Jon Garber is your new AMA-LSF F5J National Champion and new US F5J Worlds Team member.
By Mike Bergerson
First and foremost, a big “Thank you.” to the LSF and AMA. Also, a huge thanks to Norm Poti and his crew for keeping this a smooth-running contest. You guys are the best!
We had another windy day. It was not as bad as the other windy day, but we can add “chilly in the morning” with this one. Still, it remained a challenge to get back to your landing tape if you didn't have the altitude. We flew four more rounds of Muncie-style soaring with the winning guys finding the lift, while others found the madness. There were the epic saves that will be told over dinner and for years to come. There were the last round defeats that changed the leader board, bringing great joy to some and others… not so much.
With the last round flown, the pilots all gathered around for the awards presentation.
Our new US team members enjoyed a bit of pomp, breaking out bottles of champagne from Norm Poti as he awarded each with their championship medals, then honoring their timers who absolutely deserve mention as well.
By the time this posts in the Nats News I'm sure that most of you Soaring enthusiasts will know that Jonathan Garber is the new 2026 AMA/LSF F5J Champion. Josh Glaab placed second and Milan Bregman was third. These fine pilots are your new US F5J Worlds Team. They will compete next August back here at the AMA flying site for the F5J Worlds competition.
Blue Skies!
Bob Burson and Gil Perez.
Brenden Miller.
Jim McCarthy and Steven Wilcox Jr.
John Kennedy and his Prestige 3PK.
(L to R) Lenny Keer, Ed Dumas, Jim Monaco, Skip Miller, and Norman Poti.
Line judge and certifier Frank Burnoski.![Luke Waters was honored as Jon Garber’s preferred timer.]](https://nats.modelaircraft.org/files/styles/large/public/2026-RCSoar-d8_11_1.jpg "Luke Waters was honored as Jon Garber’s preferred timer.]")
Luke Waters was honored as Jon Garber’s preferred timer.]
Scott Shaw with his Ultima 2 and Jason Cole.
Tom Skully and Mike Lachowski.
