Clay Target Nation

The official magazine of the National Skeet Shooting Association and the National Sporting Clays Association

Giambrone Dominates Poco Loco .410 Marathon

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The Poco Loco is a 4×100 .410 shoot that has seen increased participation every year since it was first held in 2010. St. Joe Valley Conservation Club, home of the Kolar Mid-America and the Harry Michelson Open, hosts the Poco Loco, which has seen only two 400 straights in its history, both shot by Paul Giambrone, III.

At this year’s event on June 24-25, 85 competitors took to the fields for the first event Saturday morning under blue skies, with light winds. Two shooters posted perfect scores: Paul Giambrone and Nick Marsden, who came all the way from England. Though the day started out promising, the wind picked up considerably for the afternoon event and stayed around for the shoot-offs. As a result, it didn’t take long for Marsden to claim the championship over Giambrone in a mere four stations. Reg Hooper was 3rd alone, with a 98. AAA1, AA1 and A1 were all won with 97s by Al Magyar, Dave Scott and first-timer Pam Larrowe, also Lady Champion. Bill Costello (B), Trish Magyar (C) and Steve Wilson (D), rounded out the class winners.

Giambrone saw some redemption in the afternoon event by winning outright with the lone 99, but, alas, will have to wait until next year for a shot at another 4-by-4. Five 97s shot off for the remaining spots on the podium. Even though there were more shooters, it took only one more station to sort out all the places, with Sam Armstrong, runner-up; Bruce Poyer, 3rd; Gordon Novak, AAA1 and Ed Dean, A1. Fred Tschantz (AA), Dwight Moore (B), Trish Magyar (C) and Steve Wilson (D) all won their class without firing another shot. Becky McCumber won the shoot-off for Lady Champ.

In between events we took a break to dine on the fabulous fare offered by Jim Casaburro, owner, and his number one chef, Al, from everyone’s favorite local restaurant, Casa Ristoranti Italiano, along with a variety of pies and cookies from the Amish Dutch Heritage bakery. Then, it was back to the fields for the afternoon event. After the completion of shoot-offs everyone was treated to more fine fare.

HOA Champ, Paul Giambrone, III

Sunday dawned with scattered clouds and, much to everyone’s chagrin, continued breezy conditions. With the wind behind the high house, the baseline targets were a challenge for everyone. Three 98s topped the scoreboard. It took only two stations for Giambrone to claim victory over Dennis Jameson (RU) and Jadon Butler (3rd and Junior Champ). Armstrong (AAA) won his shoot-off, as did Mark Molenaar (AA), W.C. Parks (A) and Reg Hooper (B). Monty Murphy (C) and Steve Wilson (D) were at the top of their classes. Larrowe was Lady Champ..

The afternoon’s fourth and final event saw a lone 100 posted by Giambrone. There were no 99s, so 98s shot off for the remaining spots on the podium. Novak quickly dispatched David Schiebel, 3rd. Armstrong won his shoot-off for AAA1, and Moore, his for B1. Tschantz (AA), John McGinnis (A), Murphy (C) and Wilson (D) rounded out the class winners. Larrowe repeated as Lady Champ after a three-way shoot-off.

Though there was no 4-by, Giambrone shot 397, dominating the High Over All. Next was Armstrong at 386 for runner-up, followed by Novak with 385 for 3rd. Magyar was AAA1 with 384; Tschantz, AA1; Marsden, A1; Hooper, B1; Trish Magyar C1; and Wilson, D1. McCumber was Lady HOA Champ.

For those of you who think the Poco Loco is only for AAA and AA shooters, nothing could be further from the truth. More than three-quarters of the shooters were in classes A through D, with winnings of nearly $20,000! There were also free Ladies handicap events totaling $1,000, with the lion’s share going to B and C class shooters; $2,000 added money to Class HOA; $1,500 added to Concurrent HOA. And, last but not least, the very generous “Juan” Waters subsidized $160 of each four-gun entry for every Collegiate, Junior and Sub-Junior shooter to help defray their fees. Oh, and did I mention the two days of great food included with your entry?

