NSSA Shoot Reports

Kriner Insurance Group Shoot

August 17, 2020 By Cara Woodard

Meadville Sportsman’s Club in northwestern Pennsylvania held the Kriner Insurance Group 200 on July 18. The weather was hot and humid with nary a cloud in the sky; an occasional light breeze did help a bit.

Fourteen shooters shot 100 each 12- and 20-gauge targets. Austin Applegarth was HOA champ with a sizzling 198. Mike Rykacewski Jr. was HOA runner-up after winning a shoot-off of 194s with Josh Crofutt and Dale Snow.

The 12-gauge was shot first. Applegarth was champion, but not until he won a shoot-off of 99s with Dale Snow. Class winners included Ernie Avolio (AA), Snow (A), Carl Biddle (B), Brian Fox (C) and Mike Rykacewski Sr. (D).

A nice lunch of cold cuts, potato salad, macaroni salad, chocolate chip cookies, and soft drinks was provided.

The 28-gauge event was last. Applegarth continued his good day by winning the champion distinction with his 99. Crofutt, Biddle, Steve Best and George Gleich, respectively, finished AA1, A1, B1 and C1.

Samuel Marks registered shooters, posted scores and managed shoot-offs, as well as pulling and scoring; kudos to him! Other referees and helpers included Sam Marks, Larry Price, and Mark Johnson.

Many thanks to the Kriner Insurance Group for sponsoring the shoot. In addition to adding money, the Group provided various take-away items (key chains, travel mugs, pens) and abundant cold bottled water.

– Contributed by George Gleich

Paratrooper Open

August 17, 2020 By Cara Woodard

The Fort Bragg Clay Target Center in Spring Lake, North Carolina, was the site for the Paratrooper Open, July 10-12. Shooters were definitely ready to see friends and break targets, and the youth shooters were tough competitors! Despite the heat and humidity, shooters persevered throughout the weekend and posted very good scores.

Mattison Russell won HOA, Lady HOA and Junior HOA with a 396. After the four-way tie of 395 was shot off, (Junior) Corrie Cloninger was runner-up, Mark Smith was third, Stuart Brown was AAA1 and Jay Bunting was AA1. Kevin Suitt was A1 (392), Michael Meyerhoeffer B1 (387), Mackenzie Morris C1 (375) and Aryssa Bowland D1 (371). Sub-Junior champion was Mackenzie Morris, and Collegiate champion was Henry Hardin (384).

Larson Harkins won Doubles and Junior Champion with the lone 100 straight. Jim Tiner, shoot manager, presented Larson with a 100-straight pin. The youth prevailed, with Mason Watkins, a Junior, taking runner-up with the only 98, and Collegiate Noah Dove winning his shoot-off with a 97 for third. Spectators were treated to shoot-offs in B and C classes. One person commented that they hated to see the B class shoot-off end – the ladies made it exciting with Anna Wood and Corrie Cloninger going into the second box before the shoot-off ended. Class winners were Jay Bunting (AA), Scott Graham (A), Anna Wood (B), Jeff McNany (C) and Josie Cloninger (D). Sub-Junior Champion was Mackenzie Morris, Noah Dove won Collegiate and Corrie Cloninger was Lady Champion.

There were eight perfect scores of 100 in 12-gauge. It was an exciting finish with Mattison Russell and Stuart Brown going into the second box in the shoot-off; Mattison won 12-Gauge Champion and Lady Champion. Stuart Brown was runner-up, and Larson Harkins was third. Class winners were Jay Bunting (AAA), Paul Stemac (AA), Brian Leazer (A), William Davis (B), Blake Argo (C), Larry Harrington (D) and Kurt Culbert (E). The youth champions each posted top scores of 100 – William Davis won Sub-Junior, Mattison Russell won Junior, and Anna Wood won Collegiate. Several shooters had their first straights — Anna Wood shot her first 100 straight, Joshua Wayne his first 75 straight and Josie Cloninger her first 50 straight. Each was presented a pin marking their accomplishment.

