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| The 2014 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge® Road Crew |
Everyone who’s run the course more than once is obsessed
with setting a new PR. It is our intent as the managers of this august, amateur
sports event to provide every Competitor with exactly the same setup, run after
run.
To the casual spectator, the little details go unnoticed.
But, to the veteran, they have an expectation that all the props are working
and exactly where they belong. From the moment that we take possession of the
paved surface that will be the focal point for the next several days, we’re
driven to optimize the playing field to the best advantage of all competitors.
This includes the orientation of East to West to eliminate
shadows and the grade that’s a part of every parking lot- that water has to run
off somewhere.
So, here’s a run down of the actual mechanics of how we
manage the event- from the perspective of almost a quarter of a century of
experience.
Each and every single square inch and prop on the racecourse
of the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge is the focal point of the setup and
event crew- as much as is humanly possible. Rain or shine.
We are physically limited on how fast we can run the next
set of competitors by the length of time it takes the referees to finish their
scorecard for each competitor and walking that form back to the start area at
the base of the tower. It averages out to 3:35. This is how we as a team, using
a host of volunteers, can reset the course for 200 competitors over a 5-hour
duration with very little problems - when we have enough of those volunteers to
assist and adhere to the disciplined routines.
The 135-foot walk (270 feet both ways) over 100 times adds up. That’s
closing in on 6 miles if you do the math.
Before and/or after every run, here are the critical tasks
that are performed to ensure consistency. Here’s a run down of tasks:
• Checking that the handrails are secured- and stay that way
• The 1¾” attack lines are replaced by matching the tape on
the hose to the marks on the course.
• Ensuring that the exact placement of the Lion hammer mat
• Turning the donut rolls 90-degrees so they do not strike
the landing overhangs
• Securing the lower hand rails to the tower vertical
uprights - (Cory McGee)
• Pulling down the bunker coat on the Rescue Randy
• Lubrication and cleaning of the Keiser props (50/50
denatured alcohol and water followed by DuPont Teflon) –
• Heating of the stainless steel Keiser trays to 110°- F
• Temperature controlled environment for warming the heads
of the hammers (between 80-degrees F min. to 108-degrees F max.)
• Preloading of the shot-filled sledge hammers with one (1)
solid strike to the end of the Keiser 160-pound I-beam
• Facing the preloaded hammer toward the mat, or outsides of
the course respectively, red & blue so that competitors know which side has
been treated
• Identification of exactly where the hammer rests at a predetermined
and replicable angle (11-degrees from plumb)
We all take huge pride in what we do for each and every competitor. All while attempting to maintain objectivity,
fairness and equality as you would wish for any person acting in the capacity
of officiating, which with a diverse and unique bunch of fire service
best-of-the-best representatives, is all worthwhile, exciting and fun; and we
all feel honored to serve.
The Scott Firefighter
Combat Challenge® Road Crew
Ron
Beckman, Ron Dove, Roger & Belinda Shuttlesworth, Kirk Tanner, Kofi Wallace,
Eugene McPeek, Dietmar Pushar, Mike Word & Amy Word, Mike Riley, Daniel
Pace, Michael DeGrandpre, Jim DeGrandpre, Todd & Melissa Shelton, Duane
& Amanda Breman, Brent Davis, John Tillett, John Grandby
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