The Red Eagle Skeet and Trap Club in Childersburg, Alabama served as the host for this year’s Alabama State Skeet Championships on May 31-June 2. Red Eagle’s members and volunteers worked diligently to spruce up the fields in preparation for this year’s event, including the installation of new Lincoln traps on all the fields. These improvements were very much appreciated by our shooters who turned out in great numbers to support their association.

Doubles were shot under beautiful blue skies, with heat, moderate breezes and some humidity. The first flight began at 1 p.m., and by the time shooting was completed, 49 competitors had survived their first dose of Alabama weather for the weekend. A three-way tie for champion was shot off, with David Thompson emerging victorious.

For 12 gauge, 66 shooters took the field under even hotter, breezier and more humid conditions. Three shooters racked up perfect scores, and William Zupko became our newest first-time State Champion. He elected to receive a custom range bag from Lonesome Charlie’s as his reward for his fine shooting.

The 20-gauge event had 61 shooters, and once again, three nailed all 100 targets, with Andy Pounders prevailing in the shoot-off. Congratulations to our many-time State Champion for his repeat win. Clay Goddin of Headland, Alabama, shot his first-ever 100 straight and finished as runner-up in the 20-gauge event.

After the shoot-offs were completed, dinner and the state business meeting followed, with awards presented for those events completed at this point. State teams were recognized, and each honoree was presented with a custom leather shell bag.

Roy Jorgensen, president of ASSA, presented the Frazier Award, which is given to an Alabama resident in recognition of their support and contribution to the sport of skeet within the state. This year’s award was presented posthumously to A.D. “Jack” Joseph, whom we lost earlier this year. The plaque was accepted by his son, Mark, who is also a competitive shooter. “Mr. Jack,” as he was affectionately known, was a member of America’s Greatest Generation, a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was honored in recognition of his service as a career Army Air Corps (USAF) pilot, as an educator, and for his love of the sport.

This year’s Hall of Fame Inductee, Larry Krutsinger, was introduced. ASSA president Roy Jorgensen was honored to introduce Larry and elaborate on his career achievements during the past 35 years, including many All-American teams, All-State teams, state championships and other accomplishments.

Prior to the 28-gauge competition on Sunday morning, a special multi-gun salute was made to the memory of Mr. Jack. Afterwards, 53 shooters took to the field of battle; four shooters managed a perfect score under bright blue skies, moderate breezes and humid conditions. Ties were resolved at the end of the day to declare Adam McNutt champion, Steve Meadows runner-up, Andy Pounders third, and David Thompson AA1.

Fifty-one shooters recognized the .410 bore as their last opportunity to be a hero. A lone 97 shot under typical Alabama afternoon conditions took the championship for Robert “Rooster” Killian. Runner-up was tied between Layne Merritt and Philip Spears at 96. Resolution was quick, with Merritt smashing his pair on station 4 and Spears letting one slide, to crown Merritt runner-up and Spears third.

The HOA event was clean for our new young shooting phenom Adam McNutt as champion, Andy Pounders (our perennial champion) as runner-up and Layne Merritt as third. Sub-Junior Champion in HOA and all five events was Nathan Hughes; Lady Champion was Charlene Bertus in all events throughout the weekend; and Senior Veteran Champion was Frank Proietty.

The Red Eagle Skeet and Trap Club did a wonderful job of playing host for this year’s event. Their recently renovated fields and facilities served us well. We look forward to returning for many more competitions at this club.

Next year’s State Championship will be held May 29 – 31, 2020 at the Fort Rucker Skeet Club. Make plans to join us in Alabama!

– Contributed by Roy Jorgensen

 

 

I have found that all happy skeet shooters are alike; each unhappy skeet shooter is unhappy in their own way. (Apologies to Leo Tolstoy – Anna Karenina.) So it was at the Mo-Joe Memorial Open and Club Championships, May 31 – June 2 at Fairfax Rod and Gun Club in Manassas, Virginia. Shooters from Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, and New Hampshire gathered together under near perfect conditions – ordered months in advance – in search of that elusive 100 straight.

