Skeet Events

2025 Western Challenge and Montana State Championships

April 7, 2026 By Cara Woodard

“I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection, but with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.” ~ John Steinbeck

There is no better way to appreciate Steinbeck’s sentiment than to stand under the late-summer sky in Three Forks, Montana—hearing the crisp call of “pull,” watching targets arc across the backdrop of mountain ridges, and feeling the warm welcome of a club that does things with equal parts pride, grit, and heart. That was the setting for the 2025 Montana Sporting Clays State Championships, at Gallatin Sporting Clays. In late August, competitors, families, volunteers, and the local community gathered for what many called the finest state championship in Montana’s history.

Big Sky Country Sets the Stage

Gallatin delivered everything shooters hope for at a championship event: genuine hospitality, wide-open terrain, compelling targets, and a landscape designed for beauty and challenge. Nestled between two working ranches where the Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison rivers meet to form the mighty Missouri, the club offered not just a competition venue, but an experience—one that drew a record turnout of 267 competitors, 177 of whom were not Montana residents. One first-time Western Challenge competitor, Cody Jesse, commented simply, “Come for the scenery, stay for the targets, fall in love with the Western Challenge.” For many shooters, like Cody, the event doubled as a family vacation. These ‘claycation’ shooters typically extend their stay post-shoot to enjoy fly fishing, hiking, visits to Yellowstone, and long, warm evenings that define summers in Southwest Montana.

Expertly Crafted Targets on Ideal Terrain

For most shooters, the true hallmark of a championship is the quality of the targets. The Western Challenge target setter, Rick Hemingway, delivered in spades. The terrain at Gallatin Sporting Clays includes undulating hills, mountain backdrops, rolling draws, rock faces, daunting ravines, and sagebrush that Rick used to full advantage. Last fall, the club added 100 acres of leased land from a neighboring rancher to expand the courses substantially. Rick has been skillfully setting targets for the Western Challenge for nine years and brings his A game each and every time. In 2025, with two new courses, 100 additional acres of untapped mountainous terrain and 50 new Promatic traps, Rick showed up with his professional team eager to set targets.

The Western Challenge targets were described by competitors as fair, creative, balanced, and thoughtfully presented. Rick did not test the competitors with wicked speed and short visibility windows. He did challenge the shooter’s target reading ability, focus and skill. Another first-time Western Challenge competitor, Bob Thickens (stalwart Northbrook Sports Club member), commented, “I have registered more than 150,000 targets, and these targets at Gallatin are all new to me. Well done.” Many attendees said they wished they could shoot the course again just to appreciate the artistry. The club opened its ranch gates on Monday and Tuesday post-shoot to give shooters just that opportunity.

Highlights From the Competition

Over four days, shooters tested their mettle in the Main Event, 2 Prelims, Super Sporting, Sub Gauge, and FITASC. New in 2025, the Mountain Magic True Pair side event was a definite hit among competitors. One junior shooter noted, “Now that was epic.” All in there were 900 juicy registered targets available. The additional 100 acres enabled Gallatin to add in a brand new 14-station course, the “Jefferson,” and greatly expand and enhance the “Gallatin” course. The expanded Gallatin course allowed the club to offer a 100 bird Super Sporting event that was well received. Shooters moved through the updated courses framed by the stunning backdrops of three mountain ranges, the Tobacco Roots, the Bridgers and the Gallatin. The elevation changes, and shifting backgrounds created targets that tested every part of a shooter’s game while showcasing scenery worthy of a postcard.

Dominating the podium for the Western Challenge were the familiar faces from Team Winchester. Zach Kienbaum took top honors in the Main Event with a 195/200. He wowed the crowd with a perfect 100 on the Madison Course. Zach also clinched the 100-bird Super Sporting event with a 96. The 2025 National Sporting Clays Champion, Mike Wilgus, won both the Friday Prelim and the 12-gauge event. Rodney Disbrow took high Veteran honors in the Main Event and FITASC. Recent NSCA Hall of Fame inductee, Desi Edmunds, won lady champion in the Main Event, both Prelims, Super Sporting and FITASC.

