Each year Fairfax Rod and Gun Club (Manassas, VA) hosts an Open competition to raise funds for the George Mason University Trap and Skeet Shooting Club. As such, the students themselves are the assigned referees for the squads. For any newer student participants, a referee clinic, led by Chief Referee Lane Hartle, was held 10 days before so that all could receive their official NSSA Referee credentials (which are now good for three years) and become more familiar with registered skeet. This year the students from George Mason University were Stephanie Treme (captain, senior), Stephen Halt, Lindsey Davis, Cullin Bowers, Jack Kemp, Josh Wheeler, Gavin LaSala, Grant Breem and Cade O’Kelly. Keep an eye on these names, as it is likely that we will see them again as they progress in their skeet careers in the coming years. Ms. Treme is the only graduating member of the GMU Club.
Saturday’s weather was crisp with clear skies, but windy, making for some very sporty 20-gauge targets for the 39 shooters. Winners included Muhamed El-Zoghbi – champion, Collin Christopherson – runner-up, James Burch – third, Jonathan Honey AA1, Jason Armstrong A1, Lonny Evenson B1, David Honey C1 and Mathew Honey D1.
As the day warmed, 52 shooters tried their skills at 12-gauge with the following results: Jim Hickerson – champion, Fred Wood – runner-up, Jason Armstrong – third, Muhamed El-Zoghbi A1, Steve Kling B1, Joe Scott C1, Mark Manns D1 and David Robertson E1.
We would like to recognize two Zone I shooters that traveled to our Club from the colder northern climes – Richard “Bear” Gath from New Hampshire and Danielle Murdock from Connecticut but going to school at the University of Maryland. A good time was had by all.
Sunday’s events were two sets of Doubles. With another morning in the wind, the Doubles One event had the following results: Jason Armstrong – champion, Muhamed El-Zoghbi – runner-up, Mike Wollard – third, Jonathan Honey A1, Michael Moats B1, Matthew Honey D1. Our Doubles Two event had calmer conditions. After the morning’s “practice,” Muhamed El-Zoghbi turned in a very fine 98 for champion, with Jason Armstrong at runner-up and a four-way shoot-off for third that resulted in Lonny Evenson outlasting the others. The other class firsts were Mike Wollard AA1, Mike Ramsey A1, Michael Moats B1 and Paul Hunt D1.
Thanks go to Jamie Martin for maintaining the grounds, preparing the fields, stacking firewood for the pavilion, providing water on the fields, and ensuring that all the machines were running smoothly; Dutch Hillenburg for donating coupons for discounts in the pro shop; and Connie and Van Keys for the warm, delicious food.
– Contributed by Jeff Bond
– Photos by Jeff Bond and Ray Shields
