Cara Woodard

Oregon Celebrates 30th Championship and Hall of Fame Inductees

August 8, 2022 By Cara Woodard

Oregon celebrated its 30th anniversary State NSCA Sporting Clays Championship on June 23-26. Host club Mid Valley Clays and owners Dave and Vandy Fiedler put on a great event enjoyed by 193 competitors from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Hawaii, Montana, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. At the traditional Saturday night awards banquet, the Sustain Oregon NSCA Fund raffled 40 boxes of shotgun shells as a large group of enthusiastic shooters and guests enjoyed a great BBQ dinner.

Dave Abel, Ellen Deleganes, Jerry Martin

A highlight of the annual awards banquet is the Hall of Fame (HOF) induction ceremony. A Nomination/Selection Committee looks back over the years and identifies those individuals who have achieved significant shooting accomplishments and/or made significant contributions in advancing the development and success of our sport. Congratulations to the following Oregon NSCA HOF inductees for 2022:

Shooting Achievement Award: Jerry Martin, Sr.

Service Award: David Abel and Ellen Deleganes

Each recipient received a crystal award, had their names added to the Oregon Hall of Fame Perpetual Plaque and their photo and career highlights displayed on the state association’s website, which you can see at www.ornsca.org/hof.html.

– Contributed by Tom Jones

Ohio Cup at Mad River Sportsman’s Club

August 8, 2022 By Cara Woodard

The 2022 Ohio Cup was held in its usual place, Mad River Sportsman’s Club, outside of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and on its usual date, Father’s Day, but that’s where the similarities end. This tournament has always been challenging. The terrain is incredible. The rolling hills and the deceptive backgrounds have historically produced lower scores. It can be very tricky to read the targets correctly.

But participation has fallen off over the years, and this year’s tournament sadly only had 82 shooters present. There was a time when this was arguably one of the premier events in Ohio; if you weren’t signed up for it by the end of February, you weren’t getting in.

A number of dynamics go into the making of a successful club – great targets, price, aesthetics, customer service, housekeeping and more. Neglecting any one of these things can be the death knell for a club. But maybe, while you are boycotting a place, it is actually growing and learning from its mistakes. That seems to be the case for club manager Tony Stratton. When we talked about this year’s tournament, I told him I thought these were the best targets he’s ever thrown. It was crazy hard, but every bird was hittable and fair. You just had to have a solid plan and execute it with precision.

Arthur Ansley won this one with a 90. That was a phenomenal score for this course. There were only two other shooters in the 80’s, yet no one complained about the targets. Tony said if he had thrown this kind of targets a few years back, everyone would have grumbled. But he’s seen how the game has changed and decided to step up and compete with the other top clubs in Ohio. He added a 50-bird AFS game this year as well. It, too, was well thought out and provided another opportunity for shooters to challenge themselves.

If you haven’t shot the Ohio Cup for a while, maybe consider trying it again next year. You might just be surprised to find there are a few more target presentations you can still learn from.

– Contributed by Sandy Welti

ORSA Youth Skeet Camp

August 8, 2022 By Cara Woodard

Oak Ridge Sportsman Association, along with NSSA, put on its 11th Annual Youth Skeet Camp in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on June 7-8. Fifteen youth athletes aged 8 to 17 years old attended the camp. Lead instructor, NSSA Level III Benji Turner, along with four additional certified instructors, taught the camp.

Turner reported, “The ORSA Skeet Camp was awesome, campers were motivated, and some learned a lot. Some of the advanced campers picked up a few more techniques to add to their skills. We had a couple campers hit 5 and 7 targets on the first round and ended with 20 and 19. We also had some campers shoot their personal high. We were blessed with good weather and a little rain, but the campers still eagerly went outside and shot. Great staff made this camp run smoothly. Food was great, and all seemed to learn a lot and had a great time.”

“Safety is the number one goal,” said Rick Andrews, Youth Camp Director. Safety briefings were held each day before the camp began, along with the instructors stressing safety on the fields.

