The IHLGF 2006 is now
history. The final IHLGF 2006 Contest Scores for All Classes may be found on the
IHLGF website: http://www.torreypinesgulls.org/IHLGF2006.htm.
Congratulations to Paul Anderson, the new IHLGF Champion. Paul has been very
close many times, but this weekend he came from behind in the Fly-offs to take
the championship. Known for his aggressive—“No
Fear”—and almost magical flying style, Paul has been in the top ten
almost every year he has participated. That same style has cost him the
Championship on a number of occasions. No one was more congratulatory of his
victory than many times IHLGF champion, Joe Wurts — the man he nudged out
of first place to take the victory. After ten grueling rounds
(six in 102 degree heat on Saturday), Joe Wurts, had a respectable lead going
into the fly-offs. His two departures from the perfect mark (1000 per round)
were 998.31 and 935.27, which occurred in the first and second round
respectively; we’re talking seconds off perfect. Hot (no pun intended) on
Joe’s heels was the guy that everyone knew would someday take the IHLGF Championship
someday – Paul Anderson. The other pilots that fought their way into the
top ten were: Phil Barnes (2004 and 2005 IHLGF Champion); Chris Tank from New
Zealand; Thomas Kiesling; Bob McGowan; Oleg Golovidov (2003 IHLGF Champion); Arthur
Markiewicz; Phil Pearson (Mr. Encore); and Joseph Newcomb, a member of the
USA’s Junior F3B Team International pilots have
cracked the top ten before, but Chris Tank, of The other international
team, the three member Japanese team of Yoichi Kajiro, Toyohiko Asazuma and Michihito
Nozokido, were in awe of the level of competition at the IHLGF. All are very
accomplished HLG pilots – three of the best in Japan – the Japanese
Team promised that now that they are aware of the level of talent they must
face here, they are going back home to “practice; practice; practice”
so that when they return next year they will be better prepared to compete
against “the best in the world.” Joseph Newcomb, a junior,
registered in Open Class at the last minute with an eye toward a fly-off spot
in the IHLGF. The talent behind his confidence was never in question to Joseph
or anyone who knows him. His quite, unassuming, yet determined
personality belies the talent that this young man possesses. Should he decide
to continue his participation in the IHLGF, Joseph may well be the next young
lion to capture the golden ring – the IHLGF Championship. Other young
lions to keep an eye on are this year’s IHLGF Junior Champion, Lewis
Williams; “A. J.” McGowan (the talent pool in the McGowan family is
deep) and Fateh Singh Khalsa, who participated in his first HLG event at last
years IHLGF. There were 75 registered
pilots of which 69 competed. From the standpoint of talent, this years IHLGF
was second to none. In short, there was unbelievable talent in the top twenty
pilots. Many familiar names, all with “Champion” titles, were
unable to break into the top ten this year. Not to worry. They are just waiting
till next year to make their move…again. IHLGF 2007 dates: June 2-3.
Mark your calendars now! Ron Scharck |