posted Jul 7th, 2006 - The 4th annual Karp Cup 4-way competition is coming up on July 15, 2006, and the MidAtlantic Skydiving League will once again host the event at Cross Keys. The Karp Cup honors of former Jet Stream member Seth Karp who lost his life in a landing accident in 2002.

The MidAtlantic Skydiving League and Freefall Adventures at Cross Keys joined forces in 2003 to create a larger East Coast 4-way event similar to the Shamrock Showdown of the Florida Skydiving League in DeLand and the Valentine's Meet of the Southwest Skydiving League in Eloy. The Karp Cup is open to all 4-way teams and competitors.

The annual event helps friends and fellow skydivers to remember Seth Karp while promoting 4-way Formation Skydiving competition. MASL Director Mike Minicozzi said that this year's competition is once again an open invitation to all 4-way competitors and promises world class competition.

He added that Skydive Cross Keys and John Eddowes have a long history of supporting skydiving competition in all its forms, and a special love for 4-way: "John Eddowes began jumping 4-way many years ago at the Herd when nobody else was really doing that. After he opened Skydive Cross Keys, he competed on Bev’s Cross Keys Eight."

The Cross Keys owner was also flying video with regulars like Sue Sweetman and Bev Hein of Bev Suits. They brought home the gold medals in the intermediate 8-way competition at the USPA Nationals in 1998. Ever since, the MidAtlantic Skydiving League has been promoting 4-way at Cross Keys, including local teams like Fast Forward and Jet Stream.

The person who challenged Skydive Cross Keys to raise the bar in 4-way competition was former Airspeed world champion Jack Jeffries. Mike Minicozzi explained that Jack Jefferies called John Eddowes in 1999 and proposed that Skydive Cross Keys host the America's Cup for the Northeast region that year:

"The America's Cup management was nervous about letting such a young drop zone handle that challenge. However, Skydive Cross Keys had the energy, and John had the competition background to pull off a very successful America's Cup event, which turned out to be one of the best attended ever. Cross Keys has been hosting 4-way events almost every year ever since."

John Eddowes explained his passion for 4-way: "I have always been interested in teams and competition. I think it keeps the sport alive and fresh. But who wouldn't want to host competitions, with skydivers like Jack Jeffries, Dan BC, Paul Rafferty, Charlie Brown, the Golden Knights, and XL around? They are good sportsman, and it's great to have them training at Cross Keys."

The names of the top competitors have changed over the years, however, John Eddowes still has the same passion and supports 4-way Formation Skydiving competition. The Karp Cup has become one of his annual highlights at Cross Keys.

This year's event on July 15 features a new sponsor who will add some extra spice to the competition. Mark's Menu offers a special Karp Cup Dinner that day. The menu includes: Grilled Boneless Filet of Chicken, Hot Roast Beef with Gravy, Vegetable Chili, Mixed Vegetables, Roasted Herb Potatoes, Rolls and Butter.

The Karp Cup Dinner will follow the awards ceremony at approx. 8:00 p.m. The cost for the Karp Cup Dinner is included in the entry fee to the Karp Cup 2006 competition. However, dinner tickets for non-entrants can also be purchased separately at a cost of $13.00 per person. MASL Director Mike Minicozzi is available for more information.