I was at both 78 and 79 nats in Richmond. It is a very special memory for me. Lots of cool friends and adventures. Good competition. Fun jumps. In 8-way we teamed up with another team and did a sweet 16-way on the last round I think.
In 1972, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Pat Works created the "Godfrog Award". A symbol of "good vibes and good sportsmanship".
Each year, at USPA Nationals, the Godfrog is still awarded to the 10-way team that best displays these attributes. My team, Perris Xtreme 10, was awarded it in 2000.
I was at both 78 and 79 nats in Richmond. It is a very special memory for me. Lots of cool friends and adventures. Good competition. Fun jumps. In 8-way we teamed up with another team and did a sweet 16-way on the last round I think.
Hi Jeff
I peaked at your jump history page.
I can see why the 78-79 nationals were memorable for you
In 1971 or 72 the Godfrog award was given to Matt Farmer of the Kansas Homegrown at Zhills and lived at our house in Lawrence. I think we ate the mushroom that was glued to the middle of the base. Prety sure that Matt gave the award to the Texas guys the next year. Not too sure about the dates but not a doubt that we had it for a year.
In 1971 or 72 the Godfrog award was given to Matt Farmer of the Kansas Homegrown at Zhills and lived at our house in Lawrence. I think we ate the mushroom that was glued to the middle of the base. Prety sure that Matt gave the award to the Texas guys the next year. Not too sure about the dates but not a doubt that we had it for a year.
Must have been '72 (or later), that was the year Pat Works started it.
In 1971 or 72 the Godfrog award was given to Matt Farmer of the Kansas Homegrown at Zhills and lived at our house in Lawrence. I think we ate the mushroom that was glued to the middle of the base. Prety sure that Matt gave the award to the Texas guys the next year. Not too sure about the dates but not a doubt that we had it for a year.
Must have been '72 (or later), that was the year Pat Works started it.
I missed qualifying for Marana, AZ in '68 but went anyway. I got a chance to be part of the first ever sport jump from a C-46. The next year I competed, also at Marana. Roy Johnson won the men's division. In 1970, we moved to Plattsburgh, NY for a weather shortened event won by Clayton Schoelple. My memory is hazy after that (I'd have to check my logbooks) but I know I competed in two events at Talequah. It might have been 74-75 but I can't be sure.
'77 was my first nationals; I jumped with the BC-4 team. Tallaqua was an eye opener for me because I had only been jumping a year, but did have about 600 jumps.
Attached is the official pic of our 4-way team "Air Strike" at Richmond one year as published in Parachutist. We were out to win at all costs...
My first Nationals was 70 in Plattsburg.Competed in 4 Way which was the first RW Nationals and Our team ended up 4th. I think the cost back then was $105 for room and board and all your jumps. Competed in 71 in accuracy and also ran. Went back in 72 in 4 Way RW and was on the winning team. Again in 73 and we ended up in 4th that year. Also jumped on a throw together 10 way team as well and we also ran. Had a real good time though. Last Nationals was 79 and I was picked up the week before because one guy dropped out, it was pretty ugly, but did have a lot of fun.
'77 was my first nationals; I jumped with the BC-4 team. Tallaqua was an eye opener for me because I had only been jumping a year, but did have about 600 jumps.
Attached is the official pic of our 4-way team "Air Strike" at Richmond one year as published in Parachutist. We were out to win at all costs...
In 1971 or 72 the Godfrog award was given to Matt Farmer of the Kansas Homegrown at Zhills and lived at our house in Lawrence. I think we ate the mushroom that was glued to the middle of the base. Prety sure that Matt gave the award to the Texas guys the next year. Not too sure about the dates but not a doubt that we had it for a year.
Must have been '72 (or later), that was the year Pat Works started it.
At the '72 Z-Hillls Turkey Meet, there was a mass exit of 162 people and a frog. A record for a mass exit at the time. For people, not frogs. The frog was C.G. Godgrog. The spot was increadably bad. REALLY bad considering that the exit altitude was about 5,000 ft. C.G. got out and opened. He was last seen drifting into the swamps where it was rumoured that he set up his kingdom and may still reign there to this day.
'77 was my first nationals; I jumped with the BC-4 team. Tallaqua was an eye opener for me because I had only been jumping a year, but did have about 600 jumps.
Attached is the official pic of our 4-way team "Air Strike" at Richmond one year as published in Parachutist. We were out to win at all costs...
First National was 74-75 have competed in Style Accuracy, 4-way, 8-way and 10 way now am back to doing the classic events. Only missed a few thru the years. It just doesn't get any better than the Nationals. Good competition to get/keep the jucies going and visiting with old friends. Love it
'77 was my first nationals; I jumped with the BC-4 team. Tallaqua was an eye opener for me because I had only been jumping a year, but did have about 600 jumps.
Attached is the official pic of our 4-way team "Air Strike" at Richmond one year as published in Parachutist. We were out to win at all costs...
Is that Phil Smith standing left?
You're right, that is Phil; except to me he is Smitty, because I am Phil. That was a time when three of the best in Texas were Phil; very confusing when we had a "Philler" load...
'77 was my first nationals; I jumped with the BC-4 team. Tallaqua was an eye opener for me because I had only been jumping a year, but did have about 600 jumps.
Attached is the official pic of our 4-way team "Air Strike" at Richmond one year as published in Parachutist. We were out to win at all costs...
That is SO '70s
Here is a picture of the 1972 "Godfrogs" 4-way team. I see Marc Cohen from time to time, he works same place I do.
(This post was edited by kallend on Oct 10, 2009, 5:41 PM)
In 1971 or 72 the Godfrog award was given to Matt Farmer of the Kansas Homegrown at Zhills and lived at our house in Lawrence. I think we ate the mushroom that was glued to the middle of the base. Prety sure that Matt gave the award to the Texas guys the next year. Not too sure about the dates but not a doubt that we had it for a year.
Must have been '72 (or later), that was the year Pat Works started it.
At the '72 Z-Hillls Turkey Meet, there was a mass exit of 162 people and a frog. A record for a mass exit at the time. For people, not frogs. The frog was C.G. Godgrog. The spot was increadably bad. REALLY bad considering that the exit altitude was about 5,000 ft. C.G. got out and opened. He was last seen drifting into the swamps where it was rumoured that he set up his kingdom and may still reign there to this day.
That story (with picture) is on the site linked above.
you might want to ask Pat Works about the time myself and Sally Parsons stopped in Chicago to visit overnight....particularly if he still has the picture that I left on his camera that morning I left....he may post it, and with my blessings.... Tuna......
I remember that mass jump, we had found a wonderful ex military pilot, Jim Haerer(sp) who directed the various pilots in the proper technique for formation flying....I was flying the 196 that day....one helluva drop as I remember...
(This post was edited by lodestar on Oct 18, 2009, 5:05 PM)
Prety sure that Matt gave the award to the Texas guys the next year. Not too sure about the dates but not a doubt that we had it for a year. 
CG Rip Cord.jpg
