Resilience and Renewal, 2020-present

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the most significant disruption to NEOOC’s operations in decades. Like many organizations, the club had to adapt as public gatherings in 2020 were cancelled or modified. Membership and volunteer participation declined during and immediately after the pandemic. 

At the same time, new forms of participation gained popularity. Self-serve courses, which allowed participants to download a map and complete a course on their own schedule, became increasingly common. Route analysis tools also matured, with Livelox becoming the standard for recording and replaying GPS tracks. 

The club rebounded strongly after the pandemic. Participation in the recurring Python event reached its highest level in 2024. NEOOC continued hosting 15 to 20 events per year, including numerous Orienteering 101 events, which were often well attended. Five new maps were added, including an urban orienteering map of Kent State University. 

NEOOC also helped host three orienteering events for the 2024 Pan American Masters Games, and Air+ electronic punching was introduced in 2024, allowing competitors to register controls using contactless punching. 

By the mid-2020s, the club had not only recovered but was once again expanding its maps, technology, and major event offerings. New venues during this period included Sunny Lake, The West Woods, Girdled Road, and Big Creek. In 2025, Howard Montgomery, the club’s longest-serving president, was recognized with Orienteering USA’s Golden Service Award. 

2025 Golden Service Award 

Howard Montgomery, Northeastern Ohio Orienteering Club (NEOOC)

Howard has devoted more than 25 years to building and leading the Northeastern Ohio Orienteering Club, serving as president for over two decades while organizing hundreds of events, expanding venues, and mentoring new leaders. His vision, dedication, and tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on orienteering in Northeast Ohio and beyond.

Bob Boltz, presenting Howard with a Lifetime Member Award in 2023:

“When I started orienteering back in 1991 the club published a newsletter called The Grapevine to summarize results and publish club news. I saved all these until we began using email and our own website to get the word out. I read through this thick stack looking for mentions of our Lifetime Awardee, Howard Montgomery. The first instance was for his impressive first place (17 minute) finish for a White course in 1998. After that the results were often listed as DNF. One result for a 2005 Green course lists his result as ‘he lived.’ To show what kind of a guy he is, one DNF did not indicate that after completing only part of his course, he gave his map to another participant after they had lost their map. 

As the years slipped by, he not only climbed in the results as he mastered the art of navigation, but also started on his quest to keep orienteering going in NE Ohio by volunteering. In 2000 he relieved me from my position as newsletter editor so that I could turn my attention to mapping. In May of 2001, Howard shows up as Registrar at a Brecksville meet. In April of 2002, he is listed as Event Director at South Chagrin. In September of 2002 he designed his first courses for a meet at Millstream Run. On March 14 of 2004, just six years after his first White course, he became President by unanimous vote!

Over the last 20 years, our club has with good reason overlooked the club constitution’s dictate that the President serves for a term of 3 years. At times he has worn many officer hats at the same time: President, Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, he can usually be found as Event Director, Starter/Timer and Control Collector. He probably doesn’t even remember how many times he has led Orienteering for Beginner events.”

At the 50-year mark, the heart of orienteering still resonates with people of every age and ability. NEOOC is proud to sponsor events that welcome everyone: individuals and families, newcomers and seasoned experts, all looking for a new challenge. The camaraderie found in closeness to nature, and the balance of physical and mental effort, are what make this sport special. These experiences nurture participants and truly enhance their well-being. We welcome new members and offer events and orienteering training throughout the year.