Shooting FITASC at Gallatin feels to some like stepping onto hallowed ground, quiet, remote, demanding, and steeped in the tradition only the discipline can evoke. From the pegs, shooters look out toward the Jefferson River, and the path of Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Competitors stand near the lands where Sacajawea was captured, adding a sense of history to every target thrown. When wind kicks up on the parcours, it can leave shooters exasperated and exhilarated in equal measure. Cameron Hicks accepted the challenge with quiet determination and delivered a near flawless performance to win the FITASC event. Chris Stephens from California won both the 5-Stand event and the Mountain Magic True Pair.

The Western Challenge consistently draws a cadre of elite shooters; their presence elevates the competitive bar and offers everyone the incredible opportunity to test themselves against the very best. Make no mistake, Montana shooters can hold their own! Thomas Owen earned the Montana State Champion title with an impressive performance. Caroline Fischer clinched state lady champ honors with grit and perseverance. Junior State Champ honors went to Tad Waggener, turning in a notable score of 171/200. Gallatin’s own William Sheehan accepted his belt buckle trophy with a big grin, winning the Sub-Junior State title.

While individual winners and scores tell one part of the story, the defining moments were found in old friends reconnecting, enjoying ice cream under the celebrated (and now famous) Western Challenge amenity tent, and fist bumps between squads celebrating small successes and great shots. The level of camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by competitors was exceptional; the shared laughs and stories reminded us all why we love the sport.

Western Hospitality and DIY Montana Mindset at Its Finest

The terrain and targets shaped the competition. The hospitality, logistics and volunteer effort shaped the memory. As a nonprofit 100% volunteer run club, Gallatin Sporting Clays has a well-earned reputation for its friendly atmosphere and a distinctive DIY culture. Eager to showcase new courses and terrain in 2025, the Western Challenge shoot committee had one goal: elevate the shooter experience. Their work began 12 months before the tournament, with a full year of planning, coordinating and improving every detail of the event. The Gallatin member volunteers brought the new course expansions to life through long, hot, dusty workdays. All major upgrades – course expansion, new trails, new cages and stations, directional signage, additional parking lots and fencing, new gun racks and benches – were built and installed entirely by club member volunteers. A herculean effort led by a handful of members reconfigured the layouts, graded roads, cut trails, installed creek crossings and constructed bridges. Local suppliers and vendors were eager to join the effort. Most of the equipment (skid steers, tractors, fork lifts, gravel trucks) were either donated to the cause or bartered for club membership. Three-day member work parties, known affectionately as “Tom and Huck Days,” rallied the Gallatin membership and created a shared sense of accomplishment. This DIY pride comes from building something together, by hand, for the benefit of the entire shooting community. Sweat equity is literally built into everything at Gallatin Sporting Clays.

Casey Chase and her team from Score Chaser kept the shoot committee on point and in check. A proud Montanan and Gallatin member, Casey brought the professionalism, organization and multi-tasking prowess for which she is famous. Who else can get you registered on the fly, change your Lewis class options, accept your payments, re-squad you with your buddies, squeeze you into a sub-gauge event, find you a golf cart, greet you with a smile and remember your name? She is an integral part of the Gallatin team and ensured the Western Challenge ran flawlessly. Score Chaser was also the 2025 Western Challenge Amenity Tent Sponsor. With over-the-top snacks, ice cream, goodies, sundries, and beverages, the now famous Gallatin Amenity Tent is a much-anticipated oasis for shooters on the Jefferson course.

Other local sponsors and businesses played a meaningful role. Contributions of resources, prizes, food, beer, and support gave the Western Challenge an unmistakably community-anchored character. Madison River Brewing sponsored the well-attended shooter parties on Friday and Saturday nights. Local retailer Murdochs donated cowboy boots and hats to enhance the trophy table. Local website developer, JTech, sponsored the shooter welcome packets and provided technical support. The Gallatin Valley Tourism Board played a key role in supporting the event. With a generous grant, they enabled the shoot committee’s vision of ‘elevating the shooter experience.’ Funds from this grant went directly to sponsor additional shade tents, portable restroom facilities, additional hand washing stations and golf cart shuttles needed to transport shooters around the expanded club.

