The annual Maryland State Skeet Championship was held at Loch Raven Skeet and Trap in Phoenix, Maryland, on September 6-8. In the days prior to the shoot, everyone was keeping a watchful eye on hurricane Dorian. As the hurricane worked its way up the coast, many were concerned that its path would be to the west and drew a sigh of relief when it moved eastward. But other than a slight wind during the doubles, it was a beautiful weather weekend for the Maryland State competitors.
Since the Maryland State Championship is an open state shoot, there are both open winners and state winners. Quite often they are the same person, but many times they are not. In this write-up, we will only include the Maryland State Champions, but you can see all the winners in the shoot results.
In Friday afternoon doubles, the little wind remaining from Dorian resulted in a lone 100 shot by Alessandro Vitale. Mark Gay’s 97 won state runner-up, followed by David Outen in third. Maryland State class winners in doubles were Maj Tavakoli (A), Debbi Perry (B), Robert Tinder (C) and Carol Ebling (D).
The weather on Saturday for the 12-gauge event was another beautiful day, resulting in another lone 100 straight, this time by Alan Whiting, followed by two 99s shot by Alessandro Vitale and Aaron Amick. Vitale won their shoot-out and claimed runner-up, with Aaron taking third. Class winners were Jon Senzer (AAA), Chad Everett (AA), Kevin Spessard (A), Jonathan Myrick (B), David Outen (C), C.J. Brendle (D) and Tom Fowler (E). The 20-gauge resulted in two perfect scores. When the shoot-off concluded, Chad Everett was champion, with Mark Gay as runner-up. Alessandro Vitale beat Gil Traore and Bob Tinder in a 99 shoot-off for third. Class winners were Jon Senzer (AAA), Alan Whiting (AA), Gil Traore (A), Bob Tinder (B), Paul D’Amato (C) and Tom Fowler (D).
After shoot-offs, the competitors were treated to all-you-can-eat BBQ from Adam’s Rib. A raffle was conducted, and everyone got at least one prize, which included Frogg Togg towels, umbrellas, shoot towels, hats and much more. After a spirited and successful raffle, the 2018 Maryland first, second, and honorable mention team awards were presented. Maryland State elections were then conducted resulting in Dan Pardoe as president, Jonathan Myrick as vice president, and Mark Gay returning as secretary/Treasurer. Joe Weinbrecht, as past president, was presented with a beautiful, locally carved duck decoy as a sincere thank you for his six years of service.
Sunday was another picture-perfect weather day. When the 28-gauge concluded, there were two perfect scores, and both were first 100 straights! After the shooting of hats, Gil Traore and John Wells Jr. took to the shoot-off field, with John claiming the champion title and Gil runner-up. Three 99s shot off for third, with Alessandro Vitale taking the last spot on the podium. Class winners were Mark Gay (AAA), Alan Whiting (AA), Maj Tavakoli (A), Aaron Amick (B), Dana Hood (C) and William Fields (D).
Sunday afternoon concluded with the Maryland State .410 event, and a pair of 99s topped the leaderboard, resulting in Alessandro Vitale as champion and Mark Polek as runner-up. Gilbert Troare and John Wells Jr. met again in the shoot-off for third, with Troare as the winner. Class winners include Mark Gay (AAA), Senzer (AA), John Wells Jr. (A), Robert Tinder (B), John Wells (C) and Kirk Evans (D).
HOA champ, runner-up and third were settled without shoot-offs, with Alessandro Vitale winning, followed by Gil Traore as runner-up and Mark Gay completing the podium. Class winners were Jon Senzer (AA), Alan Whiting (A), Bill Walmsley (B), Richard Garre (C), Brian Vess (D) and Dana Hood (E). Coryn Dietz won all the Sub-Junior events, and Debbi Perry won all the Lady events for the weekend.
Many thanks to our sponsors and volunteers. We could not have a successful shoot without all of them. Special thanks to Joe Weinbrecht, our past president and skeet chairman, and to Paul D’Amato for working tirelessly on the machines to give us good targets. All of the Maryland State officers deserve a big thank you for all their hard work.
