With the re-arranging of our event schedule with permits and notifications, we pulled off another event in the Withlacoochee State Forest on February 2, much to the delight of the JROTC contingency. We had a record number of high schools out there, pushing the limits of our permit. We had a limited amount of FLO showings, which did not bring our numbers up. WHEW! I had printed up some dashboard parking slips, ran out and had a cadet quickly print some more for all the vehicles. WHEW! again.
I am normally one of the first to arrive at any event, since I have ‘the gear’ but when I arrived on this Saturday morning, the JROTC leader had 2 large tents set up and was preparing the computers for SportIdent for all of the cadets. The parking lot was just about full. I do believe the rangers get scared when we show up with such a large group but that’s what our permit allows us. Since the early morning was chilly, I brought along a fake fire log to keep our hands warm as we set up the FLO tables, and within 5 minutes of the log igniting, the cadets waiting for their departure times had surrounded the fire grill. I had to break them up to get my fingers warmed, ah! I guess they were bored. I am constantly reminded of the following that FLO has acquired: along with the many new faces, there are those willing to travel the state to our events.
I had assisted Jonathan in setting out controls the night before after assigning the SI units and confirming proper idents. This was a slow process since we had limited daylight and lots of ground to cover. At dusk, there were 2 more to put out and Jonathan assigned himself to place in the AM. Thankfully, Bob & Janet came early so I was able to have Cheryl learn a new function of O’, The Start/Finish Table, a task she nervously acquired quickly. She was able to venture out on a Yellow course with a friend and I made a somewhat escape to run a Red course but had to vacate/locate a lost friend that got side tracked off the map. We did join up and got a chance to DNF the Red course due to time. The terrain out here is not typical Florida which adds to the skill involved with O’. We plan on expanding the accessibility of the entire 15kM map since we have been given permission to stage on the eastern edge.
I want to extend a gracious thanks to the WSF contingent: who make the permitting seem easy, willing to arrange/rearrange our schedule for such an event;
All of the helpers: Jonathan, the course setter & map printer (who puts in hours to produce an unequaled map for any event, anywhere!) along with the pickup crew who had an organized plan when I returned, they are: Kevin/Susan Rowley, Nicci Wright, Jim Feudner, Kris Mante, John Ide, Gord Hunter (who graciously doubled as a taxi for some Mtn. Bikers who lost their keys on the trail, somewhere) and of course Jerry Sirmans who drives out 2 hours, for control pick-up saving himself for Saturday-nite dancing. Lastly, the helpers of the tables: Janet & Bob P., Cheryl Mc., and John Griffin, I sincerely hope all are mentioned.
ALL of the above seem to make the party go on til the next event….
I need to send many thanks to the leading JROTC leader, Lt Col (Ret) Mike Ralph for his work in arranging/cajoling/completing the task of the day. (TOD) It’s not easy herding cats.
Thank You ALL!! Til next event.
Ray Bruneau
FLO Publicity/Info
Name | Time |
Guarneri | 44:30 |
Vanguard 1 | 49:20 |
Velazquez | 52:25 |
Vanguard 2 | 73:00 |
Colasuohnu | 73:12 |
Ostroski | DQ |
Rivera | DQ |
Name | Time |
THS 3 | 27:35 |
Warburton,M | 49:20 |
THS 1 | 55:39 |
THS 2 | 67:30 |
McDonough,C | 71:20 |
Williamson,M | 71:25 |
CRHS | 74:10 |
Name | Time |
Erau | 46:50 |
Henzi,B | 64:30 |
Jim/Nicci | 66:00 |
Griffin,J | 93:04 |
Bjordust | 96:20 |
Spezio,E | 127:10 |
Brown | 155:13 |
Name | Time |
Warburton,M | 76:28 |
Ide,J | 114:00 |
Schneidermann,M | 142:33 |
Dennis/Carolyn | 152:00 |
Holly | 161:40 |
Burchfield,B | 166:46 |
Walker,C | 178:00 |
Rebels | 180:00 |
Hawkins/Lunt | OT |
Hardman | DNF |
Team Snap | DNF |
Name | Time |
Bob Putnam | 70:20 |
K Hite | 100:13 |
Gord Hunter | 100:25 |
Go BLue | 135:00 |
Donna Flugel | 180:00 |
Kris Mante | OT |
Vicki Bishop | OT |
Steve Fluegel | OT |
R Williamson | DNF |
Ray Bruneau | DNF |
DNF | Did Not Finish |
DQ | Disqualified (Missed Controls) |
OT | Over 3 Hour Time Limit |