Every year since 1993 we have presented a Student of the Year Trophy.

This trophy is in memory of Greg Bate. Greg was one of our gyms most popular members who died in a motorcycle accident whilst out riding with me.

He was never the greatest fighter but he most certainly was "one of the best"! He was always there in the gym to spar with anyone who was fighting and it didnt matter what level they were fighting at, he could take them that one extra round in the gym!

Older members of the gym will remember his character and wit, his undying love for the sport that always saw him draw or lose in the ring, his refusal to give in, his relentless enthusiasm for pain, his passion for women of all shapes and sizes, his sense of humour, his stunning good looks, his cutting sarcasm and his warmth, his love and respect for the only true love of his life, his Mom and for his true friendhip and honesty....

...Rest in peace my friend and I will meet you again in a better place one day, (I will also teach you how to take a tighter line through a corner)



Back to the trophy!...This will be presented again on Thursday this week.

Past winners have been as follows:-

30/10/1993, Joint winners Ian ledson and Pele Hall
30/10/1994 James "Budgie" Burgess
30/10/1995 Warren Brown
30/10/1996 Kevin Harper
30/10/1997 Warren Brown
30/10/1998 Joint winners Anthony "P" Purvess and Julie Cross
30/10/1999 Asa Zmanay
30/10/2000 Asa Zmanay
30/10/2001 Abdul Arif
30/10/2002 Stuart Oldham
30/10 2003 "To be announced on Thursday"

Lovely sentiment Dave. And what an inspiration for those training at your gym.

"whilst out riding with me": 8-0
but what a heart-felt(short)portrait you have given!
you`ve said a lot about yourself,too............

That is a top tribute. I'm getting choked up just reading it !

fair play to you Dave and I hope his memory lives on through this award!

well done Dave, nice tribute. I'm sure that award means more to the fighter who wins it than one of the many many belts up for grabs

I think this is an outstanding award!!!!! Cheers to you Dave

First, great award Dave. That's awesome that you give personal recognition to your students in such a way. Second, sorry for your loss. It's cool that you remember him in such a way. Take care.

This year gets a joint winner again:-

Helen "Snowflake" Lewis and Matt Griffin.

Neither of these two knew Greg but they both have the fighting spirit that represents the way we are remembering him and and personality traits that he would have found hilarious. If he were here today, he would have picked them both!

Dave,

I agree with above posts 'Great Sentiment'.

Well done to this years and all previous winners.

FB'Slim

Just in case anyone is interested, Helen "snowflake" Lewis fights tomorrow on Dean Whites show.

(she is also a fellow Axer...."Snowflake")

And if you are still interested she won! :)

Is that the bubble girl???

Well done snowflake

Congratulations Snowflake!

ll