Of course, the shoot, with all of its goodies (this year’s entry gift was an engraved pocket knife plus towels and t-shirts for first-timers) and the huge cash payouts would not be possible without the sponsorship of the “three Juans” – John Haugh, John Ramagli and John Waters – especially John Haugh. The referees are the best of the best. The members and volunteers from St. Joe Valley Conservation Club also deserve a hearty “thank you” for their tireless efforts. I encourage you to attend one of St. Joe’s shoots – it’s a top-notch facility, and the hospitality of the members is unsurpassed. And, if you are feeling just a little crazy, maybe the Poco Loco will find its way onto your shoot calendar next June 23-24.

 

Poco Loco Scores
Place Name Score
HOA Champion Paul Giambrone 397
HOA Runner-up Sam Armstrong 386
HOA Third Gordon Novak 385
HOA Lady Champion Rebecca McCumber 380
HOA Lady Runner-up Pam Larrowe 378
HOA AAA1 Al Magyar 384
HOA AAA2 Ben Gallup 382
HOA AA1 Fred Tschantz 382
HOA AA2 Brent Edwards 377
HOA A1 Nick Marsden 384
HOA A2 W.C. Parks 384
HOA B1 Reg Hooper 381
HOA B2 Dwight Moore 373
HOA C1 Trish Magyar 353
HOA C2 John Wilmesher 349
HOA D1 Steve Wilson 331
HOA D2 Barney Laverty 297
HOA Junior Champion Jadon Butler 372
HOA Triple Sub Champion Paul Giambrone 397
HOA Sub-Sub Senior Champion W.C. Parks 384
HOA Sub-Senior Champion Sam Armstrong 386
HOA Senior Champion Al Magyar 384
HOA Veteran Champion Jimmy Smith 365
HOA Retired Military Champion Dennis Jameson 383
HOA Military Veteran Champion Sam Armstrong 386
Event 1 Champion Nick Marsden 100
Event 2 Champion Paul Giambrone 99
Event 3 Champion Paul Giambrone 98
Event 4 Champion Paul Giambrone 100

 

Penwell Memorial Skeet Shoot

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Last year rain canceled the Sunday portion of the Warren “Mr. Penny” Penwell Memorial Shoot at Grand Prairie Gun Club. For this year’s shoot on April 7-9, there was no rain but a very gusty wind.

The shoot was well attended, with 50 shooters for Doubles on Friday afternoon. Clay Baldwin of Arkansas claimed the champion spot with a 97.

Saturday provided another day of wind for the 12- and 20-gauge events. Clay Baldwin won the 12 gauge in the shoot-offs with a 99. Grand Prairie’s own Nick Godfrey posted the only 100 in the 20 gauge to win the 20-gauge event without a shoot-off.

Sunday brought yet more wind for the 28-gauge and .410 events. Lauren Burge won the 28 gauge in a shoot-off, and Clay Baldwin won the .410 event with the high score of 96.

The High Over All went to Nick Godfrey with a 390 – very impressive for the wind conditions that everyone had to contend with.

Winners were awarded beautiful knives, handmade by Donny and Randy Penwell.

As always, no one ever goes hungry at a GPGC skeet shoot. Thanks to the many volunteers who worked the kitchen to provide breakfast, lunch and the evening shrimp boil. Thanks also to the many volunteers who load the houses and pick up the empty hulls, and to Mike Skidmore and Jim Speer who manned the computer and kept all the scores and events correct. Our club would not be what it is without our volunteers!

Everyone had a great time, and we’re looking forward to our next signature GPGC event, the World Warm-up on September 15-17.

– Contributed by John Nix

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Kline and Vescovi Dominate Firebird 400 at Generations

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Generations Skeet Club’s 19th annual Firebird 400 was held at their beautiful four-field club near Patton, Pennsylvania on July 7-9. The weather was changeable all weekend, 70 to 80 degrees, cloudy to clear, wet to dry and windy to calm; all-in-all, good weather. Fifty-two shooters shot at least one gun. Chris Kline was HOA Champion with a fine 396 and Joe Vescovi was runner-up with a 393. Missy Vescovi was the Lady HOA Champion.

