring this weekend at the Pre-Bay Colley carnival - where athletes were able to examine the track and adapt to the conditions.

The Open 120m race was won by the little known Jarrad Sims ahead of Jordan Tronnolone and Ben Koschade.

Despite lacking the experience of some of the older competitors, teammates Sam Osmond and Jordan Caldow impressed on the day, both firming as possible chances in their respective races come the Bay Sheff in a fortnight's time.

Osmond won the 70m Under 17 race and then finished just ahead of the powerful backmarker Caldow in the 120m Under 20 sprint.

Caldow looked in supreme form running in the red and is certainly one to watch in the coming weeks and years.

In other races, Robert Killmier was up to his old tricks again - comfortably claiming victory in the 550m Open while Amy Robb never looked like losing in the 550m Women's race.

Robb also starred in the 70m sprint, two sashes resulting in a very successful day for the McKinnon Parade runner.

Next week's carnival is held at Glenelg Football Club, where athletes are given one last chance to find form before the big one.

The Limestone Coast turned out in force for the 10th annual Mount Gambier Classic over the weekend; runners from both South Australia and Victoria relished the fast track and ideal racing conditions.

With the Bay Sheffield fast approaching and state pride on the line everyone was out to impress, South Australian runners winning the bragging rights on this occasion.

Despite the attendance of some big names the winners varied across the field, new talent and future stars mixing it with the best in the business.

The 120m sprint showcased four past Bay Sheff winners however only one (Damian Tohl) progressed through to the final and even his experience wasn't enough to overcome eventual winner Wallace Long-Scafidi.

In the women's 120m Tamara Dartnall took the honours ahead of Laura-Jane Hilditch and Amy Robb while in the 400m it was Ali Trewartha who powered home in front of veteran Debbie Roberts to claim victory.

The highlight of the meet was the 400m over 35 race, although after three false starts from separate runners it felt like it may never happen.

An exuberant cheer from the stands finally signified a clean jump, Ali Saliu stormed home in a thrilling finish, passing everyone in a final dash to the line.

Colley Reserve will be the next location for the league where athletes and fans can get an early taste of the Bay Sheff action.

The Reynella Gift lived up to all expectations last Friday night, the hotly contested 800m Open Final a particular highlight of the program.

Spectators watched as the two back markers slowly pegged down the field, a cat and mouse battle culminating in an exhilarating sprint toward the line.

In-form Flinders runner, Robert Killmier took line honours for the second time this season, ahead of home track hero Matthew Ferber, who battled hard to maintain the aggressive pace.

At this time of the year all eyes are firmly fixed on the sprinters as the athletes build momentum toward the 124th Bay Sheffield carnival in December.

The 120m Sprint showcased some genuine chances for the big race; Brett Richards took out the gift ahead of Jordan Caldow and Jordan Tronnolone while in the women's final Natalie Gibbs was triumphant; Sarah Thomas and Andrea DiPaolo finished a close second and third respectively.

Michael Nitschke ran into some form, comfortably winning the 300m Open while Andrea DiPaolo had to work considerably harder in the women's race, narrowly edging out proven finisher Bridget Connolly.

Whyalla will play host to the next athletics carnival this weekend.

Jacob and Riley Cocks took sibling rivalry to a new level at the 10th annual Flinders Athletics Carnival on Sunday.

The pair battled the difficult wind conditions and each other to finish first and second in the David Abbott Memorial 3200m open race.

Older brother Jacob won dinner table bragging rights, backing up and regaining his title from the same event last year.

At just sixteen and fourteen years of age respectively, anything is possible for these young Flinders athletes, their impressive performance demanding respect from the entire athletics fraternity.

Robert Killmier also had a busy afternoon, winning the 800m open event and then he finished a gallant third to the brothers in the 3200m.

In addition to the Cocks' memorable run, Sunday's carnival had another reason which made it particularly unique.

For the first time in South Australian Athletic League history an Under 14 event made the racing program, an emphasis on improvement and experience hopefully ensuring successful runners of the future.

Bailey Turner won the inaugural 70m event in a time of 8.995 seconds, setting a high standard for the future.

In the 800m women final, Flagstaff Hill veteran Debbie Roberts led from start to finish in a gutsy performance, her handicap advantage the difference between her and eventual runner up Lauren McHugh.

The hotly contested 70m Open Final came down to a photo finish, Casey Whitaker winning ahead of Ali Saliu and Shane Grimwade.

The next Athletics event will be held at Reynella on Friday the 12th of November.