- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
- Messages
- 2,170
I finally took time to call Jerry Betke and Lenard Skwiera to get their thoughts about the "Trophy". Jerry and I were both members of the Wolverine (Detriot) club when this award came into being, Len was a member of the Indy club at that time as well. Our recall of how it all came to be was that John Bridge and Bill LeFeber hatched the idea and through many phone conversations and discussions with IMPBA members around the country to determine the criteria the award was established. The 3 of us may be the only ones left who were in the room at the time when it was formulated and began. Len was the first awardee, given at the 1972 Internats in Flint, MI. From the outset with the given criteria the award gained great respect thru out the model boat racing community but it's prestige today is far greater because of the quantity and quality of the recipients that have received it.
One comment by Len, makes me think there are few loose ends that could make the award more complete. Lenard can't recall that he even had the "Trophy" for a year. My recall was that the awardee was to have his or her picture taken with it at the banquet and then the awardee received a frame picture later. Lenard doesn't have the picture but would dearly love a plaque like Stu received this year. My question to IMPBA members is this, can we continue this award where the "Trophy" is awarded and held for one year and then a plaque is given to the award winner to keep as a permanent memento of their tremendous accomplishment? Jerry, Lenard and I want to thank all those involved with the care, restoration and continuation of this great symbol of excellence!!!
Thanks, John
One comment by Len, makes me think there are few loose ends that could make the award more complete. Lenard can't recall that he even had the "Trophy" for a year. My recall was that the awardee was to have his or her picture taken with it at the banquet and then the awardee received a frame picture later. Lenard doesn't have the picture but would dearly love a plaque like Stu received this year. My question to IMPBA members is this, can we continue this award where the "Trophy" is awarded and held for one year and then a plaque is given to the award winner to keep as a permanent memento of their tremendous accomplishment? Jerry, Lenard and I want to thank all those involved with the care, restoration and continuation of this great symbol of excellence!!!
Thanks, John
