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Location

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Date Posted

Joliet, IL

i would like to say congrats to gene mcmullen on such a fine year of growing giant pumpkins here in illinois. gene has had 3 seasons in a row with 1500+ lbs estimate pumpkins going down right before the weigh offs. this year it was the day before the weigh off, but i am still glad he got an official damaged weight at milwaukee at 1544 lbs.

if that fruit stayed together, gene would have reached the 4000 pound club with gpc weights of 1544 dmg, 1253, and 1227 totalling 4024 lbs. he also grew a 1004 pounder to boot.

when tragedy hits, gene takes it on the chin and never misses a beat, and continues to be the cornerstone of giant pumpkin growing in illinois. he has mentored many new growers in illinois into growing big, and is as good as an ambassador to this hobby that i have ever met. he has been telling us all here in illinois, "it is what it is" for many years now and i just wanted to say thank you and it is an honor to have you as a fellow competitor and a friend year in and year out. congrats gene on an awesome season!!!!!

10/11/2009 5:28:19 PM

Roselle, IL [email protected]

I will second that.He is extremely modest about his accomplishments. A fierce competitor who has been kicking our asses for years. Hats off Gene on a great year!

10/11/2009 5:38:13 PM

Griffith, In

I am from the Indiana side, but I agree,,,Gene is a terriffic guy and has handled the cards he has been dealt with alot of class,,,GREAT JOB GENE!!!!!!!!!!!!

10/11/2009 8:03:08 PM

I agree totally, Gene has visited my patch and now we have the opportunity to weigh some fruit together. A great competitor with all the right attitudes someone we can all learn from.

I had the chance to meet his wife this weekend, now I know one of his best secrets. She rode to a weigh off in less than pleasant weather and every time I saw her she was smiling or laughing.

10/11/2009 8:51:42 PM

Decatur, IL

I'll fifth that, or whatever we're up to! Gene's been an inspiration to me. I've been ready to give up a couple of times, but Gene has convinced me to keep plugging away. I still need to find another patch, but whether it's one, five or ten years from now, I'll keep at it till I get it right!
Congrats Gene!! Nice guys do finish first most of the time!!!

10/11/2009 9:06:52 PM

Woodridge, Illinois

Gene is a class act all the way! One of the nicest, most down to earth people you will ever meet. Always humble in success, and always smiling, even through heartbreak. His wife Sandy certainly deserves some credit as well. She has been there to support Gene at weigh-offs the past 2 weekends, fresh off foot surgery! (on top of all the crazy stuff we pumpkin growers put our spouses through during the growing season). I'm proud to call them my friends.
1544 + 1263 + 1227 + 1004 = 5038 or 1259.5 average! I know Gene will say "it is what it is", but tell me that's not a major accomplishment! Keep it up Gene!

10/11/2009 11:38:05 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Nice Job Gene!

10/12/2009 10:54:44 AM

Midwest

Gene is always generous with those who ask for advise and with seeds from his almost-famous 1119. He is a mentor and friend and keeps his chin up when the things are falling around him. I appreciate the time he took to show me around his patch last month. I agree, class act all the way!

10/12/2009 1:50:20 PM

Midwest

I want to clarify, Gene's 1119 is plain and simply famous and a great seed.

10/12/2009 1:52:41 PM

Philippines

Great job gene....I've been reading your post and you did great..


brianI
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10/21/2009 8:19:47 AM