Doubles were shot on an overcast and windy Friday afternoon with 25 shooters. Mike Wollard’s 98 won him champion honors. Class firsts went to Kline (AA), Pat Leyo (A), Mark Postlewait (B), John Davies (C) and Doug Long (D).

The 28-gauge shooting with 40 participants began on Saturday morning under overcast skies with a few sprinkles. Joe Vescovi shot the only 100 straight and was champion. Class firsts included Kline (AA), Pat Leyo (A), Bob Myers (B), Mara Leyo (C) and Jared Voris (D).

Shooting continued on Saturday afternoon when 45 shooters took the field for the 12-gauge event. Weather included clouds, a few heavy downpours and some sun. Kline posted the only 100 straight and was 12-gauge champ. Frank Smithmyer, Wollard, Pat Leyo, Postlewait, Jared Shaffer and Vance McLaughlin, respectively, were AA, A, B, C, D and E class champs.

As usual at Generations, the Saturday night feast in the youth barn was superb! Joe Vescovi prepared the delicious prime rib. A cadre of ladies, including some of the shooter spouses, worked together to prepare lobster mac-and-cheese and other yummy dishes, complimented by home-made wine and other beverages. The kids enjoyed playing sports at the youth barn each day, and Saturday night the group headed to Lake Eddie to enjoy swimming, jet skiing, tubing, fishing and a campfire.

On Sunday morning, it was time for 42 shooters to take on the .410 bore. The skeet gods were obviously confused by the different scheduling, and the weather was great: cool, clear and no wind to speak of. Joe Vescovi’s 100-straight took the championship outright; class firsts went to Kline (AA), “Frenchy” LaRosa (A), Michael Vescovi (B), Mitch Chirdon (C) and Doug Long (D).

The 20-gauge event was last and took place on Sunday afternoon with 47 shooters. Great weather with a few puffy white clouds prevailed. Kline had the lone 100 and was 20-gauge champion. Bob Rairigh, Ryan Holtz, Fred Wood, Voris, and Becky Myers took firsts in AA, A, B, C and D classes.

The newly engaged Tori Holtz handled registration, scorekeeping and posting; congratulations to Tori and Zach! Michael Vescovi performed chief referee duties, and a fine group of young referees including Paige McMullen, Zach Stoltz, Kelsey Krug, Mikayla Lansberry and Jake Beebe did a great job. Numerous members of the Generations family pitched in as needed to keep things running smoothly.

The three-man blind, based on .410 scores, was won by the team of Joe Vescovi, Jeff Meidinger and Doug Long, each receiving a $50 prize. George Gleich bought the winning team in the blind auction and pocketed $138.

Joe McGarvey and Vance McLaughlin shot monthly targets and applied for Complimentary Limited Memberships to NSSA in June and shot their first registered tournament birds this weekend. Joe shot a nice 85 in Doubles, and Vance took E1 in the 12 and D1 in the 20. Welcome to registered skeet shooting, Joe and Vance!

– Contributed by George Gleich

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Greater Houston Hosts Texas State Shoot

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Greater Houston Gun Club was the site of the 2017 Texas Skeet Shooters Association’s State Championships held June 22-25. The weather forecast called for lots of rain, but luckily it held off during most of the shooting time. Allen Cline began the shoot by winning the TSSA Referee Championship and taking home the Al Topham Champion Referee Award.

The Doubles Event, sponsored by Todd Bender, got underway Thursday, and two contenders with perfect scores faced off in the shoot-off. Brandon Cade emerged as the champion over Jason Ward, while Jack Davis claimed third place after besting the 99s. John L. Barnes, Cameron Schuster, Kendall Jaroszewski, Donald Root, Jeff Mossman and Lloyd King took top honors in their classes.

The last shoot-off of the night was for the five-man team trophy, which is greatly coveted at the Texas State Shoot. The youth of Team Texas won over experience, and the spectators went wild when the shoot-off was completed. As always, Greater Houston Gun Club treated the shoot participants to hors d’oeuvres as the shoot-offs were taking place.

