Pine Belt Sportsman’s Club hosted the 2020 New Jersey State Championship. Much to the surprise of NJSSA officers and for the first time in New Jersey skeet shooting history, battery-powered remote controls were used in lieu of the traditional hardwired cords for our tournament.
The tournament started with the Doubles event, and Ben Galioto’s 97 earned him his third career Doubles Championship. Class winners were Joe Hall (A1), Tony Viel (B1), Robert Vrablik (C1) and James Luts (D1).
The weather on Saturday morning was literally perfect for the 12-gauge event, and Leo Nebbia shot a terrific 99 to win the gun championship. After a 20-year lay-off, Brian Ziegler came back and won A1 with a 97. Winning the classes were Dick Lukasik (B1), Robert Madosky (C1) and Greg Khalaf (D1).
On Saturday afternoon, the weather remained perfect for the 28-gauge, and Dick Lukasik hammered 99 targets to win his first state championship. The entire New Jersey skeet fraternity couldn’t be happier. Class winners were Ben Galioto (AA1), Leo Nebbia (A1), Robert Vrablik (B1), Tony Veil (C1) and Joe Madlinger (D1).
The weather was very hot for Sunday morning’s 20-gauge event, but this had no effect on Robert Vrablik and Dick Lucasik, who both broke 98s and made their way to the shoot-off field. After two stations, Robert Vrablik was crowned 20-gauge champion. Class winners were Brian Ziegler (AA1), Leo Nebbia (A1), Greg Khalaf (C1) and Joe Madlinger (D1).
The final gun was the .410, and we literally had a windstorm come through Pine Belt for the little gun. Leo Nebbia, Ben Galioto and Jim Seiler (who also returned after a 20-year lay-off) all shot 92s and made their way to the shoot-off field. After three stations, Leo Nebbia won the .410 championship. Class winners were Ben Galioto (A1), Michael Costello (B1), Greg Khalaf (C1) and Joe Madlinger (D1).
The HOA title went to Leo Nebbia with a 386. Leo won three state titles for the weekend, taking home a beautiful silver belt buckle. Dick Lukasik was one target off the pace, earning him HOA runner-up. Class winners were Ben Galioto (A1), Robert Vrablik (B1), Clifford Schaffer (C1) and Joe Madlinger (D1).
Our referees, Mark Bricker, Sophia Galioto and Eric Bachmann, did a terrific job. Thank to our skeet administrator Kevin Dawkins for running our shoot. Finally, a special thank you to our biggest sponsor Robert Madosky, who has provided us with some very nice shooting shirts for two decades.
– Contributed by Ben Galioto