IF CHAMPION LOFT 2014 OLD Bird Awards

I.F. CHAMPION LOFT
2014 OLD Bird Awards
Name / Loft
Club/Combine
SkyTalk
2015
Points
5-25 Lofts
John Glemser/Glemser Loft
Robert Pascone/Presto Robert Sterner/Sterners Loft
Khalid Yahya
Zkubal-Zak
Lou Palinkas
Jonathan Spodnick/Lordship Loft
Roy Ritter
South Jersey Club
Perth Amboy RPC Turbotville Area Racing Club
Lansing Homing Pigeon Club
Long Island Combine Mingo West
Valley Racing Pigeon Club
Mingo West .9770
.9749
.9741
.9740
.9688
.9668
.9626
.9313
26-75 Lofts
Robert Bankard
Dave Urnek/Dr. Dave
Kevin & Tim Williams/Never Happen & Tim
Roy Ritter
Lou Palinkas
United Pigeon Combine
Greater Boston Concourse
Greater Boston Concourse
Suburban Combine
Suburban Combine
.9845
.9809
.9735
.9527
.9353
151-300 Lofts
Joao Ricoca
Augusto Barbosa
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft
Central Jersey Combine Central Jersey Combine Central Jersey Combine (GE Club) Central Jersey Combine (OLC Club)
.9906
.9846
.9796
.9655
Old Bird Champion Loft Results Compiled and Submitted by: Walter Cichon
Official I.F. Embroidered Hats
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To order your I.F. Hat today, send your check or money
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SkyTalk 2015 — 25
I.F. CHAMPION LOFT
2014 YOUNG Bird Awards
Name / Loft
Club/Combine
SkyTalk
2015
Points
5-25 Lofts
Bill Larkin
Jack Marziliano/Diamond/M&J
Frank Taranto Sr. & Jr.
Mike Bamrick
Joe Jones
Robert Sterner
Frank Taranto Sr. & Jr.
Walter Cichon/Walter Cichon & Son
Wiktor Gontowicz
Islip HPC Northern Long Island Club West Side Homing Club Queen City Pigeon Club Hanover Homing Pigeon Club
Turbotville Area Racing Club Paterson Homing Club Lindenhurst HPC Viola Club
.9746
.9708
.9669
.9625
.9620
.9611
.9581
.9567
.9214
26-75 Lofts
Joe Jones
United Pigeon Combine
.9591
75-150 Lofts
Bill Larkin
Jack Marziliano/Diamond/M&J Walter Cichon/Walter Cichon & Son
Long Island Combine
Long Island Combine
Long Island Combine
.9671
.9594
.9215
151-300 Lofts
Tim Kasharian/Shiloh Loft
John A. Kasharian/J Kash Roofing
John C. Kasharian/Kash’s Farm
Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft
Central Jersey Combine
Central Jersey Combine
Central Jersey Combine
Central Jersey Combine
.9669
.9635
.9622
.9620
Young Bird Champion Loft Results Compiled and Submitted by: Walter Cichon
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SkyTalk 2015 — 27
SkyTalk
2015
Pos
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
I.F. HALL OF FAME
2014 OLD Bird Awards
Band Number
IF 12 EPR 1967
IF 11 LM 1532
IF 13 PA 1915
IF 13 BUFFALO 210 AU 11 ARPU 24972
