Sherry Kerr

Hamburg Open

August 28, 2018 By Sherry Kerr

12-gauge champ Ryan Meger, runner-up Ed Smith

The weather was amazing with sunny, blue skies and warm temperatures for the 2018 Hamburg Open at the Hamburg (NY) Rod and Gun Club, July 6-8. The first event of the weekend was Doubles. Steve Wood was the champion with the only 100 in the event. Since this was Wood’s first 100, we shot his hat. Runner-up was Dessislav Ivanov, and class winners were Ed Smith AA1, Matthew Lenehan AA2, Peter Bogdan A1, Ricky Laurito A2, Bill Black B1, Paul Barnas B2, Mike Kinsella C1, Stacy Asel D1 and John Cicora D2. Matthew Lenehan was Junior champion.

Saturday came, and the weather conditions were wonderful again. In the 12-gauge event, there were three 100s. After the shoot-offs, the results were: Ryan Meger – champion, Ed Smith – runner-up, Steven Wood AA1, Daniel Kavanaugh AA2, Bernard Lenehan A1, Ricky Laurito A2, Ed Cornelius B1, Paul Barnas B2, John Cicora C1, Jerry Reeves D1, Stacey Asel E1, Bryan Bale E2 and Ryan Meger – Junior champ.

Two shooters were perfect in the 20 gauge. After the shoot-offs, Samuel Heusler was champ and Bernard Lenehan was runner-up. Class winners were Edward Smith AA1, David Sobiegray AA2, Peter Bogdon A1, Douglas Paddock A2, Charles Lombardo B1, Mike Asel B2, Joe Messineo C1 with his first-ever 25 straight (yes, we did shoot his hat), Jerry Reevea C2, Gregory McChesney D1, James Pryor D2 and Ryan Meger – Junior champion.

Everyone enjoyed dinner that night with breaded pork chops and roast beef provided by 3 Star Restaurant. A huge thank you to 3 Star Restaurant for the great meal. A nice cocktail party was put on by our club president, Jim McAndrews.

On Sunday, the weather cooperated again with a great start for the 28-gauge event. Event champion Ed Smith had the only 100. Other results were Paul Barnas – runner-up, Ryan Meger AA1, Steven Wood AA2, Matthew Lenehan A1, Peter Bogdon A2, William Boyd Black B1, Bruce Raymond B2, Charles Lombardo C1, John Cicora C2, Joe Messineo D1, James Hunter D2 and Ryan Meger – Junior champion.

After the lunch break, the weather conditions were perfect for the .410 event. Bernard Lenehan had the only 100, which was his first perfect 100 in the .410, so we shot his hat. Champ was Bernard Lenehan, Dessislav Ivanov – runner-up, Steven Wood AA1, Edward Smith AA2, Ryan Meger A1, Samuel Heusler A2, Ed Cornelius B1, Bruce Raymond B2, Mike Kinsella C1, James Prior C2, Joe Messineo D1, James Hunter D2 and Ryan Meger – Junior champ.

Ed Smith won HOA for the shoot with a 395, and Bernard Lenehan was runner-up. Other winners were Ryan Meger AA1, Steven Wood AA2, Samuel Heusler A1, David Sobiegray A2, Paul Barnas B1, John Cicora C1, Joe Messineo E1 and Ryan Meger – Junior champ.

We want to thank all the sponsors of the 2018 Hamburg Open for your support, and we hope we can count on you again next year. I would like to thank the following sponsors for the events they sponsored: Doubles – Hamburg Brewery, 12 Gauge – Ventry Heating and Air Conditioning, 20 Gauge – Blackstone Advanced Technologies LLC, 28 Gauge – Manth Mfg., .410 – Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More Restaurant, and HOA – Fiocchi Ammunition. Thanks also to the Boy Scouts for Saturday lunch.

We look forward to seeing everyone next year at the 2019 Hamburg Open.

– Contributed by Paul Barnas

Boyd Memorial Cancer Shoot

August 28, 2018 By Sherry Kerr

Rick DeBar with chairman of the shoot, Joyce Boyd

The annual Boyd Memorial Cancer Shoot was held the weekend of July 7 at the Cooperstown Sportsmen’s Club in Cooperstown, NY. The High Over All trophy, for the combined 12 and 20 gauges, was presented to shooter Rick DeBar, who shot his first 25 straight just last year at this same event.