Doubles, on Friday, resulted in champion Jerry Schaefer, runner-up Mike Ramsey, and third-place Muhamed El-Zoghbi. Class winners include Bob Shelly A1, Bob Myers B1, Steve Kling C1 and Mark Polansky D1.

The first event was the 20 gauge, and 99s and 98s were the order for the day. A three-way shoot-off for champ resulted in Jim Hickerson, champion; Fred Wood, runner-up; and Garrett Jordan, third. Class winners were John Snyder AA1, Steve Kling A1, Dick Weinley B1, John Liberty C1 and David Latimer D1.

Only two perfect 100s were posted during the weekend, and those were in the 12-gauge by T.R. Williams and R.U. Myers. Myers, with over 565,000 registered targets to his credit, has broken more Doubles than any other shooter. After going four stations, Myers won the shoot-off to claim the championship, with T.R. Williams at runner-up and Garrett Jordan at third. Class winners include Mike Ramsey AA1, Bob Shelley A1, Muhamed El-Zoghbi B1, Joe Scott C1, Colton Barrick D1 and Garrett Baisey E1. Each received a large can of Virginia peanuts, so, yes, they were all shooting for peanuts.

We had a short visit from NSSA Vice-President Chris Naler on Saturday during the shoot, which was an unexpected pleasure for his extended skeet shooting family. Unfortunately, we were not able to talk him into getting a gun and popping a few rounds off, but we were all glad to see him and sincerely appreciate having him out at our facility again.

Saturday evening, all shooters and guests were treated to thick, juicy steaks, baked potatoes, salads and an array of wonderful desserts brought in by various club members. David Latimer helped us all to take a few moments to remember James “Mo” Mozisek and Joe Hockersmith, as well as other Virginia shooters who are no longer with us.

In the 28 gauge on Sunday, David Outen and Brad Olson were the only ones posting 98s for champ and runner-up. This was a personal best for Brad Olson. The two were pulled out of B class for the event, and after saying the prayer that all those in shoot-offs secretly say to themselves (“Oh, Lord – just let me get off of station 3”) they cleared station three, and both crushed their pairs at station 4. However, at station 5, Brad narrowly missed one target. Third went to Gil Traore. Class winners were Garrett Jordan AA1, Meredith Kling A1, club president Jeff Bolster B1, Jeff Key C1 and David Latimer D1.

With the threat of a late Sunday afternoon thunderstorm, the .410 event was compressed into two rotations, thanks to the flexibility of Chris Christopherson and Bill Hobson. We were able to complete all shoot-offs in time, and the .410 event resulted in champion, Muhamed El-Zoghbi; runner-up, Garrett Jordan; and third, Gil Traore. Class winners were John Snyder A1, Fred Wood B1, Jeff Key C1 and Cynthia Yellen D1.

Garrett Jordan earned the HOA for the second year in a row with an uncontested 390, runner-up went to Muhamed El-Zoghbi (386) and third went to Gil Traore (383). HOA class winners were John Snyder AA1, Fred Wood A1, Dick Weinley B1, Jeff Key C1 and David Latimer D1.

Fairfax club champions were Doubles – Jerry Schaefer, 12-Gauge – R.U. Myers, 20-Gauge – Jim Hickerson, 28-gauge – Brad Olson, .410 Bore – Muhamed El-Zoghbi, and HOA – Garrett Jordan. Our Lady HOA Champion for the second year in a row is Meredith Tunick Kling.

Thank you to all our referees that kept the squads moving smartly throughout the weekend.

Of course, we all know that without the expert attention to the fields and machines by Jamie Martin, club manager, our shoots simply could not occur. Our new DOE (Dinner Organizer Extraordinaire) has risen to the task and makes sure that all the dinner supplies and appetizers were prepared for all the grazing that we skeet shooters do while waiting to be called to our shoot-offs. Thanks to Dutch Hillenburg for the coupons to the Pro Shop. Lastly, a very special thanks goes to Connie and Van Keys for lunch and dinner support. You are all very much appreciated.

Victor Rod and Gun Club hosted the 31st anniversary of the JTH Agency Classic on June 7-9. This was the 16th consecutive year that John and Elizabeth Hessney, owners of the JTH Agency, sponsored the event. Shooters traveled to the club from Western and Central New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Canada. After a wet spring in Western New York, the weather turned sunny, much to the delight of everyone. Thanks to the efforts of the members, the grounds looked like a well-manicured golf course.

