Bullsheet - August 2002

What a day and what a turnout. The weightlifting contest was a fun day for participants and observers alike.

There were four teams of determined flyers. Bill and Jason were a team, John Marien was the one man team, Darrell, Maurice, Rick and Denise made up another team and the decked out team in the great shirts was made up of Harry, Rich, Ray and John Hayes. We referred to them during the building process as the SOB’s, the Secret Order of Builders or something like that. Anyway, we got the word from the Observation Tower that those SOB’s were up at the field secretly test flying before the contest. That was a nice flight, guys, at least that’s what we were told. By the way, Ray, nice ribs!

Darrell’s team started the contest with 2 1/2 lbs. and naturally that put them in first place. Harry’s team went next with more weight and Darrell’s team went to second place and Harry’s team took the lead. Jason’s team went up next and took second moving Darrell’s team to third place. Up stepped the one man team of John Marien taking third and moving the Darrell team to fourth. Not to be outdone, Darrell’s team got back in by carrying 7 1/2 pounds and taking second place, again. John , not a slouch by any means, loaded 14 pounds and much to his dismay and a few groans from the crowd, crashed. It took a lot of time repairing the plane but it did fly again, with less weight, but again, it crashed just short of the runway. A great effort on his part. A worthy opponent.

Jason’s team tried 13 pounds and the plane couldn’t get off the runway so he spent a lot of time making new wheels, would you believe, from packing tape rolls. They actually worked and he placed third. It was this kind of effort that made it a great fun day for everyone and judging from the onlooker’s comments, a lot of fun for them too. Bob Brodeur and Pete Skentzos stayed for the whole event and led some cheers as well. Thanks, guys.

The spirited competition went on all day. By 3:55PM Harry’s team had put on 15 pounds and made it around the patch for first place. Darrell’s team, not to be outdone, tried to better Harry’s team and crashed at the end of the runway. The plane went off the edge and it was a total loss except for the "wing". We’re curious about Maurice’s reactions to that crash, the wing was built by Rick and it held up.

We like to kid Harry’s team, but they were very professional, right down to their team shirts, with a weight lifting challenge logo on the back of the shirts. It’s a good thing they won, otherwise wouldn’t the shirts have been obsolete? Or would they have been obliged to give them to the first place winners? Giving the shirts off their backs didn’t happen, because they were the weight lifting champs that day. They won the right to wear the shirts and they won our respect. Your team challengers doff their hats to you, but wait until next year!

We had a lot of spectators and we hope that this event can grow to be an annual contest. I would certainly like the membership to take another chance on this kind of event, or am I out of a job because of this one? The club members might want to consider co-sponsoring this with another club. We would be interested in your input.

John Marien was our CD for the event and did a fine job. Of course, we can’t forget our Emeril of the grill, Hank, who did a spectacular job. Ray did offer some help, a little bit of help, well, maybe not that much, but we understand that he helps Dee cook like that at home too, a little bit of help! Thanks, anyway, Ray, from all of us.

Remember that at the end of August we have the AMA sanctioned combat contest. It is an advertised event and we are looking forward to seeing members from other clubs as well as a BIG turnout from our own membership.

An important reminder to all our club members, PLEASE LOCK THE GATE BEHIND YOU COMING AND GOING AT THE FIELD. We will discuss this further at our next meeting.

We’d like to thank everyone for their support at these events, for the participation and the good humor and above all, the sportsmanship. Win or lose, being a part of this fine group, is always a privilege.