What a great thread!  My addiction to pattern came back in 1995 or 1996.  Jevan Fitzsimmons flew at the Muroc Model Club and introduced me to pattern.  At that time I had no money and was into "Penny Pinching Pylon" using House of Balsa T-6 Texans.  I sport flew a Quickee 500 and Jevan talked me into entering my first contest with the Quickee and helped coach me.  In return he promised to attend pylon races with me.  We became good friends and flew together often. Awesome times.  I clearly remember my first big contest at Mile Square Park where Tony Frackowiak not only won, but completely dominated.  Always enjoyed watching him fly and admired the skill he had.  At the time I remember him coaching a young kid (Kenny Lauter) who always flew against Jevan and frustrated the crap out of him because that little 12 year old was so dang good!!!  Then life got busy and I got out of the hobby until the middle of last year.  <div>
</div><div>Now I am so lucky to have Tony coaching me.  It's crazy!!  He spends more time than I would with me!!  Lol...  He has helped share his knowledge of trimming an aircraft with me, taught me excellent methods for setting throws, optimizing my radio, optimizing my control surfaces, and making the most of whatever model I fly.  But the most impressive thing is the way he has encouraged my son.  He fixed my sons ducted fan jet, and brought his Mig out to the field along with my sons newly repaired F-86 to simulate combat and just fly around having a blast in the process.  My son talks about it all the time.  This hobby has allowed me to connect with my son in an amazing way and Tony has been a tremendous influence on us both.  It is so great to have someone with his experience to not only help me, but encourage us both in this great hobby!  So I gotta say Tony is definitely a pattern hero of mine, as well as Jevan.  I really do miss my flying buddy Jevan, and have also enjoyed reconnecting with his brother Chris.  I will be involved with pattern for a long time to come and look forward to all the upcoming contests and new friends I have made along the way!!  Thank you Tony, Jevan and Chris!!</div>