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Friday,
September 29
Morning Preview
As first call for round
one of 4-way draws ever closer, I don't think I've ever
seen so much excitement and anticipation prior to the
beginning of a Nationals competition. The field is worthy
of a world meet, with all three of last year's medal
winners from Corowa competing. World champions Perris
Maubeuge, two Airspeed teams, and the DeLand Norgies are
all here, along with the Golden Knights and a WHOLE LOT of
4-way teams.
8-way will be big too: the Golden Knights are looking
to avenge their 1998 loss to Airspeed 8, and they've
recruited some old faces to help: Paul Rafferty is back in
black and gold, along Trevor McCarthy and Paul Raspino.
And they'll probably need that experience, because
Airspeed 8 is planning on trotting out their full 1999
world championship lineup. Can you say cat fight?
If Airspeed wins 8-way, are they going to represent the
USA at next year's world meet?
Meanwhile, Melanie has once again done her homework
(including the all-important padded swivel chair for the
webmaster) and the DZ is primed and ready for what may be
the biggest nationals ever.
For those of you wondering what happened to the
picture, well, somebody done complained about it, if
you can believe that. Bill Clinton can get a b--- j-- in
the white house and not have sex, but one half-naked girl
makes this site pornographic. Go figure.
The 4-way analysis: Airspeed
Vertical is the odds-on favorite, but many people have
high expectations for 1998
World Cup champions Generation
FX. World Champion Maubeuge,
competing as guests and with two new members, looks for
bragging rights heading into the World
Cup, but the DeLand
Norgies, fielding the same squad that won the bronze
in Corowa,
just may top the whole field. The Golden Knights also have
a strong 4-way
squad, and for sure don't count out DeLand
PD Blue. Bottom line: this is going to be one of the
best 4-way battles ever.
The weather
outlook is terrific, and if the morning fog that has
been a problem here lately leaves us alone, then stay
tuned for a great show.
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The fit starts to
hit the shan tomorrow. |
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A morning haze
lingers but the forecast is good. |
Afternoon Outlook
As of 1130, 40 4-way teams have officially registered,
and I expect that number may double by the end of
registration.
2200 Hours (10:00 p.m. for you civilians)
We didn't hit 80 teams, but 77 is still a nationals
best turnout: 11 Open, 34 Advanced, and 32 Intermediate.
Cool!
Round 10 is, appropriately enough, an all-random
burner, so don't count anybody out until the rotund woman
warbles. First call is 0630, and if the fog holds off,
it's going to be a long hard day of skydiving. See you
there!
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