The Joe Giltner Memorial Trophy

This trophy was commissioned and endowed by a group of soaring pilots in 1981 to commemorate the memory of Joe Giltner following his death.   Mr. Giltner, from Chester, South Carolina, was a dedicated soaring instructor and an outstanding competitor.   For the trophy his friends chose a bronze sculpture of an osprey about to take flight to symbolize Joe's love of flying and especially soaring.   This trophy is perpetual and is awarded annually to the pilot scoring the fastest official speed on a task during the U.S. 15-Meter National Soaring Championships.   The trophy remains in the custody of the winner for one year and then is passed on to the next winner.   Each recipient is also given a handsome certificate to commemorate the award. ( photo courtesy of John Seaborn )

2023 - Mike Sorenson: Ventus 2cxa-15, 74.53 mph for 266.15 sm, Cordele, GA 2022 - Rick Indrebo: ASG-29-15, 102.59 mph for 359.06 sm, Hobbs, NM 2021 - Rick Indrebo: ASG-29-15, 109.90 mph for 481.87 sm, Minden, NV 2020 - No contest 2019 - Bob Fletcher: ASG-29-15, 66.54 mph over a 185.77 sm course, Lancaster, SC 2018 - Rick Indrebo: ASG-29-15, 85.30 mph over a 275.43 sm course, Uvalde, TX 2017 - Gary Ittner: ASG-29-15, 72.32 mph over a 222.56 sm course, Cordele, GA 2016 - Gary Ittner: ASG-29-15, 103.89 mph over a 310 sm course, Nephi, UT 2015 - Gary Ittner: ASG-29-15, 65.80 mph over a 230.07 sm course, Harris Hill, NY 2014 - Timothy Taylor: Ventus 2a, 90.47 mph for 319.44 sm, Montague, CA 2013 - Mark Keene: 97.86 mph for 309.82 sm, Hobbs, NM 2012 - John Cochrane: ASW-27, 63.45 mph for 190.11 sm, Reedsville, PA 2011 - Mark Keene: ASW-27, 95.31 for 302.76 sm, Logan, UT 2010 - Mark Keene: ASW-27, 87.23 mph for 307.31 sm, Uvalde, TX 2009 - No Contest, Cordele, GA 2008 - Jae Walker: Discus 2A, 90.69 mph for 283.76 sm, Uvalde, TX 2007 - Karl Striedieck: ASW-27, 98.81 mph 485.22 sm, Reedsville, PA 2006 - John Seaborn Ventus 2B, 84.49 mph, 253.39 miles, Montague, CA 2005 - John Seaborn Ventus 2B, 89.82 mph, 371.57 miles, Uvalde, TX 2003 - Rick Walters ASW-27b, 90.54 mph, 319.84 miles, Hobbs, NM 2002 - Dave Mockler: ASW-27, 111.89 mph 246.84 miles, Tonopah, NV 2001 - John Seaborn: Ventus2b, 95.81 mph 246.59 miles, Uvalde, TX 2001 - Karl Striedieck: ASW-27, 95.81 mph 247.15 miles, Uvalde, TX 2000 - Bill Bartell 1999 - Karl Striedieck

1998 - John Seaborn: Ventus, 77.96 mph 210.29 miles, Montague, CA 1997 - Ray Gimmey 1996 - Roy Cundiff 1995 - Carl Ekdahl 1994 - Dave Nadler 1993 - Karl Striedieck 1992 - Douglas Jacobs 1991 - Bill Bartell 1990 - Ray Gimmey: Ventus, 101.49 mph, 339.3 miles, Minden. NV 1989 - Karl Striedieck: LS6-B, 88.31 mph, 293.3 miles, Uvalde, TX 1988 - Karl Striedieck: LS6-B, 79.X mph, 300.9 miles, Chester, SC 1987 - Doug L. Jacobs: LS 6-B, 79.47 mph, 216 miles, Barstow, CA 1986 - Robert Robertson: Ventus A, 87.01 mph, 309.24 miles, Uvalde, TX 1985 - Armand A. Pasquali: ASW 20-C, 63.81 mph, 191.5 miles, Cordele, GA 1984 - Wil Schuemann: ASW-12, 72.95 mph, 154.2 mile Ephrata, WA 1983 - Roy McMaster: ASW-20, 66.51 mph, 126.7 mile Ionia, MI 1982 - Roy McMaster: ASW-20, 72.29 mph, 110.3 mile Elmira, NY 1981 - Kenneth Sorenson: LS-3, 92.98 mph, 260 miles, Minden, NV

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