Lake Placid, NY (Thursday, July 4, 2002) - Hartman Rector of Park City, Utah overcame the Northeast heat wave and inconsistent winds to capture the annual July 4 Chevy Trucks 90 Meter Summer Ski Jump in Lake Placid.

Rector led a sweep of all three divisions by Park City skiers in the event conducted by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA).

The event took place on the artificial surfaces of the MacKenzie-Intervale Ski Jumping Complex. The facility features porcelain tiles on the 90 meter in-run and a synthetic carpet on the landing hill. Both are watered throughout the competition and simulate winter conditions.

With temperatures hovering around 90 degrees, Rector reeled off the two longest attempts of the meet at 98.5 and 91 meters. His total of 241.5 points easily outdistanced local jumper Morgan Goodwin of Keene, N.Y.

“The wind was a big factor today,” said Rector. “If you had good wind, it could mean 10 meters. The updraft was pretty strong on the first jump and I could ride it down. Later I could feel the tail wind and it made me a little more patient.”

Goodwin’s two rounds proved Rector correct as he matched the winner in the second round. But his opening jump of 89.5 meters placed Goodwin fourth before rallying in the last round. Goodwin’s runner-up total was 228 points.

“In the second round, I got lucky with the wind and was fortunate enough to use it when I had it,” stated Goodwin who skipped the practice round to conserve energy in the heat.

Tim Nelson of Boise, Idaho grabbed the bronze medal with 220.5 points after jumps of 89 and 88.5 meters.

Another Park City jumper, Anders Johnson, took the junior division by sailing 99.5, the longest of the day, and 86.5 meters for 236 points. Jonathan Kling of Loudon, N.H. took silver with 230.5 points after a pair of 91 meter jumps. Lake Placid’s Evan Bliss picked up the bronze medal by soaring 83 and 95 meters for 223.5 points.

Jessica Jerome completed the Park City sweep by capturing the women’s bracket. However, it was Liz Szotyori who won everyone’s heart after the first round. Szotyori had just come to a stop at the conclusion of her initial jump when her boyfriend approached with the public address announcer and issued a marriage proposal for all to hear. The ski jumper accepted and went on to finish third overall.

Jerome, meanwhile, recorded jumps of 78 and 81 meters for 178.5 points and the victory.