All:
I felt I should mention a few things here. I was the one who made the
announcement during the first heat on the North Course, not Mr. Sipe. He had
just been informed about :30 seconds prior to my announcement. I had been
told about it earlier, at around 9 AM. I went to my car and started
listening to NPR. Once I had some real details, I felt that "we" should know
and went to make the announcement.
I did contemplate waiting, but the rumors were starting to fly about, and I
thought it best to get some accurate information out. This has something to
do with the Forth Estate, etc., even though I'm not a journalist/reporter.
This wasn't just a normal deal. I know Steve and Mari Clements were affected
by the news, and for that I am sorry (and to anyone else). I acted in what I
thought was a proper course. These are extraordinary times, and those were
extraordinary events.
Yes, this Nationals will be an asterisk in the record, just for the simple
fact everyone had just three runs.
We can all look forward to six runs in 2002. I look forward to seeing all
1093 (and then some) in 2002.
Matt Murray
I am cross posting to various lists, since others may have the same
feelings. Please feel free to post to another list if you would like to. All
replies should got to the home domain below and a cc to the respective list
AND here. Thanks.
mattm@optonline.net <mailto:mattm@optonline.net>
Copyright 2001, Matthew D. Murray. Permission to reproduce these words
on the list explicitly granted.
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Hoelscher <mailto:stevehh@HiWAAY.net>
To: evolution-discussions@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:evolution-discussions@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2001 10:04 PM
Subject: RE: Re [evolution-disc.] Nat's index,
Andy Hollis wrote:
<< But most importantly, I believe that one factor that affected
people
more than
anything else was the mental condition. Most people just were not
themselves. Very few people really cared about the actual
competition so
much as being there with their friends for comfort. Sure, we all
tried to
focus but it just wasn't happening for a large number of the usual
contenders.>>
I must second Andy here. Tuesday, first heat, north course was a
one run
only deal. Because the course was so dirty and it was so cold the
first two
runs were pretty much worthless. By the third run the sun was up
some and
the line began to clean up. The problem was, halfway through the
third run
the WTC and Pentagon disasters were announced over the PA!!!. I was
sitting
in my car, only a couple of minutes from making my third run, and as
it
turns out the run that would decide the championship, when I heard
the
announcement. I was stunned. I don't remember driving from grid to
staging, I can only remember saying "Oh my God" over and over. I do
remember sitting at the line waiting for the starter to waive me off
and
feeling completely empty. No motivation, no desire, no focus. I do
remember making the run. Finally, the car had some grip, but I
still slowed
down a tenth. I couldn't concentrate at all. Perhaps if I had a
few more
minutes to gather my focus it would have made the difference, as it
was, the
timing of the announcement could not have been worse.
I am sure others had similar experiences. It was obvious throughout
the
rest of the event that the competitive spirit had been dampened.
In Impound after our heat as Mark Daddio and I were talking we both
agreed
it didn't matter any more. We weren't the only ones saying that
either.
How can anyone be expected to put out 100 percent effort with that
kind of
attitude?
And if that isn't enough proof that the people weren't as serious
this year,
how about this statistic: Only one protest was actually filed!!!
Steve Hoelscher
#127 DSP
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