IF 12 MH 2911
IF 09 TAR 8744
IF 12 TAR 2042
AU 12 ARPU 74638
AU 13 BIG5 181
AU 13 BIG5 218
IF 13 PAOF 3324
IF 12 VIOC 2420
IF 13 VIOC 497
AU 12 HRPC 1162
IF 12 VIOC 2404
AU 13 HRPC 1168
AU 12 BLESS 190
AU 13 HRPC 1200
AU 13 BLESS 171
AU 12 HRPC 1300
IF 12 GEF 100
IF 12 PA 7410
IF 11 NHF 2488
IF 13 GE 1059
IF 10 VIO 2733
IF 12 VIO 1662
IF 13 PA 1915
IF 13 PA 749
IF 13 PA 757
IF 10 VIO 2710
IF 13 GE 1079
IF 11 VIO 2262
IF 13 PA 712
IF 12 PA 7429
IF 13 GE 1091
IF 13 PA 756
Name
Points
5-25 Lofts
John Hoffman/Twin Loft - Baltimore, MD
Khalid H. Yahya - Dewitt, MI Robert Reidy - Rumson, NJ Thomas A. Kowalczyk - West Seneca, NY
John Glemser - Blenhiem, NJ
Roy Ritter - New Tripoli, PA
Robert Sterner - Sunbury, PA
Robert Sterner - Sunbury, PA
26-75 Lofts
Reinaldo Rodriguez/Twin Loft - Hialeah, FL
Reinaldo Rodriguez/Twin Loft - Hialeah, FL
Reinaldo Rodriguez/Twin Loft - Hialeah, FL
Zenon Skubal - Zak - Brooklyn, NY
Zenon Skubal - Zak - Brooklyn, NY
Zenon Skubal - Zak - Brooklyn, NY
Reinaldo Rodriguez/Twin Loft - Hialeah, FL
Zenon Skubal - Zak - Brooklyn, NY Reinaldo Rodriguez/Twin Loft - Hialeah, FL
Reinaldo Rodriguez/Twin Loft - Hialeah, FL
Reinaldo Rodriguez/Twin Loft - Hialeah, FL
Reinaldo Rodriguez/Twin Loft - Hialeah, FL
Reinaldo Rodriguez/Twin Loft - Hialeah, FL
151-300 Lofts
Augusto Barbosa - Linden, NJ Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Joao Ricoca - Rosele, NJ Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Robert Reidy - Rumson, NJ Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
Michael Mantagas/Brothers Loft - Colonia, NJ
2014 Old Bird Awards Compiled and Submitted by: Walter Cichon
191.94
187.42
174.34
172.66
166.44
162.15
160.00
156.23
322.63
307.49
300.97
299.78
296.27
293.19
280.46
276.75
251.52
241.83
181.55
172.72
134.34
600.92
565.93
535.24
521.30
475.69
439.68
428.60
399.49
366.66
329.27
326.58
307.89
304.65
253.19
215.90
211.52
SkyTalk
2015
Pos
I.F. HALL OF FAME
2014 YOUNG Bird Awards
Band Number
Name
Points
5-25 Lofts
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
IF 14 LIN 947
IF 14 SLI 375
IF 14 LIN 904
IF 14 LCM 2024
IF 14 LIN 954
IF 14 LBRA 1060
AU 14 VITA KING 5657
AU 14 WVB 2244
IF 14 TAR 4944
Bill Larkin - Oakdale, NY Jack Marziliano/Diamond/M&J - Holbrook, NY Bill Larkin - Oakdale, NY Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ Bill Larkin - Oakdale, NY Walter Cichon/Walter Cichon & Son - West Islip, NY
Robbie J. Whaley/Do Drop In Loft - Marshville, NC
Tom San Antonio/Alamo Loft - Fairmont, WV
Robert Sterner - Sunbury, PA 183.33
176.96
174.64
171.87
166.02
163.92
163.55
161.74
155.54
26-75 Lofts
1.
2.
3.
