Throwback: National Parachute Championships in 1968
The National Parachute Championships at Marana Air Base (now Pinal Air Park) in 1968 to choose the 12 contestants from a field of 125 to represent the U.S. in the world competition. Ron Johnson of Ohio set a national record at the event.
National Parachute Championships in 1968
A US Army parachutist hits close to the mark as judges are close at hand to get an accurate reading of his landing during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
A US Army parachutist gives a salute as he makes his jump during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
Spectators keep an eye on the parachutists as they make their way back to earth during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
A parachutist gently floats to the ground as he approaches the target area during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
While in flight a group of US Army parachutists relax inside the plane before making their jump during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
A parachutist tries to get his chute under control after making a landing during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
A parachutist converses with the judges as they scrutinize his landing during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
Judges come in to check the landing while a parachutist chases after his billowing chute during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
Parachutist Donna Connor of Denver walks back to the area with her chute after making a jump during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
Members of the US Army parachutist carefully check their equipment as they pack their chutes during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
A parachutist approaches the mark as judges rush in for an accurate reading of his landing during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
Members of the US Army parachutist group carefully pack their chutes after making their jumps during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
A parachutist gets help packing her chute during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
National Parachute Championships in 1968
A parachutist's descent is monitored with binoculars and a telemeter as participants keep an eye on fellow jumpers during the National Parachuting Contest at Marana Air Field on June 25, 1968. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizen
THEN: This undated photo, top, shows Kinsley’s Lake, then located along the Old Nogales Highway in Arivaca Junction south of Tucson. Rancher O…