South Australian sprinters set for Stawell showdown

Date: 31st March 2025

Four of South Australia’s top pro sprinters are gearing up for the 2025 Powercor Stawell Gift, with strong form and recent victories marking them ones to watch. Representing coach Paul Young’s Young Guns Track Squad (YGTS), Michael Moschou, John Evans, Jesse Cordoma, and Corey Baker have each secured key wins leading into the biggest event on the professional running calendar.

With impressive performances across the Victorian pro circuit, according to coach “Youngy,” the four athletes have earned competitive handicaps that could give them an edge at Central Park. 

Michael, who took out the Mortlake Gift in 12.59 seconds off 3.25m, should start Stawell off 4.00m.  John, the Terang Gift winner with a time of 12.43 seconds off 9.00m, should hold one of the biggest marks in the field at 9.75m. Jesse’s narrow victory at Rye in 12.15 seconds off 8.25m has him likely set at 8.75m, while Corey, after winning Wangaratta in 12.31 seconds off 9.25m, when the handicaps are announced should line up with a 9.50m mark.

Paul Young, who will also be celebrating 40 years since his own Stawell Gift triumph, is in the enviable position of having four athletes who potentially could final this year. Reflecting on the team’s chances, Youngy quipped, “Gout should run very well, but hopefully, he can’t catch at least one of them!”

20-year-old teaching student Michael Moschou says his season has been ‘filled with ups and downs’ as the breakthrough Mortlake Gift win and several PB’s were hampered by a torn hamstring for the third consecutive season. 

This will be Michael’s 3rd time competing at Stawell. “I’m mostly looking forward to the amazing competition with some of Australia’s fastest runners set to hit the start line. Stawell has such a rich history making it Australia’s most prestigious pro race. I can’t put into words what winning the Stawell Gift would mean. For me, making the final to complete a hat-trick of major Gift finals including the Bay Sheffield and Burnie Gift would be a big achievement and something I’d be beyond proud of.

“It’s always hard to gauge your own chances, especially being a backmarker myself. It will be a huge task and I will do the best I possibly can.”

John Evans, a teacher at Blackwood High School in Adelaide, is also enjoying a standout season despite some injuries, particularly with his win at Terang and a 70m win in Geelong and a 70m 3rd place at the Bay Sheffield. A regular at Stawell (‘5 or 6 times I think’), his best result was in the Jack Donaldson 200m. “I felt honoured to make the final and represent the red, finishing 5th.”

The 28-year-old loves the camaraderie of pro running and travelling to compete in regional Gifts. “It’s the competition and the friendships that I enjoy most. I like making trips to Victoria as the league is extremely friendly and I’ve made some good friends whilst competing.”

John understands the level of talent that Stawell attracts each year. “The Stawell Gift has such a deep history, and the competition is always incredibly high. Athletes from across Australia come here to test themselves against the best. Winning would be unbelievable. As for my chances, it’s tough to say – pro running is unpredictable – but I’ve put a lot of work in and making the final alone would make this season a success.”

John credits coach Paul Young with giving everything to the sport and his squad. “Youngy is a fantastic coach and mentor and having someone who has won the Stawell Gift before is invaluable. Everything I’ve done comes from his expertise and training. I would also like to give a huge shout out to Corey (Baker) who has also been my physio this year and helped to get me right at the right times.”

Jesse Cordoma said he had a slow start to the season but found his form at the right time to take out the Rye Gift. “That win was a huge moment but unfortunately came at a cost with a slight PCL tear from the dip and fall on the line.

“Since then, it’s been a bit of a balancing act between recovery and regaining form, but I’m feeling strong as we head toward Stawell. Our squad has also had such an incredible year. Winning one Gift race in a VAL season is tough enough, but to have four wins from an interstate stable is probably unheard of. It’s been so special to be part of a team achieving that kind of success.”

Jesse loves the tradition around the Stawell Gift. “The history, the atmosphere, the prestige, it’s iconic. Growing up in the sport, it’s always been a dream of mine to make a Stawell final, and to win it one day would be the ultimate achievement.

“What I’m looking forward to most is just being part of it again. The crowd, the track, the energy, it all comes together to create something special. It’s where every pro runner wants to be at their best.

“There’s so much talent out there, but I believe I’m in with a chance. I’ve put in the work, and I’m feeling good heading into the weekend, so now it’s just about executing when it counts.