Montana: The Destination Shooters Keep Returning To

When the final shots echoed across the valley and the last belt buckle and pair of cowboy boots were awarded, most competitors did not rush home. Instead, they stayed to float the rivers and fish, sample local breweries, explore small-town shops, or simply sit outside and savor starry nights in Big Sky country. For many, like Desi Edmunds and Zach Kienbaum, the Western Challenge has become a cherished annual tradition rather than a one-time event. Cody Matson (Matson Shooting Academy) shared, “The Western Challenge is my favorite tournament I shoot all year. It’s hard to put the experience into words. Pictures don’t do it justice. Despite being open to the public, you feel like you are part of the best unchartered club in the country.” This year’s championship saw exceptional attendance, bolstered by traveling shooters like Cody, who chose Gallatin Sporting Clays for its reputation as a premier shooting destination. The influx of Western Challenge shooters hailing from 37 states, including 14 international shooters, brought a welcome boost to local hotels, campgrounds, small businesses and outfitters. This economic ripple effect underscores how sporting clays events can meaningfully support rural communities.

Conclusion: A New Standard for State Championships

The 2025 Western Challenge and Montana Sporting Clays State Championships proved that a memorable event does not just come from challenging targets or a volunteer crew hell bent on elevating the shooter experience. It comes from a location that inspires, a close-knit club that cares deeply about its guests, and a state whose spirit welcomes every visitor like an old friend.

Gallatin Sporting Clays, its volunteers, sponsors, and the broader Three Forks community created an unforgettable event that reflected the best of Montana. As shooters packed up their gear and said their goodbyes, many echoed Steinbeck’s words—some places earn your respect, but Montana earns your love.

Register today on scorechaser.com for the 2026 Western Challenge to be held on August 27-30 to secure your spot. Gallatin Sporting Clays would love to host you.

Visit us at www.gallatinclays.org and Facebook.

Contributed by: By Robin Sheehan

2025 Minnesota State Skeet Championships

March 24, 2026 By Cara Woodard

The 2025 Minnesota State Skeet Championships (August 22 – 24) were hosted by the Minneapolis Gun Club in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Tate Peterson of Ham Lake, Minnesota, led a field of 32 shooters with High Over All honors.

The Friday Doubles event drew 24 competitors. Matt Robinson won the Doubles Championship, with Dan Kampa taking the runner-up spot after a shoot-off of 95’s. Bruce Pearson won third place. Class winners were Jeffrey Korhonen (A), Brodie Schaefer (B), Donald D. Tesch (C), and Arthur R. Peterson Jr. (D).

Gene Helsene’s 99 earned the 12-Gauge Championship, runner-up went to Chad Herrmann, and third place went to Tate Peterson. Class winners in 12-gauge were Jake Boerboon, Bruce C. Pearson, Mark VanderBloomer, Jeffrey Schneider, and Donald D. Tesch in classes AA through D.

Jacob Boerboon won the 20-gauge championship with the tournament’s lone 100. Brodie Schaefer was runner-up, with third place going to Chad Herrmann. Bruce C. Pearson won class AA, followed by Mark VanderBloomer, Matt Robinson, Gene J. Helsene, and Arthur R. Peterson Jr. in classes A through D.

Robert Rick won Sunday’s 28-gauge event by posting an uncontested 99. Tate Peterson earned the runner-up spot followed by third place Gene J. Helsene. AA first went to Mark VanderBloomer, while Bruce C. Pearson, Steve Boerboon, John G. Howe, and David G. Seidel won classes A through D.

Tate Peterson’s 95 won the .410 bore event. Runner-up was John G. Howe, followed by Chad Herrmann in third place. Class winners were Dan Kampa (A), Jeffrey Korhonen (B), Deon Thompson (C), and Bart Ott (D).

Tate Peterson won the High Over All Championship for the second consecutive year with a 383. Jacob Boerboon was runner-up, with Chad Herrmann in third place. High Over All class winners were Robert Rick (A), Jeffrey Korhonen (B), and Jeffrey Schneider (C).

Tate Peterson won the High All Around Championship for the second consecutive year with a 477. High All Around runner-up was Jacob Boerboon (472), followed by Jeffrey Korhonen’s third place 470.

The MSSA thanks Mark Cameron and his staff at the Minneapolis Gun Club for hosting another excellent Minnesota state championship.

