LMM04

JUNE 27, 2004 - EASTHAMPTON, MA Fourteen contestants attended the first annual Len Minick Memorial Combat Challenge held in tribute to and in memory of our good friend and fellow competitor. It is no coincidence that this contest was the best attended of the season. I'm sure Len was with us, in spirit, on this beautiful summer day.

Round one saw Jeff Vader and Dave Parizo off to the best starts posting 725 point wins. In the first match of round two Jeff stayed hot earning a one cut win over Dave Parizo. Meanwhile Paul Kubek, Brian Stas, Dick Sherman and Ken Hargreaves were all emerging as contenders with steady round one and round two flights. At the halfway point it was Jeff (1345pts), Paul Kubek and Brian Stas both with 1240 points followed closely by Dick Sherman (1130pts) and Ken Hargreaves (1030pts). In the first match of round three Paul Kubek stayed hot earning a one cut win over Jeff Vader. In the next match Brian and Dick flew to a one cut apiece draw followed by Ken and Dave Parizo who did likewise. Round three, also, saw Jim Carpenter and Neil Simpson post their second good scores, in a row, following very slow starts, by both pilots, in round one. Going into the final round it was very close with Paul leading followed by Brian, Jim, Dick, Neil, Jeff, Ken and Dave.

The last five matches of the final round would determine the trophy winners. In the first of these matches Dave earned a two cut to one win over Matt Stas in a very well flown match. In the next match Ken flew Joe Fustolo to a one cut apiece draw. In the next match Dick got an airtime win over Jeff. In the semi-finals Neil got past Brian two cuts to one an exciting match-up. In the final Paul and Jim waged war in a match that ended in a fly away. The final order of finish was Neil (2275pts), Dick (2160pts), Dave (2160pts), Brian (2150pts), Paul (2060pts), Ken (2050pts) and Jim (1955pts). This was a very close and competitive contest . . . . what we all come for. "Lil Sherm" flew well all day and earned the Sportsman Division win. It was good to have Dave Parizo back in action. This was Dave's first meet since mid-season last year.

Thank you to everyone who shared in the judging process. Thank You to Dave Parizo who secured permission to use the field and Cd'ed this event.

Len Minick Memorial Combat Challenge

14 contestants (10 from MA) (1 from CT) (3 from NH)

28 matches (one mid air ) ( 1 fly away )

(E) Neil Simpson-E.Brookfield, MA