CT Centerline
Doreen Darsh - Friday, March 28, 2008
Here we are at the beginning of a new skydiving season and so much to report about CT Centerline. It’s a really exciting time! So sit back, relax, and catch up with the team. See what’s been happening…

In September, we completed our first year by competing in the 2007 USPA National Skydiving Championships at Skydive Chicago. CT Centerline placed 4th in the 4-Way Advanced Category! Among a field of 15 hard-core, experienced teams all driven with the desire to succeed, Centerline had an outstanding performance. The team is definitely hungry for the gold in 2008.

Whether you are a seasoned Nationals competitor or have never experienced this event, I think you can appreciate the excitement I felt upon arriving at Skydive Chicago. There was something in the air, energy… There were skydivers everywhere you looked. An impressive set-up awaited the judges in the auditorium where registration took place. A huge screen for viewing competitive rounds, tables of equipment ready for downloading the all-important footage, a sequestered area designated for competition officials. Waiting in line to register as a team, it hit me – we are at the United States National Skydiving Championships! As part of the registration packet, entrants received hoodies, emblazoned down the right sleeve was the word, “Competitor”. Oh yeah, baby, we have arrived – this is the real deal!

One thing I learned is that it takes a lot to get to the Nationals. And it is much more than rigs, jumpsuits and lift tickets. The first thing a team needs is leadership. Plain and simple. Our leader is Brian, also known as “Brain” which is how his helmet is monogrammed. What sets Brian apart is his knowledge and experience as a seasoned competitor and it shows as he has built this team from the ground up. Brian knows his stuff. If you ever have a question about formation skydiving, Brian is the “go to” person.

Next, you need talent, no ”ifs”, “ands”, or “buts”. Skills can be developed, but according to thefreedictionary.com, talent is the natural endowment or ability of a superior quality. This is what Centerline possesses, raw talent, and it is precisely why it is so exciting to watch this team. These guys have something special!

Now you can’t have a team without teamwork. It just doesn’t happen. If people aren’t on the same page, you can’t get anywhere. This team works together, on the ground, in the air and on ladders shedding. (In case you don’t know about “shedding”, just ask Billie B and you will learn more about shedding than you probably ever will care to know!) The secret ingredient to Centerline’s successful teamwork is the friendship that forms the core. Teamwork becomes vital during those long competition days when everyone has to pull together. Remember some of the “real” competition at the Nationals involves Mario Brothers and occurs in-between the rounds…

There comes a time for each of us when one faces the proverbial “stepping up to the plate” moment in life. Cara Thompson comes to mind. And Cara stepped up, big time. After blowing my ACL at our July training camp, we needed a videographer and quick. With less than 6 weeks to go until the championships, Cara agreed to begin training with the team and committed to the Nationals. Cara did an amazing job, bringing down fantastic footage from each and every round.

Getting a team prepared to compete in the Nationals requires support. Without sponsorship, CT Centerline would have been just a dream. These are the people and the organizations that have believed in us and supported us with their hard-earned money, their words of encouragement and their love. To each and every one of you, CT Centerline thanks you. We appreciate your commitment to us. We have worked hard to make you proud. We look forward to a fantastic new season and to standing on the podium in October ‘08 in Eloy, AZ!


This entry would not be complete without acknowledging all the family members that have supported our team. Thank you. And to Baby Amelia Smith who arrived just days after the Nationals on September 17th! We have a future champion among us – look for Amelia on the dz with her wonderful mommy, Marnie!


Thanks for visiting our website and check back again for more updates on CT Centerline!



Memorial Day Training Camp
Brian - Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The team just completed its first full weekend of training with great weather. We are very excited about the results of the camp. Over the three days we made a total of 25 team training jumps making it a total of 50 jumps for the year. Thanks to our sponsors we have been able to do a lot jumps in a short time. We seem to be on track at this point to accomplish our goal of making 200 training jumps prior to going to the Nationals. We are currently in the search for a major sponsor to help us reach above and beyond this goal. With a little bit of luck and dedication we are feeling very confident to the possibility of medaling at the Nationals.


CT Centerline training is live!
Izzo - Thursday, April 19, 2007
CT Centerline did our first 5 training jumps last Saturday and are back this weekend for 2 full days!

Once we all get our second rigs, our goal for training days will be 10-12 jumps per day.

Come out to CPI this weekend and train with us! LET''S SKYDIVE!


More Training and Thank You
Brian Smith - Monday, April 09, 2007
We just got done training in the tunnel with our New Suits. We are really starting to look like a team. Even though it isn''t on the jump calendar we are going to make an effort to jump this weekend on the 14th and 15th. We just received in some very generous donations from club members and we are very thankful for all the support.

Thanks Kevin T., Johnny G. Bob Smith, and Mike Mong.