I suppose it is my turn.
It was a grand day of renewing acquaintances and friendships and engaging in an activity we who participated value and enjoy.
The conditions last year were bad. This year they were worse. The only consolation was that the wind was blowing strong into the left side of our backs and not constantly changing direction.
For the sake of comparison the highest score in the accuracy segment last year was Derek and another caster tied at 2400 points.
I was the next to last competitor and I felt I knew who was my closest competition. Having observed a good part of Eric's (Stenonema) performance on the accuracy course I figured he scored very well. I was really tempted to ask him how he scored and then I settled into the mindset that no other competitor's score matters: what matters is how well I score.
When I was casting for accuracy score I really didn't feel I scored well; however, I couldn't see where my fly landed in the grass at the 50' and 60' targets. Derek, along with some of the judges and others, informed me I did well. It was after I completed the distance segment that I discovered Eric and I tied at 2600. At the time I considered this a very good score, especially considering the conditions.
When I stepped into the box to cast for distance I set my mind to strive for only one thing: keep at least 2 casts within the 10' wide lane. I knew this wouldn't be easy with such a strong wind. I chose to focus on keeping casts in bounds rather than going for maximum distance.
My first cast wwaaayy out of bounds to the right. It was a test cast. My second cast was also out of bounds to right, just not nearly as much as the first. Now I have to casts remaining. Pressure is on!
My strategy was to present my cast right along the left boundary line in hope that the wind would carry it further into the lane for a score. Fortunately, the strategy worked: two casts that scored. I must confess that I was a bit surprised that my casts reached as far as they did. I really didn't expect to reach 100' in those conditions. Perhaps I had a little divine help there (and in the accuracy segment, as well). Of course, I accept any legitimate help I can get...from any source.
Yes, I was in 1st place for a short time. No, it didn't last very long. Yes, I was first in distance and Derek was first in accuracy. And, yes, Derek was first in total score. A score of 3200 in the accuracy segment is, to me, an incredible score which means that Derek performed far beyond what I would have expected from any of the competitors.
Having had the privilege to work with Derek and help him rise up to the level he's at today means that, for me, I shared in his win. The saying goes that the sign of a good teacher is when the student can outperform the teacher. Derek did that. Too, if you consider this year's scores, it indicates some serious work on the part of the competitors. That only raises the value of Derek's achievement.
There's far more to the day's story than what I've included here. Maybe someday I'll be able to elaborate, just not now.
I'd like to say an incredibly big THANK YOU to all who had a part in pulling this off. That includes not only T.U. and FFF, but also Bass Pro Shops for their significant contribution.
We'd really like to see more participation in this event. I've been to casting competitions where I've experienced a lot of noses in the air, if you get my drift; however, I have not experienced any of this at this event. It is a bunch of great people having a great time. I believe there are some of you who may have an interest in participating. To you I say "Just do it."
