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Michael Elder (Team Autosound) - Louisville, KY

MECAheads,
There were no contests in January, so the choice for Member of the Month was among those who received the most number of nominations. Michael Elder is one popular guy, and he's had a bucketful of votes over the past few months, and is clearly the choice for our January 2007 MOTM. Michael's our 2006 Drive-by SPL Parade DB5 World Champion, and he has put a lot of work into his systems over the past few years to reach the top of the heap in our "loud and low" music contest. He's had several KY State Championships and is consistently one of the loudest vehicles in the state.

When Michael brought the new box loaded with 15's to our Finals Soundfest last year and told me the story of getting it together, I remember saying telling him that he had finally gone off the deep end and was a certifiable lunatic. He took that as a compliment. In MECAland, I meant it that way and he was really loud. That's one ferocious box, and I hear he's not done showing us what it can do. Many members have spoken up for Michael and asked that he receive this award, and......so be it.

Congratulations, Michael!

Steve

Mike had the following to say:
I just want to say thank you for all the people that voted for me and also would like to thank Steve.  I have worked really hard to get where I have gotten and still working on getting louder.  MECA is a great organization and I wouldn't give it up for the world.  People at MECA are like a family.  It is just a great honor and I really do appreciate everything.  Thanks a lot.
Team Autosound,
Mike

Eric Alexander - Reynoldsburg, Ohio

MECAheads,
When I heard that Eric was coming to the Carl Casper show in Louisville last month, I knew that he would put on a strong SPL show, which he most certainly did, winning the SPL Best of Show with a score of 157.2 dB.  But, little did I know that he was bringing the wang for DB5, and a tie-breaker for first place, and DBSPL Parade Best of Show, with 131.7 dB with Michael Elder (Team Autosound), which resulted when Michael's second pass score climbed to 131.7 dB for the tie, right....literally at the last second, as the timer hit 30 seconds.  In the tie-breaker Michael did 132+ dB and "something happened" with Eric's system, resulting in 130.0 dB for second.  All of us who watched it happen agreed it was great to see and hear.  As always, Eric was a good sport, but I know that he is relishing a rematch.

Eric's been in MECA since the beginning and it is certainly his month to claim this honor.  I talked with him today and we were remembering that he was in MECA before we did the Finals Soundfest event.  He's been a World Champion and, of course, Ohio State Champion, and we were trying to remember all his titles, having a hard time with that.  Eric and his cousin, Gene, have been coming to our contests for years and there's always a murmur in the crowd when Eric pulls in, because we know he's going to be loud.

He's definitely got the MECA spirit and chops, so please give it up for Eric Alexander from Reynoldsburg, Ohio - the February 2007 Member of the Month!

Thanks, Eric, for being part of the club!
Steve

     

Andy "Foam" Jones - Team Schil Acoustics/Team Hybrid Audio

MECAheads,
Join me as we recognize Andy Jones (Team Schil Acoustics/Team Hybrid Audio) from Alabama as our March 2007 Member of the Month. Andy was at SBN21 and took first place in Modex+ Sound Quality, and did the same at the March 31st charity event for SKILLS USA in Lebanon, TN. And, incidentally, Andy was at the April Fool's Fest the next day in Lebanon and took SQL Best of Show.

Last year's SQL Modified+ World Champion has received many nominations for this MOTM honor, especially after he was chosen for a special Spirit Award, out of all the SBN21 participants, which was presented at the Sunday Awards Ceremony at the Ocean Center.
His scores are going up and he'll let you sit in the driver's seat and soak up the good vibes at any show. You can find Andy at shows in AL, TN, and GA coming up soon, and he'll probably be at many Soundfests as the season progresses, like Elite Summer Nationals in Spartanburg, SC in August, for example. He's going for great sounding music and gathering lots of points along the way.
The MOTM is recognized for great spirit, attitude, competition results, and club involvement and that's why Andy is our March 2007 Member of the Month. Congrats Andy!

Steve

Andy had the following to say about being the March 2007 MOTM:
I've been trying for a week now to think of how to respond to this. I'm not good at having the spotlight on me. I'm a back row type person. So the below is awkward because I can not put into words what I want to say.

Thank you very much to everyone involved. It means a great deal to me to be named member of the month. Thank you to my friends above for the kind words. I really do appreciate it. This is one of those things that I will always be proud of; much moreso than any show I've competed in.

I've had a weird road in competition. Three or so years ago I almost had to pay judges to get in my vehicle and be subjected to the sounds the HLCD's were producing. Last year I finally started putting together a decent sounding truck. The truck is no where close to where it is without the feedback of other competitors,my friends, the companies who help me, Team Hybrids, Team Schil Acoustics, and the judges. With this kind of support it is hard to go to a MECA show and not have fun---regardless of outcome. John--that is where the attitude you speak of comes from. It is reflection of what I get from everyone involved in MECA. Hard to be bitter at the outcome when you can't dispute anything the judge says, and his comments made you better because he was there. As is always the case.