IF 14 NHF 1507
IF 14 NHF 1513
IF 14 BQC 212
Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ Wiktor Gontowicz/Wiktor Loft - Brooklyn, NY
277.53
248.12
91.04
75-150 Lofts
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
IF 14 NHF 1503
IF 14 LIN 904
IF 14 SVN 907
IF 14 NHF 1514
IF 14 LBRA 1060
Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ Bill Larkin - Oakdale, NY Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ Walter Cichon/Walter Cichon & Son - West Islip, NY
420.69
378.09
367.03
308.14
250.17
151-300 Lofts
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
IF 14 NHF 1587
IF 14 LCM 2057
IF 14 SCO 218
IF 14 LCM 2024
IF 14 NHCF 440
IF 14 NHF 1592
IF 14 NHF 1535
IF 14 NWJ 1355
IF 14 LCM 2044
IF 14 LCM 2028
IF 14 NHCF 434
IF 14 SCO 204
IF 14 POLI 20
IF 14 NWJ 423
IF 14 SCO 202
IF 14 MN 970
John A. Kasharian/ J Kash Roofing - Hackettstown, NJ
John A. Kasharian/ J Kash Roofing - Hackettstown, NJ
Tim Kasharian/Shiloh Loft - Blairstown, NJ Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ John C. Kasharian/Kash’s Farm - Hackettstown, NJ John A. Kasharian/ J Kash Roofing - Hackettstown, NJ
Tim Kasharian/Shiloh Loft - Blairstown, NJ Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ John C. Kasharian/Kash’s Farm - Hackettstown, NJ Al Kasharian/Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ John C. Kasharian/Kash’s Farm - Hackettstown, NJ John C. Kasharian/Kash’s Farm - Hackettstown, NJ John A. Kasharian/ J Kash Roofing - Hackettstown, NJ
Tim Kasharian/Shiloh Loft - Blairstown, NJ John C. Kasharian/Kash’s Farm - Hackettstown, NJ Diane Kasharian/Hope View - Blairstown, NJ 2014 Young Bird Awards Compiled and Submitted by: Walter Cichon
535.66
531.38
525.65
514.77
489.73
466.89
450.48
408.59
404.14
401.32
399.50
397.08
389.25
326.66
311.35
254.53
SkyTalk
2015
I.F. SPEED RECORDS
Young & Old Birds
2014
2014 IF SPEED RECORDS (as of 12/1/14)
Distance
Speed-YPM
City
Date
Flyer
9/05/10
10/17/10
10/17/10
11/5/04
10/29/06
11/10/12
11/8/03
Lou Palinkas
Tony Schlacter
Hans Steiner
Steve Jenkins
Richard D’Antonio
Tony Smith
Thomas Baldwin Jr.
YOUNG BIRDS
50-100
100-150
150-200
200-250
250-300
300-350
350-400
400-450
450-500
550-Plus
1664.910
1729.853
1802.597
2040.403
2395.390
2201.809
1749.117
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
Bethlehem, Pa
New Tripoli, Pa
Port Murray, NJ
Norfolk, Virginia
Staten Island
Sand Springs, Ok
Richlands, NC
OLD BIRDS
50-100
100-150
150-200
200-250
250-300
300-350
350-400
400-450
450-500
500-550
550-600
600-650
650-700
700-750
750-800
800-850
850-900
900-950
950-1000
1050-1100
-Plus
2030.946
2240.052
2156.414
2142.249
2385.126
1864.522
2117.554
2121.359
1894.234
1941.378
1504.980
1746.491
972.679
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
Clinton, MO
Mocksville, NC
Kimberly, ID
Martinsville, VA
Bay Shore, NY
Swansea, Ma.
Emmaus, Pa..
Oklahoma City, OK
Leland, NC
Sand Springs, Ok
Landenberg, Pa
Sand Springs, OK
Leland, NC
5/8/04
3/29/09
4/12/03
3/28/09
5/08/10
5/22/06
6/2/12
4/27/02
4/24/05
5/25/10
6/20/09
6/12/10
5/8/11
Harold Baugh
Warren Werbeck
Rick Post
Renee Kennedy
Joe McAllister.
John Doyle
Roy Ritter
Burt Steward
Richard Clark
Tony Smith
Tom Swan
Tony Smith
Richard Clark
Speed Records Results Compiled and Submitted by: Beverly Gottlieb
TO BE INCLUDED IN THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AMERICAN HOMING PIGEON FANCIERS, INC.
SPEED RECORDS — YOU MUST BE A MEMBER AND SUBMIT IN WRITING THE SPEED, ALONG WITH VERIFICATION,
TO THE SPEED RECORDS CHAIRMAN. SPEED RECORDS FORMS ARE ON THE IF WEBSITE.
*NOTE AS OF December 1, 2014 (Dead Line-Post Mark date) All records to date!