Kevin Suitt won 20-Gauge Champion with the lone 100 straight. Grayson Williams won a shoot-off for runner-up, and Jason Cloninger was third. Class winners were Kevin Hostinsky (AAA), Thomas Myaard (AA), Brian Leazer (A), Nathan Byrd (B), George Shuman (C) and Aryssa Bowland (D). Sub-Junior Champion was Mackenzie Morris; Grayson Williams, Junior; Henry Hardin, Collegiate; and Mattison Russell, Lady.

There were six 100 straights in 28 gauge – once again, the shoot-off went into the second box and the Juniors took the top awards. Gun champ was Mason Watkins; Larson Harkins, runner-up; and Mattison Russell, third. AAA Class had five scores of 99, with Kevin Hostinsky taking AAA1. Other class winners were Jay Bunting (AA), Clint Kreuser (A), Kadie Anderson (B), George Shuman (C) and Tim Dove (D). Sub-Junior Champion was William Davis, Junior Champion was Mason Watkins, Collegiate Champion was Blake Argo and Lady Champion was Mattison Russell.

Corrie Cloninger won the final event, the .410 bore, with the only perfect score and Corrie’s first 100 straight in .410. Stuart Brown won the 99 score shoot-off for runner-up, and Mason Watkins was third. Kevin Hostinsky won AAA, Mattison Russell AA, Kevin Story A, Jeffery McNany B, Aryssa Bowland C and Bill Kluttz D. Sub-Junior Champion was Mackenzie Morris, Junior and Lady Champion was Corrie Cloninger, and Aryssa Bowland, Collegiate.

– Contributed by Belinda Tiner

Harry Michelson Memorial Shoot

August 12, 2020 By Cara Woodard

The 2nd Annual Harry Michelson Memorial Shoot was held July 17-19 at St. Joe Valley Conservation Club just north of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The name of the shoot was changed from the Pickle Open (which happened to fall on the same weekend as the celebrated pickle festival in St. Joe, the home to Sechler’s Pickles) in 2015 to the Harry Michelson Open in honor of long-time referee and club member Harry Michelson. Following his death in 2018, it was renamed the Harry Michelson Memorial Shoot. Harry’s daughter, Sandy, has committed to honor his request to continue to provide added money to the shoot each year.

The weather for the weekend was forecast to be hot and humid, with possible late-afternoon thunderstorms, and it was very hot and humid. Friday saw two perfect scores in the doubles event, one by club president and workhorse Bruce Christian and the other by Dess Ivanov. Taking no pity on Bruce, who is always running around adjusting targets for the shooters and anything else that needs to be done, Dess made quick work of the shoot-off to claim victory. A pair of 99s shot-off for third place, with Brent Edwards the winner in that contest.

Saturday was even hotter and more humid, and the shooters were hot, too, posting six 100s in the 12-gauge and seven in the 20-gauge events. Dess was once again the champion in the 12-gauge, followed by Fred Tschantz at runner-up and Owen Knight, third. In the 20-gauge, Paul Giambrone took top honors, with Aaron Benton in the runner-up spot and Jeff Roussey third.

Sunday cooled down a bit, but only because the wind picked up. It never fails, no matter when the .410 is held, the wind makes an appearance. And, not only the wind, but a huge thunderstorm rolled through between the .410 flights, bringing a halt to all shooting. We were in our motorhome and thought that it was going to get blown over! In the 28-gauge event, Dess racked up his third win with the lone 100. Five 99s took to the field to decide the remaining places on the podium, with Brent Edwards runner-up over Cole Gintert, third. The best score posted in the baby bore was 98 by three shooters – Brent Edwards (champion), Aaron Benton (runner-up) and Dylan Dick (third). Aaron’s 98 locked up the HOA Championship with a 397, followed by squadmate Ed Smith with a 394. A pair of 393s shot off for third, with Dylan besting Dess.

