36th running of Camden Classic athletics meeting this Sunday
YOUNG gun Hayden Rothe and 2012 winner Brad Schutz are tipped to be among the contenders on their home track in the 36th running of the Camden Classic.
YOUNG gun Hayden Rothe is tipped to be among the contenders on his home track in the 36th running of the Camden Classic.
The 19 year old heads a pack of Camden athletes eager to prove themselves in Sunday’s 400m event which is widely regarded as one the country’s premier middle distance footraces.
Veteran Camden coach Frank McHugh said Rothe had recovered well after a fall at last month’s Bay Sheffield carnival.
“He’s shaping up very, very well,” McHugh said.
“He’s determined, focused and we’ll see how he draws.
“It’s no secret he’s improved from last year.”
Other Camden chances include 2012 winner Brad Schutz, 2005 winner Matthew Cousins, James Cibich and 15-year-old Kyle Roberts.
Last year’s winner Victorian Robert Spencer is also expected to return to defend his crown.
“Mainly the pros (athletics) is directed towards the gifts, but this is all about the 400m and it’s sought after throughout the country,” McHugh said.
“The heats here are run like finals everywhere else — the hardest part is to get that monkey off your back and get through.”
In the women’s event, Camden’s 14-year-old sensation Natassia Messent could be one to watch.
Messent won her first senior sash at the season-opening Henley carnival but might yet run only the junior event at Camden.
“She’s come a long way and is very determined,” McHugh said.
“For her experience there’s probably nothing better than to run in the big race, but then she could go home with one run for the day.”
Hettie Driscoll, Niamh Henry and Lauren McHugh will also look for strong performances on their home track up against 2014 winner Katherine Robb.
“We’re on our turf so we’ve got to make that our biggest advantage,” McHugh said.
“We want to put the icing on the cake and run well in our own carnival.”
The full program of events starts from noon at Camden Oval.