– Contributed by Ron Chandler

Suprynowicz Wins 89th Annual PA State Skeet Championship

August 25, 2025 By hdyer

By George Gleich

PSSA held the 89th annual Pennsylvania State Open Skeet Championships as an iShoot on August 15-17. Eight clubs were involved: Carlisle Fish & Game Association, Clinton Irwin Rod & Gun Club, Generations Skeet Club, Liberty Township Sportsman Club, Library Sportsmen’s Association, Skyline Skeet and Trap LLC, Tarentum District Sportsmens Club and York/Adams County Game & Fish Association. The weather was hot and humid for most of the weekend, but there was scattered heavy rain and wind at several of the clubs on Sunday afternoon.

There were 234 participants, including 35 out-of-state shooters, and the shoot difficulty factor was 18.60. This has traditionally been one of if not the largest state shoot in the nation.

Open HOA winners were Kurt Suprynowicz (champion, 397), Sam Armstrong (Maryland, runner-up, 395) and Josh Crofutt (third, 393). Pennsylvania HOA winners were Suprynowicz (champion), Crofutt (runner-up) and Tyler Mroczka (third, 393).

Open HAA champion, runner-up and third, respectively, were Armstrong (494), Chris Kline (493) and Denny Lehman (491). Pennsylvania HAA honors went to Kline (Champion), Lehman (runner-up) and Crofutt (third, 489).

PA Champions, runners-up, and thirds, respectively, were: Kline, Brian Steinert, and Lehman in doubles; Adam Vollmer, Crofutt and Suprynowicz in the 12; Mroczka, Suprynowicz and Frank Smithmyer in the 20; Suprynowicz, Carl Phillips and Jack Harshbarger in the 28; and, Lehman, Suprynowicz and Evan Martin in the .410.

Class first places (PA) were: Crofutt, Kosmacki, Joe Vescovi, Steven Beam, Jake Hamilton, and Robert Woods, Jr. (doubles-AAA-D); Kline, Lehman, Alyssa Gormish, Mroczka, Tyler Wagner, Ethen Yanac and Martin Addis (12-gauge AAA-E); Nick Boerboon, Vollmer, Mark Eckert, John Lavrich, Jack Makdad and Wade Smith (20-gauge AAA-D); Crofutt, Smithmyer, Gary Nace, Colby Eckert, Tedd Stabolepszy and Jeff Meidinger (28-gauge AAA-D), and; Kline, Ethan Call, Rich Vensel, Jared Shaffer, Mike Rykacewski, Sr. and Tyler Jones (.410 bore AAA-D).

All Sub-Juniors (13) and Juniors (20) who shot the 12-gauge had 50% of their entry fees paid by PSSA. Jack Petrosky, Wade Smith and Barrett Carson, respectively, were Sub-Junior Open HOA Champion, runner-up and third. Tyler Jones, Weston Nichols (New York) and Luke Holtz, respectively, were Junior Open HOA Champion, runner-up, and third.

Twenty ladies participated. Open Lady HOA winners were Sue Huszai (Champion; Ohio), Alyssa Gormish (runner-up) and Missy Vescovi (third). PA Lady HOA winners were Alyssa (Champion), Missy (runner-up) and Meghan Darrough (third). PSSA’s deepest condolences go to Meghan and her family. Meghan’s dad David recently passed away. She and her father both shot their first 100-straights in the 12-gauge event at the 2019 State shoot, and Meghan was the PA gun champ. It was her dad’s favorite shooting memory.

PA’s All State teams for 2025 (2024 data) are: 1^st Team — Josh Crofutt (0.9846 HOA average), Chris Kline, Jack Harshbarger, Alyssa Gormish and Denny Lehman; 2^nd Team — Clay Gormish, Gary Nace, Paul Hunt, Jeff Groh and Debra Meade.

George Gleich was inducted into the PSSA Hall of Fame. George has been shooting registered skeet since 1999, is an NSSA Life Member and has 304,000 registered birds. He has enjoyed writing up skeet shoots for Clay Target Nation and Skeet Shooting Review for many years.

Denny Lehman orchestrated a fund drive that resulted in $21,700 added money. Huge thanks to Denny, Elite Shotguns, the major sponsor of the PA State Shoot, who matched donations received from businesses and individuals up to $10,000, and all those donors. Added money was capped so that gun champion, runner-up and third received $350, $250 and $150, respectively. All class first through fifth places received cash from added money (e.g., in the 12-gauge E1, E2, E3, E4, and E5 received $85, $80, $75, $70 and $65, respectively).