Outside athletics, Jesse is an engineer who has set up a business developing the ‘world’s first multi-capsule cocktail maker.’ He explained further: “Think of it as the Nespresso of cocktails, we’re aiming to launch by the end of the year so watch this space!”

For Corey Baker, the journey to Stawell has been one of resilience. “This season has been a roller coaster of ups and downs,” he said. “Objectively, it has been my most successful season, but also my most injury afflicted. I’ve dealt with illnesses, a grumpy foot injury, and ongoing lower back issues. It’s been about managing my body and finding the right races.” Corey works as a physiotherapist, using his knowledge to navigate his own injuries and support other athletes.

Despite the setbacks, Corey’s win at Wangaratta stands out as a career highlight. “Winning the Wangaratta Gift is my most cherished victory. I’ve won a Burnie 70m sash and the Loxton Gift in the past, but this was different. It was the result of years of racing, traveling, training, and rehab. That’s why the emotion came out when I was declared the winner.”

Corey recognises and appreciates why Stawell is special. “The Stawell Gift is simply iconic; a foot race that has stood the test of time having been run for years with its rich history and the recognized prestige of the event. Walking onto the track at Stawell you can feel the energy and awe and I cannot wait to experience that thrill again.”

His return to the sport in 2019/2020 after a break came with clear goals. “I wanted to prove to myself that I was always capable of making a final at one of the Big Three races – Stawell, Bay Sheffield, or Burnie. I’m determined to finish on a high. I’ve worked hard, I’m in great form, and I believe my chances at Stawell are as strong as anyone’s. If I didn’t back myself, I may as well hand the sash over now,” Corey laughed.

On race day, he’ll be easy to spot. “I wear eye shadow and makeup not just to stand out in photos, but to represent the LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve faced personal and mental health struggles in the past and come through stronger. Representation matters, and every time I find success on the track, it’s a love letter to my fellow queers who are struggling or have struggled. You are loved, you are valued, and you are not alone.”

Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy

When asked about running against the likes of Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy, the YGTS athletes are nervously excited. 

“Kennedy and Gout will be hard to beat so there should be some good racing,” said John. “Pretty scary to be honest, they both have been running extremely well so it’s going to be intense trying to hold them off for as long as I can.”

“Absolutely terrified! Gout’s a superstar!” said Jesse. “It would be incredible to see him race in person, and honestly, an absolute honour to line up alongside him. I wish him all the best at Stawell and for his super bright future. I also really hope he continues to run at the Stawell Gift beyond this year. He just brings so much excitement to the sport!”

“Gout Gout is such an extraordinary talent and a gift to Australian sprinting. The palpable excitement you feel watching him run is felt across the world. I will likely never race him at track/nationals level, so I will definitely relish the opportunity to run against him and attempt to hold off the fast finishing teen at Central Park,” enthused Corey.

Michael added: “I think it’s amazing for the sport and exposure he’s going to bring to Central Park. Knowing I’ll be starting in front of him is a relief and will be a bonus if I can beat him to the line, but if not, I’ll be gracious in defeat to one of Australia’s all-time athletes.”

The four athletes share a special bond. “Pro running, and athletics in general, is a brutally tough sport, but I love it and I owe this to Paul Young and the support of the YGTS group,” said Jesse. “They are my best friends. I truly owe so much of my past and future success to them. I’m so grateful to be part of such an awesome, tight-knit team.”

“Being there when Michael, John and Jesse won their VAL gift sashes has been a huge highlight,” added Corey.  “I have travelled with these boys all over the country for years and years and to see all of us collect a VAL sash in the same season is so special,” he said. “I am incredibly biased and want/hope all four of us make the final and for one of us to win the Stawell Gift. That would be the cherry on top of an incredible season; it will be tough to achieve but it’s not impossible.”

What started as a joke at the start of the season became “The Prophecy” when Michael, John, Jesse and Corey each won lifts for Stawell and the reality was that one of them really could make history in 2025.

As the Easter long weekend approaches, these four South Australian sprinters are primed for their biggest challenge yet. With a strong coach behind them and the motivation of past victories, they are ready to make their mark at the historic Stawell Gift. The stage is set for an exciting showdown, and with the form they’ve shown this season, South Australia could well have its next Powercor Stawell Gift champion.

Images: main – Paul Young with the full YGTS team;  John Evans (credit Neil Jameson); Jesse Cordoma; Jesse and Corey Baker, Michael Moschou 

 

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