Ross Jahnke
By Skilly DeLoach
South winds came breezing through Muncie today, marking the halfway point of the Outdoor Free Flight Nats. From as early as ten o'clock in the morning, the sun beamed down, brewing what would later be some of the strongest thermals we’ve seen this week.
The wind was never over 10 mph. Picture-perfect gusts of 3-5 mph graced the field. It swung east and west, but never north. It was the perfect day for catapult gliders to soar through the air while staying in view. Many say today was the most exceptional flying day in Muncie in years.
The weather was only the beginning of the day’s positive streak. Impressive aeromodeling was everywhere, as competitors launched and chased their models as many times as they could, embracing the buoyant air.
One of the most ferociously competitive events of the day was E-36. Four Juniors embarked on the race for maxes. Oliver Dillon came in third place with 429 seconds. Paul Finn came in second with 655 seconds, and the national champion was Caleb Finn with 665 seconds (5 maxes).
On the Senior and Adult side of E-36, things heated up with all 19 competitors. The Seniors overestimated the thin air, flying and dropping maxes by the early afternoon. The Adults, however, were a force to be reckoned with. Max after max, there were three contenders for the gold: Don DeLoach, Bob Sowder, and Josh Finn. The three were chasing each other, but Don and Josh were ‘neighbors’ on the field– counting and comparing each other’s maxes. In the end, scores got into the quadruple digits: Bob Sowder finished in third with 1,272 seconds, Don DeLoach in second with 1,298 seconds, and Josh Finn with the gold and 1,680 seconds.
There were 13 flyers in F1B. With tying scores of 1,260 seconds, Ryan Jones and Adith Alagiri are scheduled for a flyoff tomorrow.
F1J was a competitive showcase. John Lorbecki won with 579 seconds, Hayden Ashworth was in second with 543 seconds, and Mike Fedor finished in third with 531 seconds.
More elite flying took place in ½A Classic Gas as Juniors, Seniors, and Adults chased a championship. Junior Caleb Finn won with 100 seconds. Senior Stephen Griggs took first with 301 seconds, and Dev Goda came in behind with 211 seconds. As for the adults, 13 flyers competed. Dan Berry was third (682 seconds), Ronnie Thompson was second (718 seconds), and the championship went to Bob Hanford (900 seconds).
It was a real battle in AMA B Gas today between the four competitors. Neal Mennano took third with 725 seconds, Ronnie Thomason in second with 813 seconds, and Jim Parker executed a victory with 975 seconds.
The catapult pen was bustling with activity all day. People gathered to watch their competition fly, judging each model and gust carefully. The atmosphere was lively, with excitement in the thermal-filled air. In the Junior category, first place was claimed by Caleb Finn with 139 seconds. Second place went to Oliver Dillon with 90 seconds, followed by John Mah-Gersting in third with 82 seconds. In the senior category, this writer took first with 397 seconds, not only earning the top spot but also setting a new senior record. Wes Reuter came in second with 201 seconds, and Dev Goda placed third with 158 seconds. In the adult division, Rocco Ferrario secured first place with 429 seconds, Kurt Krempetz earned second with 350 seconds, and Stan Buddenbohm rounded out the top three with 349 seconds.
Competitors showcased their skills under perfect flying conditions. As the Outdoor Free Flight NATS continues, anticipation builds for tomorrow's flyoffs and the remainder of the thrilling contest.
