The 4th Annual Harry Michelson Memorial shoot was held July 15-17 at St. Joe Valley Conservation Club in St. Joe, Indiana. Harry was a beloved referee from Ohio that absolutely loved doing what he did and did it into his 90s before passing away. Because of his love of the sport, his family has generously donated added money to this event in his honor every year. This added money is not only awarded to the event winners and runner-up but spread out among the class winners and runner-up as well. In addition, this year they sponsored the free lunches Saturday and Sunday.
Thirty skeet shooters took to the fields Friday for doubles, and there was some weather to be dealt with. Bryan Rogers won the event with a solid 98, with Bruce Christian, runner-up, on his heels with a 97. Jack Krispin was third, scoring a 96; please pay attention to this name – it will be mentioned often. Class winners were Brent Edwards (AA), Patrick Fowler (A), James Neirzwick (B), Stan Gorgacz (C) and Folke Boman (D).
Saturday appeared to be another rainy day, but the weather held off and offered fantastic shooting conditions, with the scores reflecting it. Forty-five shooters entered the 12-gauge event, resulting in four 100s and five 99s. When the shoot-offs were complete, Jack Krispin was champ with Robert Lopez (all the way from Bulverde, Texas) taking runner-up. Jim Sikes was third, and class winners were previous World Champion Fred Tzschantz (AA), Jeff Pope (A), Jeff Roussey (B), Ron Galloway (C) and William Stroll (D).
Lunch was served by club volunteers, and then off to the fields for the 20-gauge. Forty-three entries, three 100s and five 99s later, shoot-offs began. Local celebrity Owen Knight emerged gun champ with Brent Edwards (another World Champion) as runner-up and Bryan Rogers sliding into third. Class, winners were Jack Krispin (AA), former 28-gauge World Champion Bruce Christian (A), Dan Adam (B), Loraine Malloy (C) and Folke Boman (D).
Sunday saw 42 shooters compete for 28-gauge champion, and the weather was great – no wind and grey skies. There were four 100s and five 99s, with Jack Krispin coming out on top, with Bryan Rogers runner-up and Owen Knight third. Class winners were Brent Edwards (AA), Jeff Roussey (A), Tom Pavlack (B), Stan Gorgacz (C) and William Stoll (D).
Lunch was served again to the delight of the shooters, and the last event of the weekend was ready to go. Thirty-eight shooters participated in the .410, resulting in a lone 100 by Jack Krispin. Fred Tschantz was runner-up and James Sykes third in a shoot-off of 99s. Class winners were Andrew Bielman (AA), David Duncan (A), Larry Israel (B), Kyle LaFountain (C) and Adam Smith (D).
The HOA winner was Jack Krispin with a splendid 399 – he previously shot a 400×400 at the Mid America at St. Joe earlier this year. There was a 3-way shoot-off of 395s, with Fred Tschantz securing runner-up, Bryan Rogers third and Brent Edwards taking AA1. Other HOA class winners were Kyle Krispin (A), William Sorensen (B), Adam Smith (C) and William Stroll (D).
Many thanks to all of the volunteers (and there are many) at St. Joe Valley, with special thanks to Debbi Perry for her assistance behind the computer. And a very special shout-out to Bruce Christian. Without these special folks, great events like this would not happen. Thank you again to the Michelson family for their continued support and to our shooters who attended. We hope to see you next year.
– Contributed by Tom Pavlack
L-R: Fred Tschantz (runner-up), Jack Krispin (champion), Bryan Rogers (3rd)