The camp offered instruction for beginners to advanced shooters. Gun fitting, eye dominance, proper stance and advanced techniques were taught. The ORSA skeet facility threw more than 4,000 White Flyer targets through its new Lincoln skeet machines during the clinic.

Thanks to our many ORSA members who helped with the camp, providing food and water and filling up the machines. Without these volunteers, we could not put on our camp.

The 2023 ORSA-NSSA Skeet Camp is slated for next June. Dates and entry forms will be available this winter.

– Contributed by Cletus Mitchell

63rd Kentucky Lake Open

June 20, 2022 By Cara Woodard

Mark Travis of Bartlett, Tennessee, returned to Chief Paduke Gun Club after a long hiatus and walked off with the HOA championship. This year’s version was also held mid-May, a welcome respite from the sweltering temperatures of the traditional July date. A good time was had by all, with many promises of “see you next year” upon the contestants’ Sunday afternoon departures. All competitors and their respective entourages were treated to a complimentary Saturday night fish fry by Earl Yarbrough and crew, and it was enjoyed by everyone.

Calvert City All-American Ken Ford, MD, posted the only 98 to take opening doubles honors without a shoot-off. Fellow Calvert City Gun Club member Jody Stevenson, showing he had lost little in an almost 10-year layoff, won AA with a 97. Larry Blount, visiting again from the Grand Canyon state, topped A class with a 96. Christian Wagner, an outstanding Junior shooter from Tennessee, was B1 with his 93. Mark Hammond, Elizabethtown, KY, led C with a nice 95. Mike Burrell, Blodgett, MO, was tops in D with 91.

Jody Stevenson cashed in for the second time in a row in the All-Gauge contest, popping the only 100. Scores of 99 were plentiful, though, as that tally from Barry Stevenson topped AA. It was Ford in A, and Jamie Hathcock, (visiting from Springfield, MO) in B. Hunter Burgess, Cordova, TN was best in C, beating Mike Jenkins in a shoot-off of 96s. Burrell won D again, this time with a score of 94. In what was probably the most eagerly watched shoot-off of the event, the Ballentine brothers of Milan, TN, locked horns in the Sub-Junior concurrent, with Owen prevailing over Ethan.

Two shooters had 100s with the yellow shells – Travis and last year’s runaway HOA winner, Josh Beard. Josh prevailed in the miss-and-out doubles decider, relegating Mark to AA1. Club president Keith Spivey, inarguably the top gun in Elizabethtown, IL, proved that you can oversee a shoot, repair traps as needed, pull a five-man squad, and still shoot well. He came out the winner in a shoot-off of 99s for the A-class crown over Wagner and Barry Stevenson. Hathcock reserved another spot in the payout line, leading B with his 97. Kevin Brogdon, out of Humboldt, TN, led C with a nice 96, while fellow Volunteer Stater Jack Huckabee, won D with the same score.

After Sunday morning’s small-gauge affair, only one red dot appeared on the scoreboard, posted by Keith Brummite, Benton, KY. Travis again showed up on the payout sheet, with his AA class best of 99. Gavin Stevenson, also of Calvert, gave further credence to the fact that the Stevenson men can take a lengthy break from the sport and return at the near-top of their game, taking A class with the lone 99. Perennial KLO participant and CPGC member Rob Gyngard, Florissant, MO, broke 96 for the top spot in B. Burrell triumphed again, this time in the C division, with a 96. Huckabee cashed in for the second time in D with 88.

In the baby bore, Travis prevailed in a three-way tie-breaker of 98s over Ford (A) and B class Spivey. Bartlett, TN, shooter and regular KLO participant Alan Newton led C with a 93, while Huckabee marked again, this time with a 94 that easily outclassed his competition in D class.

Travis’ 395 led the HOA chase by a healthy margin of four over Ford (AA1) and Blount (B1) by five. Don Beard, Jackson, MO, topped A with 386. Burgess prevailed in the C division with his 373, with Huckabee leading D at 367.

