Clay Target Nation

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

New Jersey State Championship

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Pine Belt Sportsman’s Club hosted the 2020 New Jersey State Championship. Much to the surprise of NJSSA officers and for the first time in New Jersey skeet shooting history, battery-powered remote controls were used in lieu of the traditional hardwired cords for our tournament.

The tournament started with the Doubles event, and Ben Galioto’s 97 earned him his third career Doubles Championship. Class winners were Joe Hall (A1), Tony Viel (B1), Robert Vrablik (C1) and James Luts (D1).

The weather on Saturday morning was literally perfect for the 12-gauge event, and Leo Nebbia shot a terrific 99 to win the gun championship. After a 20-year lay-off, Brian Ziegler came back and won A1 with a 97. Winning the classes were Dick Lukasik (B1), Robert Madosky (C1) and Greg Khalaf (D1).

On Saturday afternoon, the weather remained perfect for the 28-gauge, and Dick Lukasik hammered 99 targets to win his first state championship. The entire New Jersey skeet fraternity couldn’t be happier. Class winners were Ben Galioto (AA1), Leo Nebbia (A1), Robert Vrablik (B1), Tony Veil (C1) and Joe Madlinger (D1).

The weather was very hot for Sunday morning’s 20-gauge event, but this had no effect on Robert Vrablik and Dick Lucasik, who both broke 98s and made their way to the shoot-off field. After two stations, Robert Vrablik was crowned 20-gauge champion. Class winners were Brian Ziegler (AA1), Leo Nebbia (A1), Greg Khalaf (C1) and Joe Madlinger (D1).

The final gun was the .410, and we literally had a windstorm come through Pine Belt for the little gun. Leo Nebbia, Ben Galioto and Jim Seiler (who also returned after a 20-year lay-off) all shot 92s and made their way to the shoot-off field. After three stations, Leo Nebbia won the .410 championship. Class winners were Ben Galioto (A1), Michael Costello (B1), Greg Khalaf (C1) and Joe Madlinger (D1).

The HOA title went to Leo Nebbia with a 386. Leo won three state titles for the weekend, taking home a beautiful silver belt buckle. Dick Lukasik was one target off the pace, earning him HOA runner-up. Class winners were Ben Galioto (A1), Robert Vrablik (B1), Clifford Schaffer (C1) and Joe Madlinger (D1).

Our referees, Mark Bricker, Sophia Galioto and Eric Bachmann, did a terrific job. Thank to our skeet administrator Kevin Dawkins for running our shoot. Finally, a special thank you to our biggest sponsor Robert Madosky, who has provided us with some very nice shooting shirts for two decades.

– Contributed by Ben Galioto

Earle Darby Shoot

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The 2020 Earle Darby shoot at Cherokee Gun Club (Gainesville, Georgia) was filled with fun shooting. This tournament has a long history honoring Earle Darby, who was honored last year at the World Skeet Championships for his refereeing history. He is one of the cornerstones of our small club.

The 12-gauge event had a lone 100 shot by Pat Savage. This was Pat’s first 100 since 2003 in any gun – much too long a dry spell. Class winners were Jay Tompkins (AA), Sydney Pittman (A), Dani Zeigler (B), Walton Starling (C), Myrl Miller (D) and Caleb Harmon (E). The 20-gauge was won by Blake Argo after a shoot-off of the 99s with Sydney Pitman (AA), Davis Zeigler (A), Deanna Culpepper (B), Jack Mills (C) and Luke Goddard (D).

In the 28, Blake Argo (97) was champion once more after another shoot-off with Sydney Pittman 97 (A), and Dani Zeigler (B), Dennis Lesher (C) and Myrl Miller (D).

The scheduling for the tournament has some issues, as shooting on Sunday before 12:30 is not allowed. The afternoon’s .410 event was hampered by weather, as the sky was overcast and darkness made seeing targets touchy. It was apparently easier for young eyes to see the targets, as Sub-Junior Dani Zeigler shot the lone 97 to take gun champion. Class winners were Davis Zeigler, Dani’s older brother (AA), Stacy Young (A), Mark David (B), Jack Mills (C) and Michael Savage (D).

The HOA was won by Sub-Junior Dani Zeigler with a fine 389 that bested the field. She has shown that she is a deserving champion. She is following up her 2019 Sub-Junior Lady World HOA championship, the 2020 Sub-Junior Lady World HOA and the .410 Sub-Junior World Championship. Davis Zeigler (AA), Sydney Pittman (A), Deanna Culpepper (B), Jack Mills (C), Myrl Miller (D) and Michael Savage (E) filled out the classes.

Congratulations to all winners and many thanks to all who attended, making this one of the best Earle Darby tournaments in many years. Thanks go to referees Bill Moseley, Henry Burks, and Mike, Davis and Mindy Zeigler. Many thanks to our sponsors Todd Bender, Pat and Mike Savage, Academy Sports and MEC Outdoors. Without all their support, we could not have this shoot.

– Submitted by Pat Savage

 

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