Most importantly though, thank you Steve for giving us a place to play, the shops for holding the shows, and the judges/event directors for taking time out of their lives to give us a fun and fair show each and every time. Without each of you I would have a perfectly manacured lawn and a low mileage vehicle. Where is the fun in that?

Again Thank You. It really does mean the world to me.

     

Patrick "Fat Pat" Johnston - Team Action Audio, Fredericksburg, Virginia

MECAheads,
Join me as we recognize Patrick Johnston (Team Action Audio) from Fredericksburg, Virginia as our April 2007 Member of the Month.
Thanks, Patrick, for being part of the club!
Steve


First,
I would like to thank steve, all the judges and show cooridinators for their hard work to keep MECA running.  I’d like to thank all of my fellow competitors, in and out of my class, for all there help.  Had you not been out there at each show pushing me to do better, I would have spent all
that money on something foolish, like college.  If you know me I hope you feel I am easy to get along with. If you don't, I hope that if you see me at a show, you come over and say hi.  Last year was a blast. Thanks to all who gave their support for me as “MECAHEAD OF THE YEAR”.  I Would hope that all competitors and auto sound enthusiasts can go to a show and have as much fun as I do. MECA is a great place to make new friends, which is who I would like to thank the most.  I thank my friends for helping me though-out the long hours in the garage at 3 in the morning.  Thanks to the stores and businesses that hold the shows and give their support. I know I talk alot of smack, but its all in good fun.   Hope to see you all at a show soon.

Patrick “Fat Pat” Johnston

     

Joseph Ault Sr.

MECAheads,

Our May 2007 Member of the Month has earned 6 MECA SPL World Championships in his 3 year history with the club. He is one of the power-builders in Street Division, with the 2006 S1 title, 4 SPL titles in 2005 (a feat that can never be duplicated), and the S3 title in his rookie season in 2004. Many Ohio State Championships have been won along the way as Joe makes a distinguished career in our club.

He is one of the most passionate and dedicated members I have witnessed. He's a little obsessed (I mean that in a good way) and that means he has put in the work and hours that are necessary to be a champion. Joe's got a lot of friends in MECA, and he's earned a great deal of respect along with those big trophies and a Drive-by SPL Parade World Championship Cone in 2005. Joe attended Cruisefest in the early part of May. He's just changed jobs and expects to be back in the lanes soon. In the tradition of the great competitors we have honored, we salute Joe Ault, our May 2007 Member of the Month.

Joe had the following to say about being selected May Member of the Month:
Its an honor to be the may member of the month. I was surprised when Steve called to let me know. I feel very lucky in MECA have such a great team to be a part of a full group of people who are as driven as I am to be the best at what we do. In Feb 2004 Dan Bates and I went to a show a few hours away from where we live just for fun and we both got hooked on MECA ever since then we have met a lot of people along the way some life long friends that have made into a very successful team (TNT Dynamite Sounds) I don't think for one minute that I could have had half the success I have had in MECA if it wasn't for them. I also wanna thank Vernon Sargent for all of the 2 hr calls of my silly questions, and I also wanna thank Bob at American Bass for all of his help.

     

Jay Carter - Team Cartunes, Hazel Green, Alabama

MECAheads,
Congratulations to Jay Carter, owner of Cartunes Customs in Hazel Green, AL, who is our June 2007 Member of the Month. This is Jay's 3rd season as a MECA member, and he has distinquished himself as an SPL and Drive-by SPL Parade competitor. In June, he won the SPL and Drive-by SPL Parade Best of Shows at both the Jasper event at Richardson's Electronics and Wild Bill's event in Boaz. His best scores were 127.3 dB in DB5 and 151.9 dB in M5.

Jay hosted a 1X event at his store in May and will be co-hosting another event with Aaron Morgan from Competition Audio from Jasper, this time 2X, at the Hazel Green store on August 5th. Jay's events are always fun and lots of people turn out for the car audio games. He is developing a good following and is building his store team with more Alabama State Championships on the horizon.

Putting it all together as a competitor, Retail Member, and event host, Jay stands out as an active contributing member. His participation and support during the month of June, and throughout the season, make him our June 2007 Member of the Month. Thanks, Jay!
Steve

I guess everyone says a little something when they receive the MOTM Award well I'm not much on speeches but I would like to thank everyone that supports MECA and Steve for the long hours spent keeping our organization together. I would like to thank Memphis Car Audio, Tanner and Thom. Everyone who has helped us troubleshoot at all hours of the morning and all the ALABAMA people who go to the shows and help keep the car audio industry alive! Hope to see everyones smiling faces at Finals this year!