This was the 6th year of the fundraiser that combines a day of registered skeet shooting with a day of open shooting to everyone who wants to shoot skeet and/or trap. The weather cooperated on both days this year, so we enjoyed shooting, good company, lunch, raffles and a bake sale. Funds raised are donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. It is with much pride that we can now say that over $30,000 has been donated to date.

We attribute the continued success of this important fundraiser to family, friends and the skeet community. Thank you to all who attended, including Jack and Loretta Mutchler who have provided us with their guidance over the years. Appreciation goes out to our club membership for donating targets and space and to our club President, Bob Navratil, for his support, dedication and hard work. It is very rewarding to be associated with gun enthusiasts who are making a positive impact in our world as we remember those who have passed from cancer, celebrate the survivors among us, and hope that a cure is within reach.

– Contributed by Ted Kantorowski

Kentucky Lake Open

August 28, 2018 By Sherry Kerr

Chief Paduke Gun Club (Paducah, Kentucky) hosted the 59th Kentucky Lake Open on July 20-22. At the completion of Friday’s Doubles championship, Dennis Burns Jr. of Fancy Farm, KY, topped the leader board with the only 99. Kevin Parrott of Louisville won AA with a 95. Tom Selley, Mt. Juliet, TN, led A by breaking 98. The B class was taken by Joe Marr, Troy, IL, with a score of 94. Dick Ferguson, Lake St. Louis, MO proved best in C with a tally of 86 hits. Nathan Harrington, Benton, KY, was first in D, with 89 Xs on the scoreboard.

At the end of the day’s shooting, many of the participants spent a fun-filled evening at Harrah’s Casino in nearby Metropolis as guests of the casino. This has become somewhat of a tradition with our out-of-town guests who look forward to the outing each year. This was the 24th consecutive year for Harrah’s to host our shooters, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Burns won the shoot-off of 100 straights in the all-gauge event, besting Rodney Reinier, a class B gunner from Lebanon, IL, who had just posted his first 100 straight. Perennial KLO contender Mark Presnell, Jackson, MO, was AA winner with a 99. Josh Beard, also of Jackson, led A class with 97, and Richard Ladd, Collierville, TN, bested C with his 96. Club officer Mike Hatler, Bandana, KY, was the D winner with 96. Harrington was the best in the E division with 92.

Burns kept rolling in the 20-gauge shoot-off, beating Vernon Shedd of Ludlow, IL, in the Doubles tie-breaker after both shot 100. Ken Ford, Calvert City, KY, came out on top of AA class with his 99. Class A first was taken by Barry Stevenson, Calvert City, KY, also with 99. Shedd was the B winner, while Harrington led C by smoking 90 clays. A 93 by Dennis Owen, Medon, TN, was good enough to top the 20-gauge D rank.

A new twist at this year’s event was the operation of the kitchen by Kathy Toy and her fellow members of the Paducah DAR chapter. It was agreed unanimously that both the appearance of the help and quality of the lunches served was vastly improved over the days when Roger Hazen attempted to perform this task! Another major part of what makes the KLO a great shoot was the efforts of B. J. Yates and her staff of top flight referees – Denny Edwards, Jay Byrd, Seth Crawford and Brad Felton.

After three events, the smart money was on Burns to run the table, but then the 28 gauge reared its head, and a 98 went on the scorecard; Ken Ford was the only entrant able to survive unscathed with his 100 straight. Presnell was the AA top gun again with an almost-perfect 99. Davis Minton, Dexter, MO notched a win in A, also with a 99. Richard Ladd didn’t cut them any slack in B, breaking 99. Pat English, Jackson, TN, took the top prize in C by busting 89. John Oliver, Kevil, KY, 87, was the conqueror of D.

Burns righted the ship in the .410 event, posting a brilliant 99, to take another gun crown sans shoot-off. Parrott wound up atop AA by virtue of his 96. Stevenson triumphed in A by squashing 97. Minton again prevailed over the B group by virtue of his 94. When the smoke cleared, Pat English and his 87 sat all alone at the top of the C heap. D class .410 first was taken by Ferguson with 80.

Burns added another KLO HOA crown to his lengthy string of major victories, by virtue of his 397. Ford managed AA1 with his tally of 393 markers. Larry Blount, visiting from Tuscon, AZ, was a great help in preparing for the shoot and also notched a nice 388 to lead the pack in A class. Stevenson bested the B category with his 385. In the C HOA race, Mike Burrell, Blodgett, MO, came out on top of the pack with his total of 362. Harrington beat Oliver, 349 to 341, to claim D honors.

We will be back again in 2019 for the 60th version of our shoot, third weekend of July. Plan now on signing up early.

