The lack of good HF propagation didn't seem to affect participation in the 2008 Sweepstakes or the 2009 RTTY Roundup contests. According to ARRL Contest Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, both contests were record-breaking events. "We have received 3298 logs for the November SSB and CW Sweeps combined in 2008," Kutzko said. "That is -- at bare minimum -- a 5 year high. The 2009 RTTY Roundup in January saw 1564 entries, also a 5 year high." Kutzko said he attributes some of the increase to the hoopla surrounding the 75th running of Sweepstakes: "The excitement over the new Triple Play Award was likely a large factor in the RTTY Roundup increase. Interest in contesting in general is on the rise."
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