A world record was set at Gun River Skeet and Trap Club in Plainwell, MI. You may be wondering—what world record? 400 and 500 single-gun events are now being recognized, and Gun River hosted the first 400 28-gauge event of the season. The shoot was completely full with 30 competitors. All meals were catered and free to all. In the field were four open world champions including the current 28-gauge world champ, Bruce Christian, as well as four class world champions. There were two events on Saturday and another two on Sunday, totaling a 400 bird race. The weather was great—sunny and a little windy.
For Event 1 on Saturday, there were two 99’s posted. Dave Schiebel came out as champ and Al Magyar runner-up. Dave Scott was AAA1, Don Nelson AA1, Greg Sapick A1, James Springer B1, and Joe Mathu C1. In Event 2, one lone 99 was shot by Bob Dubridge, making him champ over runner-up Denny Tannis, trailed by Bruce Christian as AAA1, Don Nelson AA1, Tom Pavlack A1, Chris Lozano B1, and Joe Mathu C1.
After a great day of shooting, what’s next? A party, of course! Tom and Darcy Pavlack hosted a grillin’ party for all with burgers, brats, smoked chicken, salads and Tom’s smoked homemade beef jerky, followed by a decadent dessert of locally made ice cream with all of the toppings. Thank you to Paxton Arms for your generous donations of the shooting merchandise given away at the party. Event and HOA winners were recognized with special awards in a big “reveal,” each receiving unique engraved and paint-filled picture rock awards. Engraved picture rock coasters were also handed out to all shooters.
Sunday culminated in two more events. Event 3 produced four 98’s, and after the smoke cleared, Tom Pavlack was event champ with Bruce Christian as runner-up, Howie Bailey AAA1, Don Nelson AA1, Edward Bowker A1, Jim Meles B1, and Joe Mathu C1. In Event 4 Dave Schiebel’s lone 99 designated him again as champion with Bruce Christian runner-up, Don Nelson AA1, Edward Bowker A1, Ed Bowker B1, Joe Mathu C1, and Holly Bowker D1. That is not a misprint; there are three—yes, count them, three—Bowkers in that event.
There was $2,000 in added money dedicated for HOA, and one of our sponsors Sweet Manufacturing put up an additional $500 for any competitor posting a 4×4. Realizing that no one was going to meet that goal, they decided to give the money away regardless. An announcement Sunday morning that the HOA winner would receive the entire $500 was well received by all. At the end of the day, there was a clear winner—Bruce Christian posted a 391 and a new World Record.
I want to thank all of the volunteers that helped make this event a success, but I especially want to thank Jason Johnson for all of his hard work. His efforts toward this weekend made the entire event a great time for all. The only person who may get more thanks will be his wife, Michelle, for putting up with us—warts and all—for the entire weekend. Thanks to all who shot. We hope to see you next year!
– Contributed by Tom Pavlack
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