Above: Perris Cock Fight, led by Kevin Kierce, exits the Twin Otter on its way to victory. Photo by Kristian Caulder.
It is hard to deny that everything tends to be a little bigger in Texas. For the 2024 TeXXas 20-Ways formation skydiving event, which has roots going back to 1986, even the vastness of the state could not contain one of Texas’s longest running traditions. This year, in addition to the three teams competing at Skydive Spaceland-Houston and two teams from Skydive Spaceland-Dallas, a sixth team from Skydive Perris in California also threw its hat in the ring. Perris competed in the event once before, in 2022, but were not in the running for medals as a guest team. This year, the organizers adjusted the rules, removing the requirement for teams from out of state to compete as guests.
The teams in Houston were blessed with excellent skydiving weather and cranked out the rounds early and often. All teams were able to finish all four rounds by early afternoon. Meanwhile, the Perris team waited for the fog to clear, and the teams in Dallas watched as the high winds tested their patience. The Dallas teams finally got into the air after both Houston and Perris completed all four rounds. Scores remained a mystery late into the evening, as the organizers decided before the meet started to not post scores or videos until a round was fully complete. Rest assured; this will not be repeated at future events!
Team 27 builds a formation on the way to a bronze-medal finish. Photo by Zach Lewis.
The winds finally showed mercy on the Dallas teams, and they were able to complete all four rounds late in the day. However, by that time, Meet Director Jack Berke and Event Director Scott Latinis had already agreed to send Judge Lori Mitchell home to get some rest, planning to finish the scoring in the morning. The following morning, Berke added USPA Nationals-experienced Judges Lizz Pitts and Helaine Rumaner to the judging staff. The judges were able to finalize and post the results shortly thereafter.
The TeXXas 20-Way rules state that each round consists of a combination of blocks and/or random formations. Unlike other FS competitions, each person who has correct grips in a formation receives a point, thus a completed formation gives the team a score of 20. Incorrect or missing grips can cause the team to score less than 20 for a formation or when working time expires.
Bar Fight from Skydive Spaceland-Houston, which took silver after being barely edged out by the Perris team, poses for a group photo. Photo by Nick Lott.
After four rounds, Perris Cock Fight (captained by Kevin Kierce) edged out Houston’s Bar Fight (captained by Scott Latinis) by three points, 364 to 361, to take the inaugural overall gold medal. Team 27 from Dallas (captained by Larry Henderson) took bronze with a score of 184.
The 2025 TeXXas 20-Way meet will be Saturday, June 7. Interested jumpers can look back at past TeXXas 20-Way meets at texxas20way.com
Zach Lewis | D-21616
Brooklyn, New York