     

Dennis Chapman - Evansville, Indiana

MECAheads,

Congrats to Dennis Chapman from Evansville, IN. July was his month to shine in our club and be recognized, after years of participation as a Competitor, Judge, and now Event Director. The stars have to line up just right to get the MOTM honor. The member must compete in that month and Dennis was at 4 events in July, including a long drive to the Hybrid Audio event in Georgia and a trek to the Abt Summer Spectacular north of Chicago. Dennis is a Best of the Best of Show competitor, doing all the contests he can at the events. He's been an Indiana State Champion many times in SPL and SQL over the years. Dennis is currently competing in Extreme SQ and Install, DB4 with highest score this year of 124.5 dB, SPL in M4 with highest score of 148.6 dB. Dennis is the owner of DC's Mobile Electronics and the leader for Team DC's Car Audio.

This is Dennis' 2nd year as an IN Event Director. He's involved with some great events, including the Shiner's Fest in Evansville, the Vaperz Car Show in Hopkinsville, KY, and an up-coming FOP car show in Evansville. He has done much for the S. Indiana and W. Kentucky competitors, providing contests where our coverage before was slim. Dennis travelled to Ft. Wayne to handle the judging at the Party at Piere's during July, too, and he put on some miles to get to shows to earn his points.
Dennis is on the Rules & Ethics Committee and sees the "big picture" for MECA competitors and the 12-Volt Industry. He is great to work with: honest, with his focus on fair and fun contests. Dennis was the most involved club member in the month of July, and has a distinguished history with our club. Thanks Dennis for the good work that you do on behalf of MECA, and your dedication in the lanes.
Steve

I am happy to receive this prestigious honor of being member of the month. I really did not expect this and when Steve called to inform me i didn't know what to say. I really enjoy being a part of the MECA community and wish everyone the best. Thanks again Dennis

Nestor Orona (Team Monster Illusions) - Virginia Beach, VA

Nestor Orona, captain of Team Monster Illusions from Virginia Beach, VA, is our August 2007 Member of the Month. This is Nestor's 5th year with MECA and he has distinguished himself as a Competitor and Judge. He's been the VA S1 State Champion for the past 4 years, and looks to secure the title again at the end of this season. I've worked with Nestor and he is a great SPL Judge; someone who really wants to do a good job and be part of a fair contest. Team Monster Illusions has some great members with great SPL and SQL performances throughout the past several years, and Nestor has helped his teammates improve their scores with his experience and knowledge.

Nestor competed at 3 events in August, and, with his years of participation and lots of friends rooting for him, he is the best choice for our August Member of the Month. Congrats Nestor!

Nestor had the following to say about being chosen as MECA Member of the Month for August 2007:   It is a true honor to be MECA Member Of The Month. It was an unexpected suprise but very much appreciated. All of my thanks go to my team members who have supported me through the years, and especially to my very understanding wife. I would also like to thank Steve for allowing me the opportunity to be recognized. I love to compete and enjoy all of my competition. Thanks again for everyone's support.

Nestor (Team Monster Illusions and Team Auto Illusions)

     

Lee Byerly (Team Phat Hertz) - Chicago(land), IL

Congratulations to Team Phat Hertz member Lee Byerly, who looks like the likely 2007 IL Champ in Modex+, Modex Install, and RTA Freq Out. Lee is from Knoxville, IL.

This is Lee's 3rd season with MECA and he is a hardcore sound quality competitor. He was previously the 2005 and 2006 SQL Custom Install (now Modex) Finals Soundfest winner and was the IL Champ in his SQL class in 2006.

Lee helps at shows and helped to line up the E&I Audio contest in Galesburg this season. He has the respect and friendship of everyone in our Sound Quality League, including those in his class, and I've never heard anything but good words about Lee.

He'll be at the 2007 Finals Soundfest ready for SQ, Install, and the RTA Freq Out. Lee represents the club in the best possible manner at all times and is the stand-out MECA Competitor for September 2007.

Lee had the following to say about being the September 2007 MECA Member of the Month:
It is a real honor to be chosen as the member of the month. I am honored to even be part of such a fine club. I need to thank Steve Stern, Ken Wagner, Team Phat Hertz, and my wife for all the support.

I have been a member of other sound leagues, but I can truly say that MECA is the most fun of them all. MECA also has some of the greatest competitors in the world. The vehicles are truly top notch. I will keep working hard to see this club grow.

     

James Stem (Wall Street's Finest - Murfreesboro, TN

Congratulations to our 2007 October Member of the Month, James Stem of Wall Street's Finest, from Lavergne, TN.  James attended several events in October and competed in all contests at each show.  This helped put him over the top to earn the 2007 National Points Champion title.  James had 571 total points in all SPL and SQL contests for the season.

