2016 Ben Oliver
Memorial SPA Pattern Contest
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"!
Jimmy 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:
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. Bruce Underwood, PIO Click here for Photos courtesy of Bobbie Johns and Bruce Underwood
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