Victor Rod and Gun Club hosted the third annual WorldWide Electric Spring Classic, the “Richest Little Shoot in New York State,” on April 29. This 12-gauge and Doubles one-day event kicks off the registered skeet season in western New York. Enticed by $2000 in added money, 43 shooters took to the fields to test their skeet shooting skills. In addition to the added money, the owners of WorldWide Electric also provided complimentary polar fleece jackets for the shooters. Needless to say, the shooters were in very good spirits as they gathered in the clubhouse in anticipation of the day’s events.
After a long winter, the shooters were hoping for a nice spring day. But it was not to be had as a nice little dusting of snow welcomed the shooters. Shooters from this region are a hearty bunch though, so the weather was not a deterrent, just something to joke about. More importantly, the shooters were able to meet and catch up with old friends. The clubhouse was very quickly engulfed in the camaraderie that comes with skeet tournaments. The club was in excellent shape, and the shooters were delighted with the newest capital improvements to the facilities and fields that enhance the shooting experience.
The morning started with the 12-gauge event. Although this is one of the first registered shoots of the year in western New York, the shooters were ready to post mid-season scores as evidenced by two 100s and four 99s in the 12-gauge event. Squad mates Dess Ivanov and Steve Wood took their 100s to the shoot-offs. Dess prevailed as 12-gauge champ in a lengthy shoot-off, with Steve being the runner-up. Four more shoot-offs were required to decide the class champions. Other 12-gauge winners included Mat Kelley (AA), Rick Ayers (A), John Mutchler (B), Victoria Barner (C), Victor Stirpe (D) and Joe Messineo (E). By the way, 12-gauge E class champ Joe Messineo was shooting in his first registered skeet event! We look forward at seeing Joe at future skeet tournaments.
At midday, the shooters were drawn to the clubhouse for a delicious lunch. The snow and light rain that adorned the morning had stopped and the weather turned pleasant, at least by western New York standards. The afternoon was devoted to Doubles. Dess Ivanov bested the field with a fine 98, claiming the Doubles champion title. Scott Janowski and Steve Wood posted 97s in Doubles, and after a short shoot-off, Scott emerged as the Doubles runner-up, with Steve Wood claiming A1. Other winners were Don Lewandoski (AA), Ricky Laurito Jr. (B), John Quealy (C) and Doug Goodman (E).
For the fifth year in a row, a shoot-off was not required to crown the HOA champ. Dess Ivanov’s excellent 198×200 bested the field of shooters by one target over runner-up Steve Wood. Dess has been working very hard to hone his skeet skills. He has made himself into a force to be reckoned with on the skeet fields. A shoot-off of three shooters was required to determine the AA class champion. Rick Ayers came out on top to become the AA Doubles champ. Other HOA class winners were Dan Walker (A), Victoria Barner (B) and Doug Goodman (C).
Like so many other clubs, Victor Rod and Gun Club is an all-volunteer organization. The club’s mission is to provide a safe, recreational shooting experience for its members and guests. The club members did a great job of preparing for the shoot and working during the day of the shoot. Everything ran smoothly from registration through shoot-offs. Special thanks go to shoot chairman, Andy Nolan, and his team for their efforts to make the administration process efficient. The shooters and referees noticed the effort and were appreciative.
We cannot thank enough Fred Rosen and Rick Simmonds, owners of WorldWide Electric Corporation, for their generosity in sponsoring this shoot. WorldWide Electric Corporation is a domestic importer of electric motors, drives, and speed reducers.
We also want to thank Chief Referee Dan Caryl and his crew of referees. The referees did a fantastic job as always. Most importantly, we would like to thank the shooters. Without shooters willing to travel from across the region to participate, we could not have a successful shoot. We are very fortunate to have such a passionate group of skeet shooters in this part of the country. We hope to see them all again in 2019!
– Contributed by Wes Bailey
Photo by Jim Spotts