– Contributed by Bob Toy

3F Summer Classic

August 15, 2018 By Sherry Kerr

The 3F Club in Lewiston, New York, hosted the 3F Classic on July 20-22. The top-100 shoot was sold out, with 50 shooters attending from New York, Pennsylvania and Canada. The 3F continues to host one of the top money shoots in New York, with over $3000 added money and complimentary breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails for all shooters. Plans for 2019 include $4000 added money and capacity of 60-plus shooters.

Friday started with Doubles with swirling winds and tough conditions. Ian Smingler emerged as champion with a lone 98, followed by Peter Bogdon’s 97 for runner-up. Class winners were Dan Walker AA1, Jeff Ventry A1, Colin Smingler B1, Garland Taborn C1 and John Cicora D1.

Saturday brought clear and bright sunshine with light winds and temperatures in the 90s to the Niagara region for the 12-gauge event. Targets were perfect, and five perfect scores were posted by Ed Smith, Don Lewandoski, Steve Wood, Jeff Ventry Jr. and Peter Bogdon, who picked up his first 100 straight in registered competition. After 10 stations, Ed Smith captured the crown, with Lewandoski runner-up. Class winners were Steve Wood AA1, Peter Bogdon A1, Bryan Jensen B1, John Cicora C1, Bryan Bale D1 and Randy Cook E1.

Following the lunch break, shooters took to the field for the 28-gauge event, in which Dana Driscoll posted the lone 100 to win the championship. The 99s were called to the shoot-off field to battle it out for runner-up, with Ian Smingler outlasting Steve Wood to for runner-up. Class winners were Steve Wood AA1, Bruce Raymond A1, Bryan Jensen B1, Al Morris C1 and Randy Cook D1.

Sunday morning the thunderstorms and wind hit. By the time the first flight went off, the conditions settled with a slight drizzle and moderate wind, and sunshine emerged for the second half of the 20. The 20-gauge event concluded with two 100s and five 99s being posted. Bernie Lenehan outpaced Jeff Ventry for the championship. Class winners Ian Smingler AA1, Doug Paddock A1, Matthew Lenehan B1, Johnny Sibani C1 and Randy Cook D1.

For the .410 final event of the day, the sun was shining and the winds moderate. One lone 99 was enough for Ed Smith to capture the championship. Three 98s shot off for runner-up, taking only one station for Jeff Ventry to claim runner-up over Matt Kelley and Dave Sobiegray. Class winners Kelley AA1, Sobiegray A1, Dave Troiani B1, Doug Goodman C1 and Jeff Ventry Jr. D1.

Ed Smith captured the HOA crown with a fine 396. Dana Driscoll took runner-up with a 393, and class winners were Matt Kelley AA1, Dave Sobiegray A1, Bruce Raymond B1, Johnny Sibani C1 and Steve Dickerman D1.

Thank you to all of our dedicated sponsors, and special thanks to Duane Manth and Manth Mfg., without whom we would not be able to offer the added money and the venue to enable us to grow the shoot year after year. Thanks to Randy Cook for his generous donation for the 20-gauge B-C-D event. Also, thanks to our referees and all our volunteers who made this shoot possible: Mike Clarke, Jeff Ventry, Garland Taborn, Dave Sobiegray, Rich Falcone, Tim Baldwin, Jackie Ventry and Lisa Kelly. Thanks to all the shooters for making our event a growing success.

Please join us again next year, bring along new shooting friends and pass the word. Make it a vacation – there’s lots to do in Niagara Falls, Lewiston and Youngstown, NY.

– Contributed by Dave Sobiegray

PSA Redlands Club Championship

July 24, 2018 By Sherry Kerr

The Redlands Club Championship has evolved into a premier Southern California event in just six short years. Last year, Pacific Sporting Arms, led by John Herkowitz and Jordon Hirschi, stepped in to become the title sponsor, adding an element of prestige to the tournament. Past champions include a couple of World Champions and Hall of Fame members.

Eric Kirk, the 2017 champion, returned, along with 2016 champ, Roman Warren. And the 2015 champion, Todd Bender, also competed. Although Todd has visited us since his win, this was his first return to shoot with us. We were pleased to welcome him home. Todd was fully booked during the week with clinics. Perhaps Warren Liu’s statement sums it up best: “This was my best day ever!” All would agree.

