Hey all-
This is a fun thread. I hope it stays that way. I'm coaching the Utah women's volleyball team this season. Ranking teams is very tough- ranking individuals is also a tough thing. Well I'm taking this terrible ten as the fasted 10 riders in Utah going into the Grands. (2006) Also, where they are sitting in NAG points, and how they finish against each other in local, state, and national races.
Well...how do you respond without stepping on toes. I've edited this thing a great deal. A few thoughts. I'd like to use current standings as the measure. I don't want this to be a popularity contest, but let's rank some people- fairly!
Patterson has proven he's faster than Smith- unless you count Smith as Brandon Smith. If we are doing a Utah's Terrible 10 then count the Utah State championship series as a measure- that would put Robby ahead of Jordan. That group mixes it up every year, and every race. I also believe Robby is ahead in the NAG standings. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Brandon Smith is faster than everyone on that list starting from the other Smith down. Brandon got to prove that a few weeks ago at rad when he beat Robby.
Jason Halverson is killing it on the national scene, and is one fast rider. Don't forget him. Levi also has made a great deal of improvements in a very short time.
Okay- let me try this....
1. Travis Healey- uncontested!
2. Christian Martinez-(super fast- just ask Trav.)
3. Joe Winnebrennererrer...(are you taking a break?)
4. Brandon Smith- or Jordan
5.Robby Patterson
6. Jordan Smith- or Brandon
7. Jason Halverson
8. Mitch Ropelato
9. Levi Foster
10. Jason Melton
I see now I've fallen from the ranks, but have beat every one of these riders in a race at some point in my racing career over the last 5 years
(except Christian Martinez). Some of them, it's been quite a while.
(Besides, I don't even own a 20 inch race bike these days.)
Mike Kelley, Cody Kelley, Heather Allred, Steve Spencer, Matt Spencer, Bennett Newkirk, and the rest of you awesome racers that represent Utah and yourselves- best of luck to you heading to the grands. You're all "terrible" in my book, too! Danny Patterson Jr., Fazzio, Cole, and the rest of you dormant superfast guys (aiken, hall, park, etc...could come back go really fast. You guys don't count cuz you're all taking a break.
Utah is an awesome place to race bikes!
Jason Stout
I'm sure I'll revise this soon enough!