2016 Ben Oliver Memorial SPA Pattern Contest
Knoxville, TN
May 21-22, 2016


Remembering Dennis Hunt

KNOXVILLE, TN...........May 21 & 22, 2016..................Heavy rain (lots of it on Friday) just like CD Phil Spelt and Co-CD Warren Oliver ordered........STOPPED for about 98% of Saturday and allowed contestants to put in all 4 of the rounds programmed for the day.  It was a test of the ability to "handle the wind in the face for the most part, but swirling and very gusty from the South".  Elements claimed nothing more than a pair of composite gear and a few prop tips.  Excellent flying by the 17 competitors.

A trio of Novice pilots from the local area all completed EVERY round and it was so gratifying to see these new faces in the lineup at one of the "grandaddy" of all SPA contests.  So grateful to the three for entering the fun and beginning what will hopefully be many years of great weekends like this.

At the outset, the pilots briefing, Phil and Warren relived some of the great contests of years gone by in Knoxville directed by the Late Dennis Hunt who passed away a few days ago and whose memorial was Monday May 23rd in his home church in Oak Ridge, TN.

The co-CDs acknowledged that most of the models flown, even in this contest, had connections to the Late Dennis and his model making endeavors.  The sweet remembrances will never be forgotten by those that had the privilege of knowing "this great gentleman"!

David JohnsonJimmy Russell K'd 4 of the 6 rounds to amass 4000 in Novice, Dan Toombs placed 2nd with 3837 and David Johnson 3rd with 3299.  Have a look at David and his 18 year old Daddy Rabbit built by Wendell Cornelius from the Late Ed Hartley plans and wing and stab cores prepared by the Late Dennis Hunt at his model making shop in Oak Ridge back when.

Scott Anderson flying his his sharp DECEPTION copped 1st in Sportsman with 3992, which included two round wins.  Dan Dougherty, with his DR was 2nd with 3896, and Duane Wilson, with another Daddy Rabbit, with ZIMPRO birthmarks was 3rd with 3696 in Sportsman class.

Mr. May, Scott Sappington "blew em' away in Advanced with his Mr. May Daddy-Rabbit "look-alike".  Bill Dodge was 2nd with 3623, and Jim Johns, with yet another Daddy Rabbit with a Dennis Hunt "anatomy" (cores) was 3rd with 3270.

No one flew in EXPERT as age has promoted many of the "good-uns" to Senior Expert.  Jerry Black brought his 2 1/2 week old hip to KCRC and with his brand new model flew 4 rounds on Saturday, all it took to win...as he returned to Johnson City to continue his rehab from the surgery.  He is swearing off mountain style trail bikes in the future.  Excellent flying Jerry.  Warren Oliver put his "Oliver Twist" with the LED lights through it's paces to win 2nd place with 3924.  Jeff Owens took 3rd after he and Warren each won 1 of the Sunday morning rounds in the "almost calm" air and sunshine.  Jeff scored 3840.

The lucky raffle winners were:

  • Nova Rossi 60 engine: Scott Sappington.
  • Bluejay Dirty Birdy kit: Jimmy Russell. 

After a delightful two rounds in very nice air and a sunny about 68 degree awards program, Phil and Warren and the KCRC clubbers who helped tremendously had us headed home by noon EDT.  Joel (Scorekeeper) did his great job turning out scores in a timely manner, clubmembers were at the flightlines awaiting completed scoresheets likewise.  Nothing was lacking.

KCRC, "ya' done great!"....................again!

Bruce Underwood, PIO

Click here for Photos courtesy of Bobbie Johns and Bruce Underwood


Knoxville Final Scores