2002 US ARDF Champs By Sam Smith The US ARDF Champs were held at FDR State Park in Pine Mt. April 19, 20, 21. 25 competitors were present from CA, OR, NM, TX, AR, OH, IL, KY, NY, VA, NC, FL, AL, and GA. We also had foreign competitors from Japan and Russia who are living and working in the US. Our volunteers came from both the Amateur radio community and the orienteering club. Our special guests were Sandy W4RU, the ARRL SE region Vice-director, Suzan AF4FO, the ARRL Georgia Section Manager, Joe Moell KO0V, the ARRL ARDF Coordinator, and Dale Hunt WB6BYU, the IARU Region 2 ARDF Coordinator. Several members of the BGMRC were actively involved in this years US ARDF Championships. Laurie KG4FDM - meet director, Sam N4MAP - course setter, Sam KD4SHK - volunteer, Charlie KO4NO - volunteer and competitor. Also present were Mike Swiderski and Steve Reynolds the Metro Atlanta DEC. We had practice events and a picnic on Friday, followed by the VHF competition on Saturday and the HF competition on Sunday. There was a dinner on Saturday held at a local senior center and catered by a local church. The awards ceremony was Sunday afternoon. The courses were difficult, as they should be for the US Champs. Georgia took home 5 gold medals. I am pleased to announce that Charlie KO4NO won gold in the VHF and HF competitions in the M50-60 age group. Charlie beat 3 US team members by a wide margin both days. He is now eligible to be on the US team and travel to the World Championships in Slovakia in the fall. The BGMRC can be very proud of it's representation in this event. For full details, visit the Georgia Orienteering Club web site at: http://www.gaorienteering.org 73 Sam N4MAP