The shoot was over capacity at 82 shooters (80 is full) and has a leisurely format with two flights in the morning, a break for lunch, followed by the afternoon flights. Untold thanks go to Harry’s daughter, as well as all of the referees and volunteers. St. Joe is an entirely volunteer club and is one of the best-run facilities in the country. So, if you haven’t been to a shoot at St. Joe Valley, I strongly recommend you find your way there next year. You can choose the Mid-America over Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. Open iShoot at the end of June or the Michelson in July. We hope you can participate in one, two or all three events – you won’t be disappointed!

– Contributed by Trish Magyar

Harry Michelson Memorial Shoot Scores

Harry Michelson Memorial Shoot Event Winners

Harry Wright Memorial

August 10, 2020 By Cara Woodard

HOA CH Mike Stassio 398, RU Steve Woods 398, Alessandro Vitale 397

Loch Raven Skeet and Trap Center welcomed 70 shooters from across Zone 2 to the annual Harry Wright Memorial. Held every 4th of July weekend, the shoot benefits from beautiful weather in the idyllic surrounds of the Loch Raven Reservoir. This year, shooters also enjoyed brand new target machines. Credit to Shyda’s Services for the exceptional hardware and targets!

Friday afternoon started things off with the doubles event. Three 99s were shot off to establish the podium: Alessandro Vitale as champion; Steven Wood, runner-up; and Mark Gay, third.

Saturdays at Loch Raven start with the 20-gauge, which saw two 100s broken. Twelve-gauge produced four 100s that afternoon. Shoot-offs established Steven Wood as the 20-Gauge Champion, followed by Michael Stasio and Dessislav Ivanov, with a 99. The 12-Gauge Champion was Dessislav Ivanov; Gilbert Traore, runner-up; and John Wells Jr., third.

Throughout the afternoon, many shooters enjoyed food fresh off the grill, as well as other snacks, expertly prepared by Emily Card. Special thanks are also in order to all those who graciously donated money for their food to benefit the Maryland State Skeet Association.

Sunday morning brought on even more hundreds. Of six perfect scores, Michael Stasio emerged Champion, followed by Dennis Lehman and Michael Rykaczewski Jr. The shoot concluded with three 100s in .410. Alessandro Vitale was Champion; Steven Wood, runner-up; and Bryson Fox, third. This was Bryson’s first 100 in .410 and his first 100 ever! High Over All scores resulted in Michael Stasio as champion; Steven Wood, runner-up; and Alessandro Vitale, third.

Loch Raven has two remaining five-gun shoots scheduled this year: the James Bealmear Memorial, September 11-13 ($1000 HOA prize purse) and the Mason Dixon 500, October 23-25. We look forward to seeing everyone again later this year and next!

– Contributed by Jonathan Myrick

George Cree Memorial

August 10, 2020 By Cara Woodard

Generations Skeet Club near Patton, Pennsylvania, held the five-gun George Cree Memorial on July 10-12.

George Cree died in October, 2018. He was a long-time and beloved member of Generations
Skeet Club and its predecessor, the 7-H Skeet Club, and a member of the PSSA Hall of Fame. He was a great skeet shooter, but more importantly, he is remembered as always being the consummate gentleman. George’s wife Judy and several family members attended the shoot, and the “Cree Squad” included four family members and close friend Kyle Senko.

The weather was changeable all weekend, hot and humid Friday, cooler with variable skies and brisk winds Saturday and clear skies to thunderstorms Sunday.

There were 49 doubles shooters, 66 four-gun shooters and 69 shooters that shot at least one gun. Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey were represented (Virginia should have been also, but Bob and Becky Myers had motor home issues and couldn’t make it-they were missed).

Joe Vescovi broke 395 birds and was HOA Champion by a whopping six birds over Chris Kline and Adam Vollmer. Joe’s wife Missy (377) bested Alyssa Gormish by one bird and was the HOA Lady Champion.

