[usa2003ardf] Team USA Finds Success in Slovakia

[Homingin at aol.com]

Members of the USA's Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) team are on the 
way home from the High Tatras of Slovakia, where they competed in the World 
ARDF Championships during the first week of September.  This was USA's third 
trip to the World Championships, which are held in even-numbered years at 
locations chosen by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).

Going up against more than 300 competitors from 28 other nations, Team USA 
came within two minutes of bringing home its first medal.  Nadia Mayeva from 
Mooresville, North Carolina took forth place in D35 category (women ages 35 
through 50) by finding all her required transmitters in 1:49:02.  She was 
edged out by Han Chunrong of China, who won the category bronze medal in 
1:47:20.

Gyuri Nagi KF6YKN of Maspeth, New York placed fifth out of 50 in the 
hotly-contested M40 (males ages 40 through 49) category.  Gyuri and his 
family had organized a one-week training camp for members of Team USA near 
Gyuri's native hometown in Hungary during the week before the championships.

Team USA co-captains were Dick Arnett WB4SUV of Erlanger, Kentucky and Bob 
Frey WA6EZV of Cincinnati, Ohio.  Karla Leach KC7BLA of Bozeman, Montana 
represented USA and IARU Region 2 on the International Jury overseeing the 
competitions.  Her assignment was Course Marshal at one of the foxes.

The twelve members chosen for this year's team reside in seven states.  All 
but one have participated in one or both of the USA's National Championships, 
held in Alberquerque in the summer of 2001 and near Atlanta in the spring of 
2002.

Many thanks to the ARRL Foundation and the Colvin Award Fund for providing 
the entry fees and in-country food/lodging/transportation expenses of the USA 
team.  Training expenses and domestic/international airfares were paid by the 
individual team members.

Complete results for all ARDF Team USA members plus more team information are 
now at <www.homingin.com>.  Photos will be posted there when available.  
Complete results for all entrants from all countries can be downloaded at 
<www.ardf.sk>

73,
Joe Moell K0OV
USA ARDF Coordinator
www.homingin.com