Friday morning was the start of the Greater Houston Gun Club 12 Gauge Championship, which would be concluded on Saturday due to the Friday night banquet. Friday evening was a night of celebration as the top shooters in the state were awarded state honors and a new TSSA Hall of Famer was inducted at the Hall of Fame Banquet. Robert Paxton entertained the crowd with his vast knowledge of shooting information as shooters were called to collect their belt buckles, and at the end of the night, Tami Myers was introduced as the newest Hall of Fame member of the Texas Skeet Shooters Association.

Saturday was a full day as the 12, 20 and 28 gauges would be concluded while working around a few showers and storms. Prior to the shoot-offs, everyone gathered for a three-gun salute and a moment of silence to remember our friends lost over the past year. Once all the day’s regulation shots were fired, the shooters began preparing for shoot-offs. Only six shooters managed perfect scores with the big gun, as the wind made it challenging for all. Garrett Hackmaster was the last one standing in the shoot-off to claim the 12-gauge title in front of perennial contenders, Robert Paxton and Jason Ward. Barnes, Greg Massari, Frank Tucker, Robert Davis, David Blakemore, Gary Steuerwald and Pierce Miller were the top shooters in their respective classes. Terrell Rifle and Pistol Club claimed the 12 gauge five-man team championship.

Ten competitors broke perfect scores in the 20 gauge, and all were ready to settle the gun championship in the shoot-off stadium. Cade claimed his second gun championship of the weekend by outlasting John Kirkland and outstanding junior shooter, Andrew Benson, for the 20-gauge title sponsored by Lonesome Charlie’s. Skeete Smitha, Helen Swetman, Mikaela Saenz (with her first 100 in the 20 gauge), Jeff Zwiebel, Mike Guthrie, and Christian Saenz earned class championships. The youngsters of Team Texas took home another five-man team trophy after outlasting their competition.

The 28 gauge, sponsored by Doug Toulouse, was the next event to be settled. Up-and-coming Junior shooter, Nicholas Godfrey, continued his impressive year, winning the 28-gauge title over runner-up Armour Strunk and third-place finisher Michael Galo, III. Class champions included Barnes, Matthew Ward, Lauren Burge, Louis Levy, Charli Abendroth and Stephen Naeve. The Dallas Gun Club team was eager to take home a five-man team trophy and did just that after outlasting the Buttercups, shooting for Bandera.

After Saturday, only the .410 bore remained. With many competitors close to the top of the leaderboard, it was anyone’s tournament to win. Randy Wall and Andrew Benson broke their first 100s in the .410, along with Cameron Schuster. In the end, Schuster claimed the championship, which was sponsored by Richard McCarter, while Benson and Wall settled for runner-up and third. John Castillo, Bailey Glenewinkel, Robert Ellington, David Cudia, John Delaloye and Travis McHenry were the stand-outs in class competition. Team Texas continued their hot streak and took home another eagle trophy.

As usual, the HOA comes down to the .410, and the 2017 Texas State Championships was no different. Schuster sealed the Paxton-sponsored HOA Championship with his perfect .410 score and 398×400. Three 396s followed the champion, and Paxton took runner-up over William Edmunds, third, and Andrew Benson, AA1. Bailey Glenewinkel took home the Ladies’ championship, followed by Helen Swetman and Lauren Burge. Class winners included Castillo, Benson, Jack Davis, Robert Ellington, John Delaloye, Christian Saenz and Sydney Nickel. The five-man team from Greater Houston Gun Club made the host club proud by claiming the last team award, the HOA eagle trophy. In the end, it was an outstanding tournament with great competition and fellowship. Thank you to all the shoot sponsors and Greater Houston Gun Club for making the Texas State Skeet Championships a wonderful event.

-Contributed by Nathan Boyd

PSA Redlands Club Championship – The “Little” Big Shoot of SoCal

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In the movie Men in Black, Will Smith’s character, Agent J, was issued a minuscule handgun called the Noisy Cricket, an under-powered pop gun at first glance. When J finally pulled the trigger on it, the recoil threw him across the room, launching a powerful energy orb. Similarly, with just three skeet fields in play, the Redlands events might initially appear light in stature, until you pull the trigger. With past winners that include three World Champions, as well as numerous AAA and AA competitors, the tournament has plenty of horsepower as a premier Southern California shoot. And so the fifth annual Redlands Club Championship was contested on Saturday, July 1.

