[RCSE] IHLGF 2006 - Looking Back

[Ron Scharck]

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 New Zealand, took the “I” in International Hand Launch Glider Festival a huge step forward yesterday by placing third. As a matter of fact, the entire New Zealand team was outstanding. Peter Williams placed 15th; Shaun Mitchell and Lewis Williams (the Junior Champion) took the 20th and 21st spots, respectively.  The “Skunk Werks” (the handle affectionately given the New Zealand team because of their distinctive black shirts with a white stripe running from sleeve to sleeve) were indeed outstanding.   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 Carlsbad, CA