SkyTalk
2015
Reg#
1999-001
1999-002
1999-003
1999-004
1999-005
1999-006
1999-007
1999-008
2001-001
2002-001
2002-002
2003-002
2003-003
2004-001
2005-001
2005-002
2006-001
2006-002
2006-003
2006-004
2006-005
2007-001
2007-002
2007-003
2008-001
2008-002
2008-003
2008-004
2008-005
2009-001
2009-002
2009-003
2009-004
2010-001
2010-002
2010-003
2010-004
2010-005
2010-006
2010-007
Registered Champions Results
1999–2014
Band#
IF 97NHF3310
IF 95SMR0787 IF 92 RPC0658
AU 93FVC6330 AU 88SAV946 IF 97SCHE2509 AU 96TFCF1077 AU 97TFCF0968 IF 2000GIC886 IF 00GIC194 IF 94NWJ923 IF 003026 IF 03COPC127 IF 00HRP1081 IF 02MRPC2413 IF 98RPR113 AU 00GNCC0242
IF 02DRP104 IF LKY 858 IF 02ACA556 IF 02DIL045 I.F.-01-WBC-1070
I.F. -05-PAF-5538
AU-02-AMR-2191
AU-07-TL-20
IF-07-Purgrain 1280
IF-04-ECC-1723
AU-06-GHC-1251
IF-04-CCC-1796
AU-06-RI-6661
IF-06-Scholar-1606
IF-06-Scholar-100
IF-06-ACC-6143
AU-06-TOR-6070
AU-07-TOR-7003
IF-07-I-17520
IF-06-CCC-2079
IF-06-JMP-1518
IF-06-WTCM-1994
IF-03-CCC-1580
CLR/Sex
BC/C
B.Pen/C
BB/C
BC/C
BB/H
BB/H
BB/H
BB/C
BB/H
BC/H
BB/H
BB/C
BC/H
DC/H
BB/H
BWF/C
BB/H
BB/C
BB/C
BB/H
BC/C
BC/C
BB/H
BB/H
BC/C
DC/C
BB/C
BB/C
BB/C
BB/C
DCWF/C
BB/C
BB/C
BB/C
Name
Hooker
The Terror
Savannah #2509 #1077 #0968 Blue Supreme
Perfect Lady
Home Alone Jack
Skydancer
Andiamo
SUPER 20
Miss Consistent
Blue Ridge Blue
Zoltan
#100
Cash Dollar
Orgasm
Lamariposa
Gtodziua
Alfred
Hercules
Tarbaby
Owner
Lou Bernadone
Al Smith
John Stauffer
John Stauffer
Ron & Bev Liszcz
David Reynaldo
Mike Bennetch
Mike Bennetch
Jose & Reinaldo
Alex Cornella
Laura J. Famularo
Tom Baldwin
Steve Jenkins
Everett & Renee Kennedy
George Kriegbaaum
Patrick Motley
Patrick Motley
Simeon Parker
Harvey R. Moore
Marshall Davis
George Kriegbaum
Mike Romano
Wesley Prelewicz
R.Rodriguez
Art Jenkins
Patrick Motley
Allan Frampton
Robert Bankard
Bob Kell
Paul Walsh
Paul Walsh
Paul Walsh
Ray Torres
Ray Torres
Bernie Gutowski
Robert Bankard
Mike Mantagas
Ray Torres
Robert Bankard
SkyTalk
2015
Registered Champions Results 1999-2014 (Continued)
Reg#
Band#
CLR/Sex
2012-001
2012-002
2012-003
2013-001
2013-002
2013-003
2013-004
2013-005
2014-001
2014-002
2014-003
2014-004
IF 08-CCC-2464 IF-09-TAR- 8775 IF-10-SOJ-4276 AU-10-BLG-41
IF-JMP-05-1705
AU-04-PigeonBid-0184
IF-11-WTCM-1752
IF-09-TAR-8726
IF-10-VIOC-2710
IF-12-PA-7410
IF-09-TAR-8744
IF-11-CM-1532
BB/C
BB/H
BB/C
BB/H
BB/C
BC/C
BBWF/H
DCWF/H
BB/C
BB/H
RC/H
RC/C
Name
Misty Blue
Johnny Boy
#1705
#0184
Jewel
Little One
Mickey
Gloria
Little Miss Annie
Red Magic
Owner
Robert Bankard
Robert Sterner
John Glemser
Simeon Parker
Mike Mantaga
Mike Mantaga
John Minnuie
Robert Sterner
Mike Mantaga
Mike Mantaga
Robert Sterner
Khalid Yahya
Results Compiled and Submitted by: James Walker
l
MATTHEW REILLY
l
It is with deep regret that I inform the pigeon world of the passing of Matt Reilly on June 3, 2014 after battling
several health issues in the last several months.