His high scores in SPL MX2 153.3 dB and Drive-by SPL Parade DB5 128.2 dB are noteworthy.  He earned the MX2 TN State Championship, as well as the National Points titles for his classes in SPL and DBSPL Parade.  He also earned the National Points titles for Modex Sound Quality and Modex Install.  He earned the TN SQL Championships in SQ, Install, and RTA Freq Out.  His kids are involved in MECA Kids contests, and he competes in Ride the Light when it is offered.  There aren't many MECA members who are as involved in all our contests, like James, with 16 events attended during the season.

I've had many nominations for James over the past few months, as he's racked up the points, miles, and friends at our contests.  He's got some surprises coming in his truck for our Finals Soundfest, so watch and listen as he goes for the BOBOS trophy in 2 weeks.  I really appreciate James' participation, and especially his sportsmanship.  Thanks, James, for all that you do in our club, and congrats on this special recognition.

James had the following to say about being named October 2007 MECA Member of the Month:

Thanks for this honor, I must admit I didn't see this coming. I enjoy being a member of MECA very much. Everyone is a team player and I am proud to be a member of the Meca team. I would like to thank Steve for creating a place we could all come out and play and bring our families and where our Kids can have systems as well. MECA is not only a car club it is more like a family. The person standing next to you might be in the same class as you are but if something breaks in the lane they will be the first one to lend a helping hand to get you back in the competition. The judges are very fair and adhere to the rules to a T and will also help you in any way they can. Car audio in my opinion would not be the way it is today if this organization didn't exist. I have competed in other organizations (Mainly USACI @ Slammin and Jammin) but by far MECA is the fairest and the most concerned about its competitors. I would also like to thank my wife and family for standing by me in this adventure (Anyone that has seen the Family MiniVan will Understand)..

     

Joseph LeSane - Kentucky

Congrats to Joseph LeSane from Louisville, KY for his November 2007 Member of the Month Award. He's been in the club for 4 years with the KY Championship in M5 in 2006 and the M4 Championship in 2007, with his high score of 151.4 dB. Joseph was the M4 National Points Champion with 78 points. Placing 2nd in M4 at the World Finals Soundfest, his top score was the same as his high score of the year. He's intent on scoring well in the lanes, but he's having fun, too, mostly at the Freeman Lake shows with E^2 Audio and the gang.

Joseph's a great role model for the club, being loud and having fun. We appreciate his dedication, participation, and support of SPL contests. He says he'll be back next year, for another season of fun and games. Join me in giving props to Joseph LeSane, our November 2007 MOTM.

Joe had the following to say about being the November 2007 Member of the Month:
WOW !!! I can't believe I was picked. This is a very great honor for me. I have always watched as other MECA members have recieved this recognition & have been very inspired. I have alway's felt that these members are the reason MECA is MECA, so for me to be a part of the tradition is really the highest point in my MECA career. 1st off I would like to thank Steve (obviously). If it was not for him we would all be annoying our neighbors & getting tickets every weekend. 2nd I have to thank E-2 audio. Ed & Minde are the reason I have been successfull in MECA. I'm sure I would not have been as involved as I have been if not for them. They have brought several shows to my area in which I can actually travel to and they maintain a fun, family atmosphere that keeps everyone coming back. Of course I have to thank every MECA member that I have ever competed with. The friendliness & competitive attitude that we all maintain is what keeps everyone driving forward. I look forward to seeing everyone next season & have a happy holiday!

     

Mykal Limbaugh (Team Bad Habits) - Tennessee

OK, I know I'm about at least a month late on this one, and I apologize. It took a while for this one to hit home for me, but when it did, I knew I had it right. Mykal Limbaugh has been a very active Competitor since he started in 2006. He heads up Team Bad Habits and they always work hard on their systems and they know how to have fun at our events. He also uses Lanzar equipment, and is on that team.

When picking this MOTM, I saw a light and from that light a voice told me to pick the Competitor who attends a lot of shows and has the most fun. That is Mykal, for sure. He had the 2007 TN Championship in DB4 with 123.8 dB and took 5th Place in DB4 at the 2007 Finals Soundfest, with 4th Place in M4 with 146.6 dB.

Mykal had the following to say about being the December 2007 Member of the Month:
I can't believe I was chosen for this honor. I am very thankful for being a part of the MECA family. I have dabbled in a few other organizations and there is no comparison to MECA. I would like to say thanks to my wife for putting up with me being in the shop all night long, to Lanzar for taking care of my equipment needs, to my teammates for pushing me forward, to all the competitors I have met, and lastly to Steve "Kenny Rogers" Stern for giving me a place to play.

Do you have BAD HABITS in your life? YOU SHOULD!