The JTH Agency Classic started with the Doubles competition on Friday afternoon, with 36 shooters taking to the fields under clear skies and warm temperatures. A perfect score of 100 was elusive, but Rick Laurito, Ian Smingler and Don Lewandoski were able to post scores of 99. In a long shoot-off, Laurito prevailed as Doubles champ, with Ian Smingler claiming the runner-up title. Lewandoski took the A1 class title. Other Doubles winners were Bill Kalwas (AA), Victoria Barner (B), Doug Goodman (C) and Joe Messineo (D).

Saturday’s weather was perfect for skeet, as the winds were calm all day, and the blue sky presented a good background. A total of 49 shooters took the field for Saturday morning’s .410 bore event. Junior shooter Hunter Dickerman posted a fine score of 99 to beat the field and become the .410 champ. Four shooters finished with the next-best score of 97, with Scott Janowski winning a spirited shoot-off to finish as the .410 runner-up. The balance of the .410 field of winners were Ian Smingler (AA), Rick Laurito (A), Ed Call (B), Doug Goodman (C) and John Cicora (D).

Saturday afternoon featured the 20-gauge competition. Steve Wood, Dess Ivanov, and Colin Smingler ran all of the birds for the first 100s of the tournament. Steve Wood outlasted his rivals in the shoot-off to take the 20-gauge champ title, and Dess Ivanov claimed 20-gauge runner-up. The balance of the class winners were John Kapron (AA), Colin Smingler (A), Mark Jesske (B), John Yackiw (C) and Terry Prem (D).

Again this year, shooter Randy Cook generously donated $300 in added money for a special 20-gauge handicapped event for B-C-D class shooters. Mark Jesske, Joe Messineo and John Yackiw all posted handicap-aided scores of 97 and split the prize money.

Partly sunny skies, temperatures in the 80s, and a stiff breeze were in store for the 50 shooters for Sunday’s lead-off 28-gauge event. John Kapron posted the lone 100 in the 28-gauge event. Wood and Dickerman were one bird behind, and after a suspenseful shoot-off, Wood emerged as 28-gauge runner-up, with Dickerman the AA class winner. Other winners included Peter Bogdon (A), Mark Snyder (B), Victor Stirpe (C) and Todd Abbey (D).

The 12-gauge event concluded the four guns on Sunday afternoon. Scott Janowski, Steve Wood and Justin Aldrich all crushed 100 targets. Janowski was the victor in the shoot-off to take the 12-gauge champ crown. Wood finished as runner-up, making Aldrich the AA class champ. Other 12-gauge winners were John Kapron (A), Jim Grundman (B), Larry Filmore (C), John Yackiw (D) and Terry Prem (E).

After the conclusion of the four-gun events, Steve Wood strolled his way to the HOA title uncontested with a fine 395×400 score. Canadian John Kapron was only one target behind Wood and became the HOA runner-up. Other HOA honors went to Ivanov (AA), Hunter Dickerman (A), Jim Reilly (B), Mark Jesske (C), Joe Messineo (D) and Terry Prem (E).

For the eighth year, the HOA competition featured the added handicapped HOA Challenge, with all four-gun shooters automatically entered. In previous years, this event was named the JTH Challenge. This year it was renamed “Joe’s Challenge” in memory of Joe Strazzeri, a stalwart member of the Victor Rod and Gun Club who passed away last year. John Kapron won the Joe’s Challenge event for the second year in a row and received a Beretta A-300 Outlander shotgun. Hunter Dickerman claimed second place to win a $600 Briley gift certificate. The third-place prize of a Beretta over/under shotgun hard case went toJim Grundman.

The JTH Agency Classic is a great source of pride for the members of the Victor Rod and Gun Club. Special thanks to our shoot chairman Andy Nolan, chief referee Dan Caryl and his crew, to advertisers in the shoot program, and to the shooters who keep this event on their shoot calendars each year. We can’t thank sponsors John and Elizabeth Hessney enough for their support and generosity. We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2020!

– Contributed by Wes Bailey