The 98th Illinois State Skeet Championship was held at Peoria Skeet and Trap Club, August 23-25. Friday afternoon had 45 Doubles shooters enjoying a beautiful sunny day that actually felt more like early fall than August in central Illinois. There was not a lot of drama determining who would stand at the top of the podium, as Mike Glasby’s 99 took care of that. Several 97’s needed to shoot off to figure out the rest, with Jeff Moecher runner-up and Chris Phelps third. Class winners were Joe Vancura (AA), Robert Zeek (A), Artie Tessman (B), Daniel Davidenko (C), and Ken Hilleman (D).
Saturday had more shooters arriving to do their best in the 12- and 20-gauge events. Nearly 70 shooters were able to enjoy the more typical Illinois August heat, with Alex Spiros showing everyone how to do it with his 12-gauge 100. Greg Hufnagel’s lone 99 had him standing one step down. The rest had to be fought for on the shoot-off field, with 11 shooters’ 98’s creating a logjam. Mike Glasby emerged as third, with the following class winners: John Wilson (AA), Jack Dean (A), James Dial (B), Hawken Clampet (C), Ken Hilleman (D), and Kyle Marten (E).
The 20-gauge ended in similar fashion. This time it was Cody Topping with the lone 100. Several 99’s were called to the shoot-off field to figure out the rest, with Jeff Moecher runner-up and Joe Vancura third. Class winners were Alex Spiros (AA), Greg Hufnagel (A), Todd Malcom (B), Ken Hilleman (C), and David Dill (D).
Saturday evening, shooters enjoyed a great meal catered by Bernardi’s Italian restaurants, while All-State Teams were recognized and awards were handed out.
All of the seasoned Illinois shooters have come to expect that Sunday means the wind must blow. The 28-gauge event continued the pattern from the previous day with only one shooter able to break them all. Mike Glasby’s lone 100 made him champion, with three 99’s shooting off for the rest of the podium; Cody Topping was runner-up and Jeff Moecher third. Class winners were Robert Zeek (AA), Kevin Price (A), Daniel Davidenko (B), Josh Nielson (C), and Hawken Clampet (D).
The .410 event stayed interesting with the gusty breeze making even harder work for most shooters. Jack Dean was unfazed by the conditions and calmly brought in the top score of 98 to win the championship. Alex Spiros had the only 97 for runner-up, and four shooters with 96’s had to shoot off for the rest. Mike Glasby was able to emerge as third. Class winners were Zak Knasko (AA), Chris Phelps (A), Tim Conrin (B), Ken Hilleman (C), and Christine Dill (D).
The HOA Championship was not automatically decided like all of the other championships were. Four shooters were tied with 390’s that needed to get things figured out. Cody Topping fought his way to the top of the podium, with Alex Spiros runner-up and Greg Hufnagel third. Class winners were Mike Glasby AA1, Jeff Moecher A1, Alan Wise B1, and Ken Hilleman C1.
– Greg Hufnagel