The KLO continues to run smoothly each year, due mainly to the pitch-in-and-help attitude displayed by many club members. Chief Paduke Gun Club would also like to thank all those that supported and participated. Plan now on signing up early for the 2023 version.

– Contributed by Bob Toy

Ladies Skeet Classic

June 15, 2022 By Cara Woodard

Spring in Covington, Georgia, is typically associated with cherry blossoms for the unknowing, but for those who know what’s important, it’s finally spring, time to break out of hibernation and head toward Atlanta for the Ladies Charity Skeet Classic. Ask any of the ladies who attend annually, and they’ll tell you the best part is seeing friends, especially those only seen once or twice a year, and adding new friends to their tribe. It’s the season opener for most ladies, so there’s a particular optimism in the air, even in these weird times of lingering COVID, ammo uncertainty, reloading components scavenger hunting, and soaring fuel prices. Much as one would love for shooting to be the biggest thing about the weekend, it has a lot of competition to be front and center. We love our skeet family – sisters and friends in our game. We are passionate about our mission – raising money and promoting skeet among the ladies. We embrace our charity – Athens (GA) Area Habitat for Humanity and their goals. We relish celebrating each other’s success. Thirty-nine ladies from 12 states joined us this year, with nine first-time attendees and five new SCTP ladies. Georgia was the most well-represented with 12 attendees, North Carolina had six; five from Florida; four from Virginia; three from Tennessee; two each from Mississippi and West Virginia; and one each from Connecticut, Montana, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Our Junior ladies were well represented but outnumbered by the more senior ladies.

Friday morning’s Ladies Novice Class, sponsored by Louise Terry and “First Shots” by the National Sports Shooting Foundation, which provided ammunition and goodies, has always been filled with excitement. Ladies with zero to minimal experience with a shotgun are the typical attendees; however, some repeat ladies love the outing. There was even a “two-fer,” as one attendee, Krystal Moody, was seven months pregnant. Her daughter was our youngest attendee to date. Fourteen ladies attended, under the fabulous coaching from Doug Thompson, Corrie Cloninger, Jason Cloninger, Mark Hall, Austin Shepherd and Doug Trautman. It’s great fun watching these ladies be successful on the field. They truly embrace the mantra “Breakin’ Clays Makes My Day”!

The novice ladies were barely off the field before ugly weather rolled in, allowing them to enjoy lunch, sponsored by Cross Creek Skeet Association, a bit early. A&H Catering, operated by Amber Schwarz and Hannah Moody, once again provided deliciousness for the ladies to re-hash their glory on the field.

As the tournament ladies rolled in, delivered original designer baskets, raffle table treasures and unique auction items, the weather lingered, with just enough lightning to keep the ladies off the field. Daylight Saving Time had already kicked in, which allowed us to delay and still get doubles completed as planned. Twenty-seven ladies entered the John Haugh Doubles Event. Two 98s were posted by Marina Pakis (TN) and Susan Huszai (OH), so they took to the shoot-off field where Pakis quickly overtook Huszai for champion and runner-up, respectively. Third was clean for Meredith Tunick-Kling (VA) with 97. Lynn Cogdill (MT) took A over Sydney Pittman (GA); Deanna Culpepper (GA) took B; Melissa Petitjean (GA) took C; Marie Trilli (PA) took D over Faith Henderson (GA).

As Friday evening arrived, it was time to put away the shotguns and shift gears to our first PJ Party Game Night sponsored by Daniel Defense, Todd Bender, Lori and Barry Sheffield, and Mark Thompson. A light dinner was served to all attendees as we got our first glance at the outfits the ladies were modeling! Once dinner was completed, we moved onto the highlight of the evening – game night. Melissa Petitjean led our evening and did an amazing job. She had several perfect games in her box of tricks. The games were quick and fun and quite original. The evening was a great way for the newer ladies and our seasoned attendees to mix. We paraded our PJ contenders for votes, with Mary Beverly Gamble, Winnie Tucker and Linda Tucker the winners with matching jammies, slippers and hair accessories. Serious runner-up consideration was given to Deanna Culpepper and Melissa Petitjean. Our final act of the evening was to crown a Queen for the weekend – Hannah Goddard was crowned, pearlized and sashed in addition to getting coached in the proper way to wave (higher than the pearls and lower than the tiara). The evening was filled with much fun and laughter for participants and cheerleaders.

