It was in 1969 or '70 that Bob Sprague passed through Z'hills, offering his "I caught Bob Sprague" patch to anyone who could accomplish the feat. Somewhere around 6' 2" and 280lbs, it was a distinct challenge. Taking up the gauntlet, I was awarded the coveted recognition, which numbered, I think, 26. He jumped a 32' Crossbow, one of a dozen that had been made for the USFS and sold off after testing and falling short of requirements. He also obtained one for Paul Healy, an old-time Tampa Skydivers Club member who, at 350lbs, couldn't go to terminal on his T-10 without breaking lines.
Jim Hooper
SCR242, SCS90, NSCR26
