Cass Underwood Memorial
Andersonville, GA
June 25-26, 2011

Remember in days gone by how CD's would have "top heavy" Novice numbers? With the current schedules and succession from the last couple of seasons, that scenario has changed as was evidenced by the tremendous number of good SPORTSMAN contestants here at Hodges Hobbies Field in Andersonville this weekend. Of the slate of 20 fliers, 9 were SPORTSMAN and what a great class it was with Mr. Charlie Johns, in the 6th and final round outpointing Victor Diaz 1000 to 992 to "eak" out a 14 point victory. What excitement in this class...consider this, Round one was won by Doug Harvel, Round two by Duane Wilson, three and six by Charlie Johns and four and five by Michael Wieczorek. Hows that for competition?It was like a Super Bowl decided by the field goal in the last few seconds. This is the closest, most enjoyable competition your reporter has experienced in some few seasons.

The EXPERT class had 6 pilots with Jeff Owens K'ing 4 of the 6 rounds and Jamie Strong the other two flying his back-up....ARF KAOS with a Saito powerplant. Helmke, Dodge, Phillips and Robinson kept the pressure on them. Garry Singleton just didn't yield any errors in his flying to Pete Coleman in the Novice class. Scorekeeper Mike Williams said at the awards ceremony...."Singleton received four 10's in one round!" Garry, was very modest replying, "aw, that judge did me some favors".

Current Memorial Trophy holder Julio Arrietta was beset with stomach cramps but with the assistance of lovely Bride Petra kept the pressure hot and heavy in Senior Expert.

Larry Hill had the BEGINNER Novice class to himself and was so good to see him participating in this class which our CSP is providing this season and next as a project to introduce newer modelers to the SPA contest activity. (See the rules for this class if you've never flown in an SPA contest.)

Dan Dougherty grabbed the "bull by the horns" and recruited some assistance in running this contest and wasn't at all bashful in his gratitude to Mike Williams of the Alabaster club who did all the scoring and Jamie Strong of Fountain City Flyers who did the Chief Judging . ALL contestants judged at least one round of competition according to Strong.
The weather was "typical" for SW Georgia in June, hot with a few gnats but with some OFF and the shade of that good huge shelter at Hodges, wasn't bad at all. DD provided Pizza and soft drinks at noon on Saturday which "hit the spot". Cass as well as other departed companions would have been so proud of this event. Mike Robinson offered our blessing "plea" to the Chief. He responded positively.

There were some casualties, Jamie Strong lost his nice Compensator he had obtained from Tom Stennis in round two, when the hold-down screw for the plug-in wing decided to back itself out and the wing was jettisoned resulting in rubble. Strong had flown 85% of round one with this ship when the motor became "uncranked" due to the Chief Judge doing his other chores and overlooking fueling-up after an earlier practice flight. Is someone reading this and suggesting maybe, a "checklist" for combo Chief Judges/competitors? Believe me, we "jacks-of-all-trades" know this sort of thing happens when we are burdened with so many things to remember. CD Dan Dougherty, put in one of his blue and yellow Dirty Birdies when exiting a reverse outside loop, up elevator was input while the canopy was still facing terra firma. Dan told me "heck, it was 4 years old and time to be replaced anyway". What a great attitude! I tried my best to console Dan by saying, "we're all awaiting our next crash!" I asked Dan if he was aware of any other casualties, he said "Jim Slocum allowed his model to do some "sniffin" in the cornfield some 75 yards across the carpet-like Bermuda runway" but was able to carry on with little damage".

Speaking of the runway, you folks who have not been to Hodges, just imagine the 'green" at the golf course, Mac's whole field is just like that. Mac entertained us two times with his J3 Cub (full-scale) sitting down on one wheel then rotating to the other traversing the runway in front of the hobby shop. Doug Harvel rode with him during one of the exhibitions, and it was a comedy to watch and listen to Harvel from the rear seat of the Cub......shouting "HELP" with prayer-like folded hands at each pass. See Mike Robinson's photo of the Cub on one wheel. Just a great display by Mac.

This is the kind of week-end that will be re-lived for years to come by the attendees and numerous spectators who just came to watch the SPA patterns flown. Tom Stennis and Bill Collins came and assisted in judging and fellowshipping.

DD, "ya' done good"....those initials should be acronyms for "Delightful Deed". Your efforts, and those of the host of volunteer helpers were insurance that this major SPA event will continue annually at this palatial flying sight. Thank you.

The raffle prize, a new OS 91 4S went home with Dave Phillips of the Alabaster club. We all congratulated Dave and shared his good fortune.

Final Standings:

Bruce Underwood, SPA/PIO

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