This year was different. On Cameron’s first throw, he got what looked like respectable distance, and a very nice return. The official measurement: 118 meters! This was the first successful return of the tournament, and it would stand through all 5 rounds as the winning throw.

We weren’t able to be at the tournament for the second day so we only got in three rounds, but Ace and I didn’t do too shabby ourselves. Ace set a new personal best at 106 meters and I set new personal bests with throws of 89, 94, 100, and finally 107 meters. (Yes, my best beat Ace’s by 1 measly meter.) Not only did we all set personal bests, but we are finally in the “100 Meter Club”. Our results should be up on the LD website, www.baggressive.com soon.

At the end of the second round, Cameron, myself, and Ace were in first, second, and third. This drew some good-natured ribbing and threats of finding something in the by-laws against that kind of family collusion.

We all have to thank the tournament host, David Hirsch for sharing his LD boomerangs with us, and helping tune them between throws. Thanks, David!

Since neither Cameron, myself, or Ace had ever thrown over 100 meters before, we were classified as “Intermediate” competitors. So not only was Cameron the Tournament Champion, he was also the Intermediate Champion. Ace was the Junior Champion, though there were only 2 juniors entered.

There was other excitement too. We had a storm blow in and cause a rain delay. I needed a break at that point, because I had worn myself out by chasing my wind-blown golf umbrella clear off the campus and into an apartment complex across the street. There was a also scary moment when one of my throws hit a range spotter, slicing his pinky finger to the bone. Glad to hear you’re OK, Larry!

I didn’t have my good camera out much, but I did take a few phone-camera shots. A small gallery is available here.

Here’s something I had heard about, but just now found. I don’t know how long this link will remain active, but there’s a pre-tournament news spot video on WFAA’s site here: http://www.wfaa.com/video/?z=y&nvid=253881

Here are the full final results:

• Cameron Kelsey - 118m
• Tom Wythes - 116m
• Joe Rader - 116m
• Dennis “Juice” Joyce - 112m
• Bruce Armstrong - 107m
• Ace Armstrong - 106m
• David Hirsch - 98m
• Stuart Jones - 98m
• Mark Wolff - 90m
• Larry Burns - 86m
• Bob Rudy - 86m
• Roy Dempsey - 86m
• Barry Burns - 72m
• Walter Owens - 59m
• Xee Rader - 50m

I’m really digging the new irons. Definitely easier to hit and more forgiving of off-center strikes. My next purchase will probably be a R7 Draw Rescue 4 Hybrid to replace the 4 iron that came with the set.

My full kit is now as follows:

• TaylorMade R7 Draw irons (4-SW)
• TaylorMade R7 Draw Rescue 3 Hybrid
• TaylorMade V Steel fairway woods: 3, 5, and 7
• Orlimar Arctic Chillzone* Cart Bag
• Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Blade Putter
• Mizuno T-Zoid T3 Titanium 9.5° Driver
• Short Game System 60° “High Wedge”
• Whatever balls I found in the woods last time I played

*aka the “Beer Smuggling System”

This is a “How Boomerangs Work” video from the perspective of a 3rd grader. The video discusses some boomerang flight science, shows construction, throwing, and catching.

This video was done for Holly’s 3rd grade science class and was so well-received that it was shown to all the other classes as well.

And here’s the video: 

Holly’s second event was the high jump, and this didn’t go as well for her. She failed to clear the opening height in 3 attempts. She hadn’t had much practice, and hopefully will get a chance to do better next time.

Her final event was the 400 meter run (one lap around the track). She says that by this time her feet were nearly frozen solid. She was assigned the outside lane, meaning the staggered start had her way out in front early in the race. I warned Michelle that it’d look like the others were catching her quickly as they made the final turns. Holly took off like a shot, though she looked a little stiff from the cold. It turns out that she took off too fast, not having enough experience to get the pacing right. Holly looked like she had the proverbial monkey on her back after about 2/3 of the lap. Though the other girls were trying to make up the stagger, Holly was able to hold off all but one of them. She finished 2nd in her heat and 5th overall. It was the first time she had ever run that race and I’m sure she’ll improve tremendously with experience.

Despite the cold, she enjoyed herself lots. She didn’t know she’d be hearing her name cheered by so many people in the stands, but I think she liked it. I for one, can’t wait for next week’s meet.