Kudos to: Tami Daniel-Means, shoot manager supreme; Mark Strickland, PSSA President, who was quite busy with many things before and during the shoot; and Pat Rizzo, a Super Veteran (93 years old) from Library Sportsmen’s Association, who shot a 77 in the 28 gauge!

Sam Armstrong, right, Open HAA Champion, HOA runner-up and 12-gauge runner-up; Alessandro Vitale, left, Open .410 runner-up

Kurt Suprynowicz, left, Open HOA and 28-Gauge Champion; Josh Crofutt, right, Open HOA and 12-Gauge third

George Gleich, left, inducted into the PSSA Hall of Fame, with Joan Mooney

Left to right: Alyssa Gormish, Open Lady runner-up and PA Lady Champion; Missy Vescovt, Open Lady third and PA Lady runner-up. Not pictured: Susan Huszai, Open Lady Champion

Left to right: Chris Kline, Open HAA runner-up and Doubles Champion and PA HAA Champion; Adam Vollmer, Open 12-Gauge Champion; Tyler Mroczka, Open 20-Gauge Champion and PA HOA third.

Kasle Family Charity Shoot

December 23, 2024 By Cara Woodard

HOA Winners – Connor Thigpen – CH, Steve Wood – RU, Andy Peter – 3RD

Ahh, September! When the nights are cool and the days are warm and sunny! The Kasle Family Charity Shoot, held September 13-15 at the Detroit Gun Club, was blessed with perfect weather. At capacity, with a few first-timers and a number of our friends from abroad, everyone in attendance was anticipating the Saturday night show that is the hallmark of the Kasle Open. The shoot kicks off with a .410 bore, 75-target Event 6 in which the top 10 scores plus the high lady participate in a themed shoot-off Saturday night, complete with costumes. Three 75s and six 74s automatically qualified for the finals, while six 73s that included the high lady had a shoot-in for the remaining spot, setting the stage for the 11 shooters to compete for bragging rights and the coveted crystal bowl.

Doubles – Friday afternoon saw three perfect scores, making the podium easy to sort out. Mark Vaillancourt missed early in the first box, settling for third, leaving Sheaffer Stanfill and Ed Smith to slug it out for the next four boxes, with Stanfill emerging as the victor. The 99s shot off for places in AAA and AA, with Gordon Novak and David Miles the respective winners, while Brendan Appel (A1), Jeff Desano (B1), Dan Lauderback (C1) and Cheryl Henderson (D1) won their classes outright. Diana Riddle was Lady Champ and Connor Thigpen, Junior Champion.

12- and 20-Gauge – Saturday morning’s conditions were severe clear, quickly warming up into the 70’s with no wind. Not surprisingly, there were 19 100s posted in the 12-gauge and 15 perfect scores in the 20-gauge. Add to that the plethora of 99s, and over 30% of the participants missed none or one target. It’s a wonder there weren’t more 100 straights. Now, to the shoot-offs: Five shooters made it through the first box of the 12-Gauge Championship. Alessandro Vitale missed late in box two to take third place, leaving two shooters who completed the round. Halfway through box three, youth and exuberance won out over age and treachery, with Stanfill the victor over Mike Schmidt. Steve Wood’s (AAA) and Sean Rosencrantz’s (AA) 100s put them at the top of their classes. David Schiebel (A) and Hal Wendling (C) won their shoot-offs, while Scott Daniels (B) and Lauderback (D) were at the top of their classes. Diana Riddle was Lady Champ and Tyler Wildman, Junior Champ.

In the 20-gauge event, the 100 straights took the field and, just like last year, there were only two still standing after the first box – Jack Krispin and Steve Wood. Four pairs into box two, Krispin was the victor over Wood. Bruce Christian took third place, with Miles (AAA) and Mason Reed (AA) taking top class honors with their 100s. Daniels was A1 after his shoot-off, and Bill Nielsen (B), Adam Taylor (C) and Cheryl Henderson (D) were high in their classes. Diana Riddle repeated as Lady Champ, as did Tyler Wildman for Junior Champ. With two events in the books, there were eight shooters perfect and another 10 down only one target.

