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Team Munson

As the Beast from the East was lowered onto the scale and the weight was revealed 4th largest all time. It was brought to my attention by the site coordinator Ron Wallace the the lifting team noticed the pumpkin was leaking from the bottom. At this point in time the SNGPG had the largest fruit 1,568#'s and the best top ten average 1,291#'s in the GPC. I did not see the leaking fruit as it went to the scale as I believe no other onlooker did either. It was put into further review by the lifting crew of the SNGPG. The pictures and media were finished before the pumpkin was pulled for further inspection by Ron Wallace and myself. This is my least favorite responsibility of my position but one I will execute with out prejudice when asked. After careful inspection with Steve present the call was made by Ron and I agreed, this was the most painful call I have ever been apart of but one that had to be made.

I will have alot of great memories from this past weekend but the one I will remember the most is the integrity for the sport the SNGPG showed. As I drove home and reflected on that day I had to wonder how many GPC sites would have done the same with so much on the line? I would like to think all would, it is not about looking the other way to take the easy road. The point here is there was far more to lose by accepting a bad fruit than any reward you could gain. The SNGPG showed all how much integrity means to them and I commend them for holding the values of the GPC up to the level we all need to.

Thank You SNGPG,
Dave Stelts

10/13/2008 10:13:17 AM

Dave, I too would like to think that all sites (GPC esp) would have done the honorable thing with a Dmg fruit no matter what the size at the scales.

All fruit at WI GPC events are physically inspected twice,,once when being taped and second the bottoms are checked on all fruit b4 hitting the scales as per our interpretation of GPC rules governing inspection guidelines.

A congrats to the SNGPC once again for showing the rest of us what a "big fruit" club can be in all respects.

Dan Bowles
Pres CWPG

10/13/2008 10:52:11 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

Great observations Dave. Well said!
Kudos to Mr. Connolly on your great attitude after what must have been an initially disappointing discovery(that your pumpkin was damaged).

10/13/2008 11:55:07 AM

Knopp, Germany

I could not agree more that this is a fantastic example of fairness in our AG world.

Thanks go out more to Steve then anyone else, because his AG should have been checked and tested before it hit the scale, not after it. He has accepted the result as a gentleman and a scholar and he shows great sportsmanship in doing so. Just think it Dave Stelts has to be at every weigh off.

Hat off to you Steve, a great AG, a fantastic ride, and hat off to Ron for speaking up, it was for sure not an easy thing to do.

10/13/2008 1:24:26 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Jerry Rose left the SOGPG weighoff just as disappointed when his fruit was declared exhibition only. He had a real beauty, though, and he is to be congratulated on what has been his best year ever.

Quinn walked away with top honors, with Mike Helberg and Robert Treadway second and third, respectively.

The initial buzz was that Jerry would challenge Dr. Bob's state record. Exhibition or not, it fell short. Jerry showed a lot of class and we hope that both he and Quinn will return next year.

10/13/2008 1:28:41 PM

Kalamazoo, MI ([email protected])

As the majority of us would probably agree, having a fruit be DQ'd is our worst nightmare. To get to the scale before knowing is undoubtably a horrible experience, one that growers hope they never face. I respect the integrity of everyone who had to make that tough call, and admire them for their positive attitudes. Their honesty, dedication, and teamwork are just a few of the many reasons they are among this sport's top growers. Thank you for setting an example we can all emulate, and congratulations again to Steve for his monster pumpkin!!

10/13/2008 4:25:01 PM

[email protected]

We were all broken hearted for Steve on Saturday.

Steve & I had actually discussed the difficulty in taping such a fruit in the patch & also the "creative license" the media had applied. The attention paid his pumpkin was awesome & not unwelcome.

It wasn't evident to me (or anyone else that I'm aware) that the soundness was in question until the Beast was being moved to the scale & the wind carried that tell-tale smell we all hate so much. I am so glad it wasn't me who probed. Old friends have a way of communicating bad news better than most.

While no one is ever pleased to have their fruit go down I never saw anyone handle the situation any better.

Steve, you're not only a world class grower but a class act. It is an honor to know you. All growers should be proud to be associated with such sportsmanship.

Steve

10/13/2008 7:36:24 PM

Sharon, MA

Overall it was a very nice Day at Frerichs. And the large audience really got into it. Great to have you there Dave, Steve (from the GPC), and all the SNGPG gang.
Can't wait till next year....
-Steve C.

10/14/2008 10:49:49 AM