The championship is a 200-target tournament consisting of 100 each 20- and 12-gauge birds. One flight begins on Friday afternoon, and the balance completes on Saturday. Forty-five shooters can be accommodated, and the event was full with a waiting list. In fact, one squad ran 6-man for the 12 gauge on Saturday so Joe Fry could join us from Bakersfield. Mike O’Keefe also made the trip from Phoenix. I guess you would have to do the mileage to figure out who traveled farther. We were happy both made it.

As an added bonus for those who shot the Friday rotation, a mixer was included with sausages, links, grilled onions and peppers, chips and dips, and perhaps a beverage or two. It was a very nice social event that contributed to the always-present camaraderie.

In conjunction with Triple B Clays and Kern County Gun Club, great efforts have gone into developing a group of referees in Southern California. For those of you who have taken on this task, you know that it takes constant effort to keep people trained as well as to develop new talent. Our group of refs were terrific. Tori, Ashley, Sarah, Elijah, and William were on time, courteous, and accurate in their calls. They take ownership of their fields and were spot on.

The shoot starts with the yellow shell. The disks were flying, succumbing to 7/8 oz. of #9 shot. And every one of Mr. Bender’s targets succumbed completely, giving him the lone 100 straight. A pair of 98s and slews of 97s and 96s were right behind. Shoot-offs for the end of the day were tallied by Tina Stephens, administrator extraordinaire.

Lunch is always included at the Redlands events. In all, about 75 people were fed island chicken wings, exotic Asian skewers, a salad provided by Mary Fitzgerald, and a platter of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from Lola Fitzgerald.

After lunch, the 12 gauge commenced. This time, two shooters managed the hundie, two shoulda-wouldas, and groups of others right behind. Shoot-offs commenced promptly following the completion of the 12 gauge on field 3, our “stadium field.” Competitors and spectators assembled beneath the now-famous elm trees to settle things up. Concurrent events are shot off as well, so a full plate was in store.

Bender had already won the 20 gauge. But John Lyman and Richard Wurster had to sort out the rest of the podium, and that they did. In the end, the 20 wound up like this: Bender, champion; Lyman, runner-up; and Wurster, third. Tracy Edwards took AA1 without contest, Larry Schur A1, J.R. Fernandez B1, Neil Vann (Mr. 400K) C1, and Martin Eramo D1.

The 12 gauge had some tidying up to do as well. Lyman took the title over Sifers, runner-up, Andre Frey, third. AA1 went to Bender, Wurster A1, Charlie Miledi B1, Vann C1, and newly returned Keith Cantillon, D1, with a very nice 96.

Handcrafted leather pouches provided by Pacific Sporting Arms were created for the HOA winners, including class champs. Envelopes with some mad money were also tucked into each pouch. At completion of the 12 gauge, Bender couldn’t be caught. He won his second Redlands Club Championship by breaking 199×200. John Lyman was right on his heels with 198 and runner-up, and Sifers’ 195 was good enough for third. Tracy Edwards captured AA1, Wurster A1, Miledi B1, Vann C1 and Tim Schilling D1.

Two new NSSA members were recruited during the event. Welcome Eric Linz and Earl Jones. We’re glad you joined us.

Our generous sponsors also contributed to making the event a success. Take a moment to say thank you to these folks when you see them: John Herkowitz of Pacific Sporting Arms, Rob McCormick of Campus Uniforms, Dennis James of So Cal Pianos, John Lyman of ECCO Sports, Tina Stephens, Keith Phelps, Ron Schaefer, the Buoni Family, Lola Fitzgerald, Kern County Gun Club, Lou Riddle Construction, Dr. Bill Bell, Clay Delay Autopuller, Redlands Shooting Park, and Todd Bender Performance Systems.

There are two other important developments to note. Tina Stephens created the So Cal Youth Skeet Shooters nonprofit last year. She was able to donate shells to youth and new NSSA members who participated. If you would like to know more about her organization, have youth who would benefit from clinics or being involved, she would love to hear from you. Email her at SoCalJrShooters@aol.com.

Lastly, if you have shot in Southern California in the last year, you may have met a fantastic ambassador to skeet. Dressed in pink, with bows in her hair and always a bright smile, Lola Fitzgerald has won over the hearts of everyone she meets. She was recently on the local news telling her story. Imagine a positive story on television in California about the shooting sports. Her attitude is contagious. You can find her video on YouTube by searching “Skeet n Bows.” Be sure to check her out. Look for her interview with Todd Bender (Vlog #10).

And a special thank you to all the silent workers who make events like this fun. Plan a trip to So Cal next summer. We’d love to see you.

– Contributed by Chris Baker