Matt was born in 1938 and made his living as a surveyor for a construction company until his retirement. He flew
pigeons in Elmont, L.I. NY under the “Elmont Loft” banner for well over 50 years. Matt was a tremendous pigeon
flier, having won more club, combine, futurity and derby races then probably most anyone in the NY area, but he
also served the sport of pigeon flying, he was always willing to get involved whenever there was a need. He was the
best liberator that the Long Island combine ever had for a very, very long time, always liberated with the best
interest of the birds. Matt always fought for what would be best for the pigeons. He would get into heated
arguments at meetings over pigeon issues but never made it personal. You never had to wonder how he felt about
an issue that was discussed because he never was afraid to speak his mind, and generally it was always for the best,
that will be sorrowfully missed.
Not only was he involved locally, he also was involved nationally, as he was the IF President from 1989 to 1995
and has since been an IF Trustee until the time of his passing.
Matt enjoyed attending all pigeon functions, always attending every IF Convention year after year with his wife
Alice and will be missed tremendously as no convention was complete unless Matt was seen sitting chatting with
a group of friends from various parts of the country. He also supported every local auction
that was held in the NY area buying pigeons he didn’t need.
To Alice, his children and grand children, the members of the East Meadow H.P.C.
extend their deepest condolences. Matt will be greatly missed by all. Personally, I will
forever miss my very special friend and training partner. May you rest in peace Matt.
Richard Smith,
President EMC & IF
SkyTalk 2015 — 29
SkyTalk
2015
HHHHHHH
2014 I.F. SCHOLARSHIP
1ST PLACE
$1,000
WINNER
Andrew Thomas Browsky
Deerfield, MA
Grade 12 - Frontier Regional High School
IF Member: Myself, as well as my grandfather
Thomas (Tim) Tessier, Leader of Northwest
Junior Flyers.
Generations of Flight
My grandfather and I have always been as close from the time I was a little kid. He’s the type of guy who gets
along with just about everybody and will always leave you with a smile on your face. He has not only been
MY role model, but that to many kids and adults as the leader and founder of Northwest Junior Flyers Pigeon
Club. From a young age he has always brought my brother and I to his Friday night gatherings at the local
snowmobile club where the club meets, whether it being meetings or the auctions. In the early stages of flight
I got enrolled in his club officially as well as the International Federation of American Homing Pigeons. My
Grandfather has helped me to evolve assimilate into the ways of a pigeon member and I now have many birds
myself who fly one hundred to five hundred miles. Never could have I even dreamt of a better mentor and
friend to help me fly and succeed.
Not only do I race homing pigeons I also race motocross, which is a high intensity sport built on focus and
stamina. Every racer knows the adrenaline rush they feel is what keeps them coming back every weekend. I
carry that same feeling in a different way over to racing homing pigeons. Some of the best memories of my
life have been the sleepless nights of shipping the birds and that fast heart beat in bed when your mind will
not settle. To go along with that feeling is the pride and confidence you have that your birds can win this
race. The second I see them circling to finally touch down on the coup with a few quick calls, it’s like I just
crossed the finish line in my race. Unaware with how their times matched up yet, a spike of adrenaline alike
the one I often feel on my dirt bike fills my heart.
