Clay Target Nation

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

Morrissey Motorstate 2.0

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Detroit Gun Club hosted the always-fun Morrissey Motorstate on July 13-15. Friday started with all of the Junior shooters competing for belt buckles sponsored by Lauren Best and designed by Logan Wenneshiemer. The day continued with the Doubles event with 81 competitors.

Saturday’s events began with a continental breakfast, followed by the 12-gauge event with great weather and beautiful skies. After the 12-gauge scores were posted, shooters started the Motorstate Madness Board which John Waters graciously sponsors. The Madness board is calculated by averages where the bottom 32 participants draw from the top 32 participants for their teammate, and the teams are handicapped. The Madness board consists of 16 teams who shoot all four guns.

Shooters always expect good targets and strong competition at the Motorstate, but this is an event that’s also well-known for its refreshments, food and entertainment. Cupcakes, a pig roast, upside down margaritas, a live Beatles tribute band and dancing kept the festivities going well into the night. But even after all the Saturday night fun, shooters were back on Sunday morning for the 28-gauge and .410 events.

Pennsylvania’s Francis Kosmacki won the HOA title and a beautiful Waterford crystal bowl. Debbi Perry was the HOA Lady Champion, also taking home a Waterford crystal bowl as well as a sterling silver bracelet. As Lady runner-up, Mallory Stanton from Florida also received a sterling silver bracelet. The bracelets were provided by John Herkowitz from Pacific Sporting Arms, just minutes from Detroit Gun Club.

Thanks to the Morrissey family for their continued support and title sponsorship of the Morrissey Motorstate 2.0 Skeet Championships, and to our other generous sponsors who make this special event possible.

If you’ve never been to the Morrissey Motorstate, you’re missing one of the most fun and distinctive shoots of the year. Add it to your bucket list!

– Contributed by Angie Wennesheimer

Maryland State Championships

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Salisbury Gun Club was a wonderful host for the 2018 Maryland Open Skeet Championships, but even with the big fan cooling off those sitting on the porch, they couldn’t control the Eastern Shore heat and humidity. Since this was an open state shoot, we had eight out-of-state competitors, resulting in both State and Open winners. For clarity, the State winners are detailed in the article, and the Open winners are included in the accompanying table.

The Doubles event started in the late afternoon on Friday, July 27. As the last flight went out, the sky darkened, but Mother Nature was kind with just a slight sprinkle. With the only 100 straight, Mark Gay earned both the Open and State Doubles championships. John Swidrak and Bob Shelley shot off 98s, resulting in John capturing both State and Open runner-up, and Bob winning both State and Open third. Other State winners in Doubles included Alessandro Vitale AAA1, Mike Wollard AA1, Debbi Perry A1 and Lady, Mark Polek B1, Joe Weinbrecht C1 and Cliff Bedore D1.

Both the 12- and 20-gauge events were held on Saturday. The 12-gauge shoot-offs started with four Open winners (three in State) who had perfect scores. Maryland State winners were Mark Gay – champ, Alessandro Vitale – runner-up, and Mike Wollard – third. Other winners were Sam Armstrong AAA1, Debbi Perry AA1 and Lady champ, John Wells Jr. A1, Jeremy Dvorak B1, Ed Shifflett C1, Ralph Wellens D1 and Ernie Bradley E1. Ryan Boyles was Junior champ and John Waters was Senior Veteran and Retired Military champion.

With only two perfect scores in the 20 gauge, after the shoot-offs, Sam Armstrong was State champ with Kevin Spessard as runner-up with his first-ever 100 straight. Three 99s were recorded in the 20 gauge, (two in State) with Alessandro Vitale winning third. Remaining State winners were Mike Wollard AAA1, Mark Gay AA1, Bob Shelley A1, James Esham B1, Aaron Amick C1 and Ernie Bradley D1. Ryan Boyles was the Junior champion.

With the shoot-offs complete, a feast of shrimp and BBQ was prepared and served by club members. The Maryland Skeet Shooting Association (MSSA) meeting was held and the state team awards handed out. Two of Maryland’s long-time shooters and supporters, Mark Gay and William (Bill) Wamsley, were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Mark’s squad of Alessandro Vitale, Shirl Seward (who spoke for Larry) Sam Armstrong and Joe Weinbrecht honored Mark with his introduction. Joe got to go first, and as he said, “This is the only time I get to lead off!” Aaron Amick introduced Bill Wamsley, speaking on his behalf. Both shooters were honored for their shooting accomplishments over the years.

Sunday turned out to be a slightly windy day as the shooters began the 28 and .410 events. There were two 100s in the 28 gauge, both by Maryland shooters. After the shoot-offs, Sam Armstrong was the champion and Alessandro Vitale was runner-up. Three 99s shot off for third, Jeremy Dvorak, Jonathan Myrick and Kevin Spessard. Jeremy won third, Mike Wollard AAA1, Mike Moats AA1, Jonathan Myrick A1, Jay Jeffery B1, John Wells C1 and Harry Friedman D1.

The windy. 410 resulted in two 99s and two 98s. The championship shoot-off resulted in Bernard Warnowicz as champion and Sam Armstrong as runner-up. Mark Gay won third in a shoot-off with Larry Day and Mike Wollard, who took AAA1. Other class winners were Maj Tavakoli A1, Larry Day B1, Aaron Amick C1 and Brian Vess D1.

Sam Armstrong won the HOA with a 398, and Alessandro Vitale was runner-up with a 394. Third was won by Mike Wollard in a shoot off with Mark Gay, who ended up AAA1. Jeremy Dvorak was A1, Bob Shelley B1, Aaron Amick C1, Ralph Wellens D1, and Ernie Bradley E-1. Ryan Boyles was the Junior champion.

It was a hot but good weekend for all the shooters. Special thanks to Joe Weinbrecht, Maryland Skeet Shooting Association (MSSA) president; Dan Pardoe, MSSA vice president; and Mark Gay, MSSA secretary/treasurer. Without all the behind-the-scenes work that these guys did, the shoot would not be as successful as it was. Thanks to the helpers from Salisbury Gun Club: Jim Hammond, Larry Donaway, Norman Trader, Jody Baker, Tom Shockley, Mike Shockley, Robert Rayne, Bill Hardy, Rick Kubiak, Tommy Morris, Jim Richardson, Bruce Culver, Mike Ruark, Sheryl and Mike Taylor and kids from the Wicomico 4H Club, and Dan Swarenger. Much thanks and appreciation to all the referees and to Gail Benjamin – Maryland Chief Referee.

Open Winners Champion Runner Up Third
Doubles Mark Gay John Swidrak Bob Shelley
12 Gauge Mark Gay Alessandro Vitale Jeff Fleischut
20 Gauge Sam Armstrong Kevin Spessard Mike Stasio
28 Gauge Sam Armstrong Mike Stasio Alessandro Vitale
410 Bore Bernard Warnowicz Sam Armstrong Mark Gay
HOA Sam Armstrong Mike Stasio Alessandro Vitale

 

Hamburg Open

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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

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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

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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

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