Saturday morning, the Jane and Doug Frazier 12-Gauge Event kicked off for 39 ladies. All additional weather hiccups had passed, and weather conditions were clear, but smooth sailing would have been a bit idealistic. After all it was March, and the winds blew! All weekend, the crystal was a bit rattly on the table, pending awards. The podium was clean when all scores were tallied. Katie Hunt (GA) posted the lone 100; Alison Boyette (FL) shot 99; Lynn Cogdill (MT) broke 98. Corrie Cloninger (NC) took A over Susie Huszai (OH); Culpepper took B; Susan Thompson (NC) took C; Tinsley Rigsby (GA) took D; and Faith Henderson took E over Celiabeth Branch (GA).

Lunch was sponsored by Promatic Machines. The weather was just cool enough for the ladies to enjoy soup, salads, sandwiches, and cookies. Again, A&H catering swooped in just as the food arrived to set up, serve, clean up and disappear to continue Saturday evening preparations.

Saturday afternoon, the Susan and Doug Thompson 28-Gauge Event ensued for 32 ladies. Once again, the podium was clean for Huszai with the single perfect score; Cloninger took runner-up with 98; Boyette claimed third with 97. Mary DeFrancesco (CT) took A; Josie Cloninger (NC) took B; Thompson took C, snaring a trophy in the event she and hubby sponsored; and Brayden Stokes (GA) took D class.

As Saturday nightfall developed, it was time to regroup and move onto the business of the evening. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of beef tenderloin, small potatoes, salad and cake. Food was prepared by A&H Catering, and sous chef, Jodie Lewis. Our evening was sponsored by Friends of the GSSA (Georgia State Skeet Association), and cakes were made by Just Frosted Sweets, owned by Krystal Moody.

This year’s guest speaker Saturday evening was Paul Farr, Director for Marketing and ReStore Operations of Athens Area Habitat for Humanity. Our project this year is the Family Promise apartments. Athens Area Habitat will be partnering with another nonprofit, Family Promise of Athens (FPA), who will be paying the rent on the renovated units. FPA works with families who have fallen into homelessness. They create a personalized plan for each family to get back on their feet. These units will house the families while FPA provides food and other necessities and the adults find employment and do everything else needed to get back to living on their own. So over time, these homes will be helping many parents and children to turn their lives around.

Wrap-up and distribution of the raffle ticket items was handled flawlessly by our amazing team of “royals” – Susan Huszai, Mary DeFrancesco and Lynn Cogdill. They were challenged with space issues this year, as well over 200 items appeared.

Many of our ladies bring baskets for auction, most designed by the ladies themselves. This year’s most creative basket was donated by the Cloninger Ladies, created from a garden hose and filled with great items for a gardener! The basket that raised the most money was a date-night basket with a cuddle blanket, shotgun ammunition and maybe a nice beverage to enjoy, created by Norma Rickmond.

Our live auction, conducted by Mr. Tripp Foy, is a highlight of the weekend. He knows our ladies and does an incredible job. He was assisted by Al Means, Eric, Evan and Dan Heit, and Meredith Tunick-Kling. One never knows what auction items will be carried through the doors or what will be the biggest hit. This year’s hottest items were ammunition; as a result, we raised more money than ever before with this endeavor.

As Habitat homeowners move into their new abode, there are often little items that one might need or want to tailor their house to make it more homey. We raised money to assist, called “Fill the House,” much like a shower for a new bride. This money remained separate from other funds we raised, yet still counted towards our total donation. This year’s recognition for “Most Funds Raised” went to Susan Huszai. We also recognized the lady who got the most sponsors, Mary DeFrancesco. The ladies did a great job reaching out to their local businesses and gun club members who might not have attended the shoot but still wanted to support our initiative.