Kasle Cup – This was the 26th Kasle Charity Shoot, and over the years the Cup has had different sponsors and, hence, different names. But the idea behind the event has always remained the same – to put some fun back into skeet shooting. Each year has had a different theme, with the shooters making it to the finals dressing the part; at times the contestants are on different teams, with the crowd always getting into the action. The themes over the years have been WWF; Rock Stars; West-Side Story (Sharks vs Jets); Heroes and Villains; NFL (AFC vs NFC); NASCAR; Professional Rodeo; Pirates; the Olympics; Woodstock; Caddy Shack; Top Shot; Slap Shot; Dr. Seuss; Stripes; Top Gun; Snow White; Dorf on Skeet; Detroit Skeet City, based upon the classic movie Detroit Rock City, featuring KISS; the Greatest Shoot (Show) on Earth; Looney Tunes; Old McDonald’s Farm; “Wayne-o’s World,” based on the Saturday Night Live skit and subsequent movie, in honor of the late, great Wayne Mayes; Gomer Pyle, USMC; American Ninja Skeet Warrior; and last year’s theme, Guardians of the Skeet Galaxy, saving the galaxy one clay at a time. This year’s theme, the World Series of Skeetball, was based loosely on the movie Major League but with the addition of a new twist: Each of the “batters” was recruited a “runner” and introduced by the emcees, Wild Thing (Billy Ray Suggs) and Harry Doyle (Bob Uecker’s character, played by Mike Kremski), with shot-by-shot commentary. The “World Series” entailed shooting doubles on stations 3, 4 and 5. But instead of miss-and-out as in previous years, the “runners” advanced a base for each target hit in the shoot-off or, if the pair was “dutched,” going back a base. The winner was determined by the first shooter to run 24 bases. The “World Series” was conducted using flash targets, with music playing and crowd participation (heckling), making for quite a spectacle. When the smoke finally cleared, Steve Wood (AKA Woody) was the winner of the coveted crystal bowl, along with his runner, Michael Fitzner, who also received a crystal bowl for his running prowess! Based upon the comments from everyone present, the new format was a huge success!

28-Gauge and .410 Bore – Sunday’s conditions were a little cooler than Saturday, but still clear blue skies and no wind, making for great conditions for the smaller bore events. Ten shooters posted 100s, along with 15 99s, in the 28-gauge event. The championship was decided on the last pair of the first box in the shoot-off with the Junior phenom Connor Thigpen, the winner (and, obviously, Junior Champ) over Woody. Stanfill claimed the final spot on the podium, with 100s by Schmidt (AAA1) and Jason Johnson (AA1) for those classes. Shoot-offs were needed to decide Classes A and B, with John Boone and Bruce Wilson the respective winners. Daniels (C1) and Andrea Lehr (D1) rounded out the classes. Diana Riddle was, again, Lady Champ.

The .410 bore saw only one perfect score in the afternoon by Connor. Four 99s took all of three pairs to decide the remaining spots on the podium with Jeff Ventry runner-up, Schmidt third, Connor Ball AAA1 and Wood AAA2. Christian (AA) and Wildman (A) won their shoot-offs for top class honors, with Jeff Pope (B), Scott Crosby (C) and one of our regular attendees from Down Under, Leonie Johnston (D) rounding out the classes. Diana Riddle was again Lady Champ.

High Over All – In the High Over All race going into the .410 bore, there were two shooters still perfect, with 16 shooters down only one or two targets. So, once again, it would all come down to the baby bore. When the final shot was fired in the .410, there were two 399s and three 397s. Both shooters missed on station 5 for the championship, but young Connor prevailed on the next pair, besting Woody for the win. The 397s also took all of four pairs to sort out the remaining places. Another one of our regulars from abroad, Kiwi Andy Peter claimed the final spot on the podium over Stanfill (AAA1) and Krispin (AAA2). Class winners, without having to fire another shot, were Mark Gay (AA), Tom Longolucco (A), Daniels (B), Lauderback (C), Cheryl Henderson (D) and Leonie Johnston (E). Diana Riddle completed her sweep of all the events as Lady Champion.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Once again, everyone – shooters and spectators alike – had “too much fun!” Untold thanks go to our sponsors Roger, Lisa, Matt and Jill Kasle, without whose generous support this shoot, the fireworks show and charity donation would not be possible. Without fail, once again, Scott Behnke and his assistant soon-to-be-manager, Danny, did a fantastic job ensuring the targets flew true. The referees were first-rate, keeping their thumbs on the buttons and giving us the targets when we called for them. The kitchen staff of Chef Kristina, with waitresses Tricia and Jenny, made sure that no one went hungry (or thirsty), and our dynamic duo shoot staff of Debbi Perry and Debbie Behnke promptly entered and posted the scores and ensured the shoot-off sheets were ready to go after the last shot was fired. Debbie Behnke also did double-duty as a referee. Again, this event would not enjoy the success it has without the support of all concerned.

