December 15, 2001. Simplot Sport Complex, Boise.
Well, it all started with the first group of newcomers going toward me. "Well! I have three blank maps - that should be enough" -
I said to myself. That thought quickly evaporated in about 15 seconds when 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc. pair surrounded
helpless meet director. The only way was to give somewhat improvised clinic and hope that Andy Hill arrive soon
with the rest of blank maps. Bright sun, blue skies definitely helped during the clinic as we repeated couple times
what orienteering is all about and how use map and orient it correctly using compass. Finally, Andy came with maps
and table, and the action began.
Most of the newcomers wisely followed the advice of the meet director and chose Score O format that included
19 controls scattered across the sport fields and wilderness area above them. It was my pleasure to observe
the united group of Jennifer Anderson, Katelin, Austin, Judy Beeson finding and punching at controls, including
the finish spurt. Most importantly, Katelin and Austin smiled at the end. Andy Hill shepherded Elijah and Masha who
found 11 controls. It was very nice to see again new old comers Jim Cambron and Stan Stanojevic. Jim together with
Teresa Sabala were determined to find all controls but accidentally missed one. I am sure that next time no controls
would be missed. Stan found 17 controls in just over 30 minutes. Looks like his leg healed quite well and he again
can amaze all us with his famous speed. And now is the time for our perfect scorers! Two pairs: David Byrd, Amy
Batte and Scott DeWalt, Mary DeWalt - found all controls within the time limit! Congratulations and keep up! Next
time you might want to try advanced courses.
Heated battle of our speed masters filled the air with the clouds of burned powder or was that mud mist? I am not sure.
Jeff Black and Dave Bergset
were separated only by 15 seconds after first loop. However, intricate knowledge of the map definitely helped
Jeff to win almost 1 minute at the end. A pair of adventure runners Doug Lamott and Steve Vaught finished with
very respectful time. A little bit more technical training and they definitely can compete with our speedsters
Jeff and Dave. Finally, Joell Ypma and Jay Merritt bravely challenged themselves and went to explore first loop
of advanced course. They found correctly all 10 controls!
Looks like all enjoyed the weather, the opportunity to be outside, and somewhat challenging courses.
I hope to see you all next time. Now it is time for results. Congratulations to all who find controls
and finished with smiles! Seems to me that all were smiling at the finish table :) Results are in order
of start time not finish. I didn't subtract penalty for overtime but you can do the math yourself. It is
not about competing - it is about enjoying :) Well, may be except for the advanced group of runners. I guess
they just like the pain of lactate acid anyway.
Score O 19 controls 45 minutes time limit
--------------------------------------------------
Jennifer Anderson,
Katelin, Austin, Judy Beeson 11 controls 44:30
David Byrd, Amy Batte 19 controls 43:00
Jim Cambron, Teresa Sabala 18 controls 86:55
Scott and Mary DeWalt 19 controls 43:37
Stan Stanojevic 17 controls 30:35
Andy, Elijah, and Masha 11 controls 54:17
Advanced
Loop 1: 3K, 10 controls, 20 m
Loop 2: 2.8K, 9 controls, 30 m
-------------------------------------------------
Doug Lamott, Steve Vaught Loop 1: 22:58
Loop 2: 24:25
Total : 47:23
Jeff Black Loop 1: 16:42
Loop 2: 16:30
Total : 33:12
Joelle Ypma, Jay Merritt Loop 1: 71:50
Dave Bergset Loop 1: 16:57
Loop 2: 17:10
Total : 34:07
See you next month at Ann Morrison Park - meet director Jeff Black promised to put something interesting for us.
Sergey Velichko