Sunday morning was the 20-Gauge Event, sponsored by Cloninger, Inc., with 32 entries. Four perfect scores made the scoreboard, from Boyette, Corrie Cloninger, Huszai and Hunt. The ladies hit the field ready for a long stay. Boyette dropped early, securing AA. Hunt and Huszai each let a high 4 fly, after watching Cloninger crunch her pair, earning her Champion. Hunt missed on her next station, taking third, and since Huszai cleaned her station, she was crowned runner-up Josie Cloninger (NC) took A; MaryBeth Parris (NC) took B; Addison Wallace (NC) took C; and Jill Taylor took D. Jill was seen getting some coaching tips on the practice field Sunday morning, working on a couple of stations– clearly the session was just the edge she needed.

Sunday was pretty breezy and never really got quite warm so another round of everyone’s favorite soup, Zuppa Toscana, was perfect, with broccoli salad, sandwiches, cookies, brownies and the remaining cake, sponsored by Tom Bolling.

Sunday afternoon was the .410 Bore Event, sponsored in memory of Barbara Bozard, one of the original ladies who began the Ladies Charity Skeet Classic. Huszai was high on the scoreboard with a single 96, crowning her champion; Hunt & Boyette tied with 95 so they headed to the field. Each lady let a low 4 slide on the first pass, then Hunt let a high 5 slide by and Boyette shut the door with her pair, to secure runner-up and leave third to Hunt. Corrie Cloninger took AA; Parris took A over DeFrancesco; Anderson took B; Karen Ruddle (WV) took C; and Winnie Tucker (FL) took D honors.

Matthews Trenching Co., Inc. HOA Champion was Huszai with 393. Runner-up was Boyette with 391; third was Corrie Cloninger with 389, AA went to Hunt, A went to Anderson, B went to Josie Cloninger, C went to Thompson, D went to Stokes. This year an anonymous sponsor made it possible for am HOA 3-Lady Blind to be awarded to the highest team of Corrie Cloninger, Lynn Cogdill and Becky Myers. Each lady received a free four-gun entry to the 2023 LCSC.

We shoot an Annie Oakley (gals) and Frank Butler (guys) Game with one round of skeet, trap, 5-stand and a few pistol shots. This event is sponsored by Howell Traps and White Flyer. Our pistol range was manned by Mike Wasielewski and his buddy. The guys are always so great with the ladies, ensuring they remain safe, learn a bit about pistols and punch some holes in the paper. Annie honors went to Melissa Petitjean as champion and Jill Taylor as runner-up. Frank honors went to Cannon Petitjean as champion and Don Pence as runner-up. New this year was an added Teams Event, titled Pardners. Teams could be two ladies or one lady/one gent. Our champion Pardners were Melissa and Cannon Petitjean. They both won individual awards, and when teamed together, what a powerhouse! Runner-up Pardners were Alison Boyette and Corrie Cloninger.

We even let the fellas participate a bit this year. They shot registered targets to support our charity. We appreciated their support and hope their average cards appreciated the love.

The funds are still being tallied at this writing. The final donation will be shared on Facebook on the Ladies Charity Skeet Classic page and our webpage at www.ladiescharityshootclassic.org.

To the ladies, sponsors, and volunteers, a huge thank you to each for the role you played. Thank you to South River Gun Club, which works so well for our soiree, and staff for allowing us to take over the facility for the weekend. Thank you to our referees – Doug Thompson, Joe Dickson, Eric Heit, Evan Heit, and Dan Heit. We appreciate all the tasks done, asked and unspoken. Hats off to our house photographer, Greg Huszai who took the amazing photos. Also, to those ladies who snapped casual photos throughout the weekend and shared them. Together everyone did an amazing job of catching the spirit of our tournament.

Start making plans for 2023! We will be back at it again soon.

– Contributed by Tami Daniel-Means