500 SWAMP MICHIGAN WFD

39 YEAR OLD KILBURNE IS GRAND CHAMPION MATT SMITH SETS NEW 16 YEARS AND UNDER RECORD (1028) 16 YEAR OLD KLUNK FASTEST HANDS JR. CHAMP (916) TELEVISION MAJOR SUCCESS 3 TV NEWS CREWS AND 4 NEWSPAPERS COVER EVENT NEW TV INSTANT REPLAY USED FOR DISPUTED CALLS

Today (November 12), the city of Flint Michigan acquired a major case of World's Fastest Drummer fever, as 500 ravenous extreme percussion fans jammed the Mott College Memorial Auditorium to witness arguably the tightest produced WFD event outside of the NAMM competitions themselves. Along with wonderful scene change music provided by the internationally acclaimed Steelheads Steel Band and crisp 1970s Miles Davis fusion from the Mott College jazz Combo, there was quite a drum show. After seven weeks of regional preliminaries in five different locations, the top 33 of 121 Michigan area contestants were invited to compete in this first Michigan State Championship. The crowd was definitely in play the entire day, cheering emotionally charged performances and rooting on their favorites. Contestants with sharply defined personalities strutted on stage to booming theme music like WWE wrestlers, and for the first time in WFD history, big screen instant replay was successfully used to verify two questionable hands calls.

Grand Championship status for best competitor went to 39 year old Schwartz Creek resident Michael Kilburne, who won the fastest feet competition with a score of 814 over heavily favored Greg Soule, and took second place in hands (17 and over) with a score of 903. Kilburne's foot show was topped off by a furious conclusion that brought the appreciative crowd to its feet. Commenting on his 794 second place run, Soule was reflective but appreciative. "It was by far my worst run of the entire contest but I really enjoyed myself," he said. Seventeen year old Detroit resident Alex Morgan took third in the feet competition with 756.

Inexperience played a key role in the 17 and under hand finals, as 4 of the 8 finalists were disqualified for either buzzing or playing double strokes.15 year old Flint resident William Jones was a legitimate crowd favorite with an 890 run, supposedly good enough for second place. However, referee Jim Coviak immediately ordered the instant replay after he spotted what he believed was left hand buzzing. Slow motion identified the mistake and the initially disappointed crowd was quieted. "I was very glad we had this valuable tool," said contest organizer Tom Smith. "More than anything, it helps explain the contest to those who sincerely misunderstand." Unfortunately, the DQ controversies over shadowed 16 year old Toledo, Ohio resident Stephen Klunk's blistering 916 run, the highest hands score of the competition. "Stephen is a great competitor," said 16 and under record holder," Matt Smith. "I think he was the most consistent guy of the last six weeks. I think he should go to the NAMM championships anyway. He would be really good."

17 and over hands finals were settled by a tie breaker, after Kilburne and Flint Central High School drum instructor Noah Richardson tied with scores of 903. The issue was settled when Kilburne was disqualified for playing doubles. Richardson followed the DQ with a conservative run to take the main prize. Senior division favorite Randy Gacki (Detroit), a consistent 920s competitor, played his slowest round in the finals. Still, his 873 was good enough to take third place.

Top performance honors went to 15 year old Flint resident Matt Smith, who was a featured performer with the MC Jazz Combo, before setting a new 16 and under record with an official WFD hands exhibition run of 1028. Smith was ineligible for this competition because his father's sponsorship would have represented a conflict of interest. Knowledgeable WFD fans cheered the record, as big screen magnification demonstrated clean indisputable single strokes. "I don't know what the problem is with people wondering if my singles are legit. These really are clean strokes and I try to be careful. But this wasn't about me anyway. I was glad to see a lot of the people I know do well," he said. Smith scored two 1051s in recent preliminary exhibitions. But such scores are not officially recognized. "It was nice that people got to see Matt kick it so hard on those Miles Davis things before the contest started," said Steelheads performer and hands finalist Ben Schlatter. "He's much more than just some single strokes, and people got to see that."

Flint residents expressed immediate interest that Mott College WFD remain a permanent fixture. This was the fifth WFD event I have attended, including last summer's in Indianapolis, and this was one was easily the most enjoyable. It was fast paced, it was loud and it was wonderful," said Lansing music store manager Bonnie Hoggenbaum. Popular Flint radio personality Ced Lover hosted the event. "I had never seen this before," he said. "It was really incredible. The energy given off by these guys scares you," he said.

I was happy with all of it, but I am glad it's over." said organizer Tom Smith.