It was a hot time at the San Antonio Gun Club on the weekend of July 21-23. To paraphrase “pants on fire,” it was “fields on fire” as temperatures broke records on both Saturday and Sunday. The gun club provided iced water and ice-cold towels, which allowed shooters to survive the 104-105-degree blast furnace heat. The Tanner, named in memory of Col. William “Wild Bill” Tanner, a retired World War II fighter pilot ace, was attended by 55 forged-in-Texas-heat shooters.
Jamie Gaines, assisted by his erstwhile crew of kitchen help, once again delivered a finger-licking shrimp boil, and ice cream helped cool the Saturday evening heat.
Van Boerner took HOA honors. Lady HOA Champion was young Peri Olson. Gun champs were Greg Massari, Doubles and 12 gauge; Troy Behrens, 20 gauge; Bill Tanner (Col. Tanner’s son), 28 gauge; and Cody Sergeant, .410.
Young Ms. Lauren Lee from Houston was honored with the traditional ceremonial cap shooting for her first 100 straight in the 20 gauge. Way to go, Lauren, with many more to come!
As an additional feature and a further way of giving back to the shooters, the San Antonio Gun Club sponsored a no-fee, three-man blind draw for the .410 event. The winning team members each received $50, 2nd place $35 and 3rd place $20, all paid in cash on the spot.
Some very special thanks to the referees are in order. Their conscientious efforts during the high heat conditions that eventually forced a 30-minute cool-down period for them is tribute to their dedication to the event. They and the field staff of the San Antonio Gun Club helped make the shoot a memorable one.
– Contributed by Terry Olson
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