Mark your calendars now for the 2025 Kasle Family Charity Open, which will be held September 12-14, 2025. So, look for our ad in Target Talk or visit MichiganSkeet.com to get your registration in early so you, too, can have “too much fun” at Detroit Gun Club!

– Trish Magyar

Lopata Classic at Clinton-Irwin Rod and Gun Club

December 23, 2024 By Cara Woodard

Clinton-Irwin Rod and Gun Club near Grove City, Penn., held their Lopata Classic on August 2-4. Jerry Lopata was a longtime past president, and he and his family have been major benefactors of this club for years.

Left to right – Joe Gans V, Joe Gans III, Jack Petrosky, John Welch, Sr.

Twenty-nine shooters participated in one or more events in this five-gun shoot. Chris Kline’s 393 made him HOA Champion. Bryson Fox (387) was HOA runner-up, and Jack Harshbarger was HOA thirdafter he winning a shoot-off of 383’s with Matt Bartosch.

Nineteen competitors shot doubles on Friday afternoon under overcast skies in humid conditions. Kline’s 96 made him outright gun champ; Bryson Fox and Don Steinert, respectively, were runner-up and third after shooting off their 94’s. Class firsts went to Rich Vensel (A), Evan Martin (B), Joe Gans 5 (C) and Joe Gans III (D).

Saturday was foggy in the morning and raining, heavy at times, most of the day. The rain did pause in time for shoot-offs, but then restarted and continued through much of the night. The 12-gauge event was first, and 26 shooters participated. Kline ran them and was Champion. There were three 99’s. After shoot-offs Jack Harshbarger was runner-up, Bryson Fox was third, and Matt Bartosch was AA1. Other class firsts included Tom Shields (A), Scott Hazlett (B), Paul Augustin (C), John Welch (D) (after a shoot-off of 93’s with Joe Gans 5), and Jack Petrosky €.

The 20-gauge was shot by 26 competitors on Saturday afternoon. Kline was gun champion, but not until he won a shoot-off of 99’s with Scott Hazlett, runner-up. Matt Bartosch was third after winning a shoot-off of 98’s with Evan Martin (A1). Other class firsts included Bryson Fox (AA), Paul Augustin (B), Brian Fox (C) and Robert Dezort (D).

Sunday morning dawned foggy, but soon turned mostly sunny and warm, for 28 shooters in the 28-gauge. Bryson Fox took the champion title with a 99; Adam Vollmer was runner-up and Brian Steinert third. Class firsts went to Bartosch (A), Mark Eckert (B), Joe Gans 5 (C) and Joe Gans III (D).

Twenty-eight participants shot the .410 on Sunday afternoon. Kline took the championship with a nice 97, while Vollmer’s 95 was good for runner-up; Bryson Fox was third. Class first places, respectively, went to Brian Steinert (A), Brian Fox (B), Scott Hazlett (C), and Jason Callahan (D).

Registration, score compilation and posting, and payouts were handled by Dee Leake, Casey Vensel and Wayne Haines. Referee duties were handled by Matt Ohler, Terry Leake, Greg Lopata, Dave Smerkar and Rich Vensel. Lenny Vensel, Rich Gaw, Dick Bunch and Bob Sharkey handled field duties including keeping watercoolers and traps filled.

A nice lunch was provided by the club on Saturday and Sunday (meatball sandwiches, ham BBQ, hotdogs, potato and macaroni salad and yummy zucchini bread). Thanks to Darlene Burns and Dee Leake for all their efforts preparing and serving the food.

Sub-Junior shooter Jack Petrosky from Ford City, PA, shot his first ever 25-straight in the 12-gauge event, shooting on the same squad as his grandfather, John Welch.

There was $3,200 in added prize money, including $200 donated by the club. Shoot sponsors included the Lopata family (Jerry, Greg and JJ); Herman Holdings, LLC; Dick Bunch; Jim McCormick; and Dave Smerkar.

– George Gleich