The weather was cloudy with a cool constant breeze. This was great for the competitors but tough on the workers that did a lot of sitting. Over six inches of rain had fallen in the previous two days. Any low area was sure to be inundated with water and it was. There were no complaints about the wet feet as most understand that it comes with the sport. We actually had one competitor wait for his girlfriend at the last control so he could present her with a marriage proposal and a ring. He was distracted for a brief moment and she was so fast that she actually went right by him to the finish. He eventually caught up to her.

Brooksby is always a good beginner meet and draws well when the weather is good. It is one of the first meets of the spring and hopefully draws new members or increases numbers at future meets as they experience the orienteering thrill. There were 58 registrants at this meet. That number includes families. Certainly not all are new comers. We actually had three brave souls run the 9.9 km motala.

I do want to thank the AFJROTC from Peabody Veterans Memorial High School for their help. Eric Terlizzi as usually was dragged kicking and screaming to man the registration desk. His help was essential.