American Racing Pigeon Union

Deone Roberts, AU Sport Development

Chair Linda Joneli has headed up the AU Help A Beginner Program since 2003. During that time, the Help A Beginner Program has placed approximately 60 beginners with experienced mentors. As this program developed, the team race results were entered into a database wherein a coefficient was used allowing teams to compete against each other. A team winner was determined at the end of each Young Bird season.

Teams have been featured on the HAB site at http://www.redroselofts.com/help_a_beginner.htm as well as the AU Site.

Congratulations to all the 2006 winners. “Way to go all who put results in! I’m very proud of you all,” said Linda.

1st Place, Taking all honors and winning two pairs of breeders from John Curry of Chisholm Trail Lofts is the beginner, James Kunsman. James’ mentors were Ron and Ellen Walley with a winning score of 2.076.

2nd Place, Winning a pair of breeders from John Lucchesse of Lucchesse Lofts is John Sartwell who had a score of 2.645. Linda Joneli was John’s mentor.

3rd Place, Winning a pair of breeders from Steve and Linda Joneli of Red Rose Lofts is Walter Raczek with a score of 2.804. Paul Young Jensen served as Walter’s mentor.

Remaining placings are:

The AU Help A Beginner Program has greatly enriched the racing experience for many beginners. Every effort is made to place mentors with beginners who have similar race courses, birds and methods. Team members experience good working relationships and sustained sport participation.

Volunteers can help make this program a great success by becoming a mentor or signing up as a beginner. The application form is in the AU Yearbook, or you can contact Linda at linda@redroselofts.com or look at the AU Help A Beginner page at http://www.pigeon.org/beginnerscorner.htm