The good news was that a check of the timing watches after the event confirmed a discrepancy of 1:00 favoring the competitors. Nevertheless, the upper level courses again proved quite challenging at Rocky Woods with only 5 orienteers finishing in less than 100 min. CSU hotshots Will Hawkins and Ken Walker Jr. showed their mettle finishing close to the intended winning time of 65-70 min. on the Blue course. However, the combination of numerous controls, two big early climbs, and a course design stressing off-trail navigation through moderate undergrowth provided the necessary ingredients to slow the large majority of others. In response to early feedback, next year's event will be held still earlier in the Spring and will provide more opportunity for on-trail route selection.

Special congratulations are offered to Megan McCallion, a young visitor from Ireland who endured a prolonged wait at the start before posting the winning time on the White course. I will also recognize the accomplishments of Dennis Struble, Barb Bryant and Dave Yee, all of whom posted improved times despite the technically difficult courses. It is hoped that their experiences will motivate increased repeat participation at next year's event.

Once again, I extend my great appreciation to Donn Springer and to my family for assisting in hosting the event. Many thanks as well to Lindsey Tuominen and Mikkel Conradi, who mercifully offered to help pick up some of the more remote of the 52 controls. (Yes, perhaps your course setter should have shortened the courses when he exceeded the number of controls in the standard control box. :-) )

Hope to see you all again next year. The following times have been corrected for the timing discrepancy noted above.