LAST EDITED ON Jul-21-04 AT 02:43 PM (CDT) >There are some folks that deserve a TON of praise for their
>Nats/Worlds efforts....
>
>Earl "Woody" Midgley was a pit boss for both
>events....competitors knew when they were up, folks didn't
>meander through the pits and things flowed smoothly, even as
>weather and heat took a toll on flyers.... Bob Robertshaw
>was the second pit boss during the Nats. These guys are out
>in the sun all/weather day!
>
>Those that drove from the left coast, too, deserve
>praise.....I get a bit road weary with only a 700 mile trip
>(11 hours)......Brett, Ted, et.el. spend three or four days
>on the road....that's a lot of windshield time!
>
>The folks at Powermaster, too, deserve a plug....they
>provided a bunch of fuel....
>
>And a special thanks to Bill Gruber for raising such a good
>kid....
>
>All of the flyers displayed a great deal of sportsmanship
>throughout the event, and co-operated well with all
>concerned.
I'm sure I can speak for Ted and myself - I don't think I deserve much if any credit. My relationship to NATs success is more akin to that of a tick to a dog; i.e., parasitic, taking but not giving back. I try to make up for it in a general sense by supporting local contests as much as possible, but when July rolls around I generally just show up and expect everything to be done for me - and it always is.
Of course, the big prizes go to Warren, Gary, and Shareen once again. The system was strained to the point of breaking this year, and nontheless, we are mostly talking about the flying - not the administration. There can be no higher praise.
I'm also gratified to report that Warren plans to continue as NATs ED as long as he is able.
I would also like to note that PAMPA will be presenting Warren an award for the successful execution of the NATs, Team Trials, and now the W/C over the years.