Doubles were shot on Friday afternoon. Kline’s 99 made him the outright champion. Class firsts went to Frank Smithmyer (AA, after winning a shoot-off of 94s with Tim Vescovi), Alyssa Gormish (A), Skip Spessard (B), John Davies (C) and John Makdad (D).

The 28-gauge shooting began on Saturday morning. Austin Applegarth and Vollmer were perfect, with Austin winning the shoot-off and the championship. Class firsts were Denny Lehman (AA, after winning a shoot-off of 99s with Joe Vescovi), Vollmer (A), Tim Holtz (B, after winning a shoot-off of 97s with Angelina D’Aquanno), Joe McGarvey (C, after winning a shoot-off of 92s with Jeff Meidinger and Mark Eckert) and George Gleich (D).

Shooting continued on Saturday afternoon with the 12-gauge event. Jeff Wright and Smithmyer posted the only 100 straights; Jeff won the shoot-off and was 12-gauge Champion. Joe Vescovi, Smithmyer, Mark Eckert, Mark Strickland, Mark Decker and Aaron Henry, respectively, were AA, A, B, C, D and E class champs. This was after Vescovi won a shoot-off of 99s with Clay Gormish, and Strickland won a shoot-off of 94s with Meidinger and Tom Shields.

Sunday morning and time for the .410 bore. Spessard’s 98 took the championship, but not until he won a shoot-off with Joe Vescovi, who settled for AA1; other class firsts went to Mike Wollard (A), Ryan Holtz (B, after winning a shoot-off of 96s with Gary Nace), Mark Eckert (C) and Colby Eckert (D).

The 20-gauge event was last and took place on Sunday afternoon. Weather was okay until about 5:30 when a lively thunderstorm resulted in a delay of about 30 minutes. Jeff Holtz, Spessard and Wollard posted 100s; Jeff won the shoot-off to take champion, and Spessard earned A1. Kline (after winning a shoot-off of 99s with Alyssa Gormish), Jeremy Dvorak (after winning a shoot-off of 99s with Strickland), Jack Harshbarger, and Dennis Andres, respectively, took firsts in AA, B, C and D classes.

Generations has four fields. Three rotations were filled. You might then wonder, how 69 shooters participated (4 fields X 3 rotations = 60 shooters max). As the waiting list grew, it became apparent that nearly a dozen people would have to be turned away, or the “Dawn Patrol” would have to be activated. Four 3-man squads with referees were mobilized. They began shooting at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday morning and shot 200 birds each by about 9 a.m. when rotation one began, thereby allowing all shooters who signed up the opportunity to participate.

The Saturday night feast in and around the Youth Barn was delicious! It began with drinks, melt-in-your-mouth venison bites with homemade dip and smoked cheese squares. Joe Vescovi and Brian Simanski prepared prime rib, and Ryan Holtz and Frank Smithmyer made grilled chicken. Numerous volunteers prepared side dishes including corn-on-the-cob, mashed and hash brown potatoes, several veggies and salads along with a large selection of delicious desserts. Beverages included beer, soft drinks and home-made wine.

After eating, the 3-man blind teams were auctioned. This event, based on .410 scores with teams picked by the computer, was won by the team of Skip Spessard, Ethan Cree and Mike Norris, each receiving $70. Mike Woolard bought the winning team in the exciting live auction on Saturday night and pocketed $784!

After the auction, the discussion turned to George Cree. Numerous anecdotes and other recollections of George’s life were remembered and shared with those assembled. It was good for those who did not know George personally to learn more about him – he was a good man!

Ryan Holtz and Mark Polek handled registration and scorekeeping/posting. Michael Vescovi was chief referee, and a fine group of young referees included Paige McMullen, Abbey and Mikayla Lansberry, Courtney Burgoon and Zach Stoltz. Numerous members of the “Generations family” pitched in as needed to keep things running smoothly. Pat Leyo provided delicious doughnuts on Saturday and Sunday morning, much to everyone’s delight, especially the youngsters!

– Contributed by George Gleich