Pre-tournament clinics have become a tradition for the Club Championship. This year, Bill Burke of Northern California was welcomed by SoCal shooters looking to enhance their shoot-off doubles skills. Twelve attended the two-hour clinics for Sub-Juniors, Rookies, Veterans and everything in between.

The tournament is a one-day, two-gun affair for 20 and 12 gauges. A full-plus cache of 47 shooters enjoyed great targets in sunny and warm conditions and little to no wind. The nearly all-female staff of referees were in top form with their eyes on the targets. Great releases were ensured by the use of Briley wands, and high scores were expected. The tournament commenced with the yellow shell promptly at 8:30 a.m.

For some, the excellent grub is the reason for joining Redlands events. The now-famous cuisine includes “Chili” Rob McCormick’s secret recipe, island grilled chicken, exotic Asian skewers, and all the sides.

By late morning, the 20-gauge shoot-offs were posted. Remarkably, there was no need to shoot off for champion. Eric Kirk managed the only perfect score to take the gun title outright. But a gaggle of 99s followed by other high-90s scores had some ties to break. Equally remarkable, there were no hundies in the 12 gauge during the afternoon. Five 99s would mean a good shoot-off for the podium as well as some assorted classes.

Shoot-offs followed the main events. Two titles, the 20-gauge and HOA Champion, both by Eric Kirk, had already been determined. Eric’s 199 x 200 made him the 2017 Club Champion. A one-of-a-kind champion’s jacket will be made for him, courtesy of our new title sponsor, Pacific Sporting Arms, and he will be recognized in the clubhouse on the champions’ plaque.  Concurrent tie-breakers went on for a while, none more entertaining than the 12-gauge championship. It started with five competitors, Baker dropping off first, then Buoni, then Marble six stations later. Lyman and Kirk were still going when one box was complete. After another half-box, John Lyman emerged with the gun title.

After five years of this prestigious event, the champions’ plaque is now full, with Eric Kirk completing the first perpetual trophy. Previous names on it are Boscovich, Thomas, Bender and Warren. A new plaque will be created next year to run through 2022.

Thanks to our sponsors’ generosity, the championship was a rich event with prizes that included the champion’s jacket, 17 flats of 20-gauge ammunition, leather pouches, a voice release system and eye-care gear. In addition to Pacific Sporting Arms, sponsors were Rob McCormick, Dennis James, Tina Stephens, Chris Baker, Ron Schaefer, Keith Phelps, Hal Stewart, Brian Johnson, Jay and Mary Fitzgerald, Frank and Lori Buoni, Lou Riddle, Dr. Bill Bell, Clay Delay Autopuller, Kern County Gun Club, and Ian and Allison Rangel of Redlands Shooting Park.

With a tradition of camaraderie and friendship enjoyed under ancient elm trees, Redlands enjoys great weather year-round. Located halfway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, the club is famous for its skeet shoots, high-caliber trap facilities, and an enjoyable sporting clays course. It has great RV hookups that include all utilities, and a small town just down the road. Most importantly, the staff will make you feel welcome and greet you with a smile. Make it a point to stop by and shoot with us.

– Contributed by Chris Baker

 

Redlands Club Championship Scores
Place 20 Gauge Score   Place 12 Gauge Score   Place HOA Score
CH Eric Kirk 100 CH John Lyman 99 CH Eric Kirk 199
RU Bill Burk 99 RU Eric Kirk 99 RU Dominic Buoni 198
RU3 Dominic Buoni 99 RU3 Bill Marble 99 RU3 John Lyman 196
AA Chris Baker 97 AA Dominic Buoni 99 AA Bill Burke 196
A Tracy Edward 99 A Lou Riddle 97 A Bill Borrelli 193
B JR Fernandez 98 B Bill Borrelli 98 B JR Fernandez 193
C Neil Vann 96 C Roman Warren 97 C Roman Warren 192
D Isaac Smith 90 D Bill Kelly 95 D Isaac Smith 182
LY Kathryn Friesen 80 LY Kathryn Friesen 85 LY Kathyrn Friesen 165
SJR Joe Fry 96 JR Isaac Smith 92 JR Joe Fry 188

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