My grandfather is one of many great people I have taken the journey of racing with. The people associated
with our club are all amazing, kind-hearted folks who would give you the shirt off their back. Growing up
with people like this has taught me to have a mature look on life. I feel this way because they have taught
me to focus more of my energy on things that matter like school work, working hard to make a dollar and
enjoying the finer things like racing with these incredible birds few know of. I am proud of the young adult
I have become and writing this paper makes me reflect heavily on the great experiences I have been through,
people I have met, and the feelings I have poured into the sport throughout my years. I always hope to be a
part of the great community involved in homing pigeons especially my second family in the Northwest Junior
Flyers. My grandfather brought me into something that, as a young kid thought was a cool opportunity to
pet soft, pretty colored birds, but 14 years later, something has shaped my view on having fun. It has brought
me life lessons, trials, tribulations, and absolute delight. Most of all it has brought me quality time with the
grandfather I love, while sharing a common passion. 
78– SkyTalk 2015
2014 I.F. SCHOLARSHIP
2ND PLACE
$500
WINNER
SkyTalk
2015
HHHHHHH
Molly Gallagher
Weymouth, MA
Sophomore - University of Massachusetts Amherst
IF Member: John Gallagher (Father)
Braintree Pigeon Club
What Homing Pigeons Mean to Me
I remember sitting at my kitchen table just a few years ago trying to decide on my topic for the eighth grade
science fair. Plants and erupting volcanoes were pretty cool, but nothing was interesting enough to capture
the eyes of the judges. After a few hours of frustration and indecisiveness, I decided a volcano would be,
well, “good enough.” It wasn’t until my dad came home that I decided a volcano was too boring, but homing
pigeons were a subject of interest. Nobody seems to know what they really are capable of. It amazes me how
smart these birds are. The fact they can be shipped hundreds of miles away and return without hesitation is
a skill in itself. I cannot believe I had not previously thought of this subject before, especially since they’ve
taken up a permanent residence in my backyard.
All my life I’ve grown up around homing pigeons and the craziness that goes along with them. See, my greatgrandfather raced birds his entire life and even though I never got to know him, my mom would always tell
me about him and how she never thought it was odd my dad raced birds because it almsot seems like a family
tradition. Yes, that’s right, my dad also races homing pigeons. You could say I’m an expert, but that’s not the
case. I do, indeed know how to take care of them; I know when they eat, they bathe, how long they are let out
for when it’s nice out, and how far their training toss was that Saturday afternoon. It’s easy to understand the
daily routine of these birds, but it is amazing how much they have actually taught me.
“I’m going to feed the birds,” Dad would call in every night at five-thirty to my brother and I. It has always
seemed so simple and meaningless to us since we’ve heard it every night since we were babies, but taking
a step back and looking at the responsibility and commitment he has for these birds is far from simple. As
I’ve grown up I have come to know that every morning and every night I could find my dad in the pigeon
coup down the street feeding the birds. Sometimes my brother and I would walk down to visit or watch the
pigeons fly around and around and around as the sun began to fade in the distance. It was mesmerizing as
watching their once large, wide circles kiminish into smaller and small circles waiting for Dad to give them
the “heads up” it was time to head in to eat. These birds were like is other kids, and he took care of them just
as well as he took care of my brother and I.
These birds have taken up a lot of time and effort, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a hobby my dad
enjoys and takes pride in and we support him in every way possible. As kids, he always tried to get me into
the pigeon tosses and training—he even gave me my own bird. His name was Lucky, and he sure was a
lucky one; he won training tosses and had the best times for months. When he was gone it was as if a family
member had passed away; I was heartbroken and my dad was beside himself as well. That was my first
experience realizing how much these birds meant to me and my family—they’re like family members.
I have seen the best and the worst of homing pigeon racing over the past nineteen years of my life. Lost races
and lost birds have been some of the worst, but more good has come from these group of homing pigeons
than bad. They have brought joy and responsibility to my family throughout the years and, look, they even
helped me get a winning science fair project. 
SkyTalk 2015 — 79