Clay Target Nation

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

Quinn Insurance 200

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Ernie Avolio, Jeff Quinn, Dale Snow (L to R): West Gun Champ Trophies

Meadville Sportsman’s Club in northwestern Pennsylvania held the Quinn Insurance 200 on July 21. The weather was interesting: first flight – partly sunny and cool; second flight – light, but steady rain; third flight – heavy rain throughout; fourth round – overcast and windy; shoot-offs – partly sunny and a bit warmer.

Eighteen shooters shot 200 12-gauge targets each. Dale Snow was HOA champ with a very nice 196; Ernie Avolio was close behind with a 195.

The first 100, the “12-gauge east,” was hotly contested with five shooters – Avolio, Paul Augustin, Steve Best, Mike Rykacewski and Josh Crofutt – nailing 97 targets and vying for the championship. Shoot-offs were needed to determine champion and every class first place except D class. Avolio won the shoot-off of 97s and was champ, with Josh Crofutt taking A1 and Mike Rykaczewski B1. Mark Johnson was C1 after winning a shoot-off of 96s with Kurt Supernowicz. Carl Biddle took D1 outright with his 89, but Marie Palmer had to win a shoot-off of 85s with Willis Proctor to take E1.

A delicious and plentiful lunch of chicken (roasted or fried), potato salad, pasta salad, chocolate chip cookies, and soft drinks was provided by Kevin Withers (The Cooking Caterers).

Dale Snow (L)-HOA and 12 West Champ, Ernie Avolio (R)-HOA Runner-Up and 12 East Champ

The “12-gauge west” began around 3 p.m., as did the heavy rain. The weather was apparently no problem for the shooters, however, as Dale Snow ran them and took the championship outright, and good scores were everywhere. Class winners included Avolio AA1 (98), Scott Holman A1,after a shoot-off of 97s with Augustin and Crofutt, Rykaczewski B1 (96), Supernowicz C1 (95), Biddle D1 (94) and Palmer E1 (91).

Kudos to Samuel Marks who did yeoman service registering shooters, posting scores and managing shoot-offs, as well as keeping a cranky trap in line and pulling and scoring in the pouring down rain. Other referees and helpers included Sam Marks, Keith Snow, Milt Lang, Larry Price, and Mark Johnson – thanks so much, guys.

Many thanks to Jeff Quinn (Quinn Agency, LLC) for sponsoring the shoot. Jeff, being the good neighbor that he is, also presented gun champ and HOA champion and runner-up trophies to the winners.

– Contributed by George Gleich

Paratrooper Open

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The Fort Bragg Clay Target Center in Spring Lake, NC, was the site for the Paratrooper Open on July 6-8, drawing a total of 88 competitors – including 14 youth shooters – from NC, SC, GA, TN, NY and AZ. Despite a rain delay Friday and a heavy downpour during the 12-gauge and into the 20-gauge event, shooters persevered and posted very good scores.

Junior shooter Riley Dellinger won the HOA shoot-off to win the Paratrooper Open with a 395. He had the Paratrooper Trophy in his sight for several years and was happy to accomplish this goal. HOA runner-up was Mark Smith (395), and Stuart Brown (393) was third. HOA plaques were also awarded to Sub-Junior champion, William Davis (357); Junior Champion, Riley Dellinger (395); and Lady Champion, Kristen Masencup (381).

HOA class winners were Jay Bunting AAA1, Scott Graham AA1, Larry Blount A1, Jared Sberal B1, Steve Lloyd C1, Dariel Dellinger D1 and Doug Brown E1.

Riley Dellinger won Doubles with a 99, out-scoring 43 competitors. Chris Bates and Kevin Hostinsky scored 97s and won gun runner-up and third, respectively. Class winners were Jim Lindell AA1, Jay Bunting A1, Carter Brown B1, Steve Lloyd C1 and Tim Dove D1. Sub-Junior Champion was William Davis, Junior was Riley Dellinger, and Kristen Masencup was Collegiate and Lady Champion.

Noah Dove and Larry Blount shot perfect scores in the 12-gauge event. Junior shooter Noah Dove won the shoot-off, with Larry taking runner-up. Jay Bunting won a shoot-off to win gun third with a 99. Class winners were Stuart Brown AAA1, Charles Lawley AA1, Gary Gorrell A1, Jared Sberal B1, Steven Russell C1, Bill Kluttz D1 and William Davis E1. William Davis won Sub-Junior with a 95, Noah Dove won Junior with a 100, and Kristen Masencup won Collegiate and Lady with a 97.

There were four 100 straights to shoot off in 20 gauge: Stuart Brown won champion; Riley Dellinger, runner-up; Richard Nixon, third; and Mark Smith, class A first. George DeSanto won AA1, Jared Sberal B1, Steve Lloyd C1 and Dariel Dellinger D1.

After shoot-offs and dinner Saturday evening, surprisingly, many shooters still had energy to participate in a challenging shooting game where random teams of two shooters shot trap targets from the skeet stations. It was very entertaining and a lot of laughs for the shooters and observers.

Sunday was a nice sunny day for shooting. The 28-gauge shoot-off of 100s resulted in Jay Bunting winning gun champion and Riley Dellinger, runner-up. A shoot-off of 99s determined gun third, David Stevenson, Scott Graham AAA1, Victoria Stellato AA1 and Mark Smith A1. Other class winners were Stephen Campbell B1, Steve Lloyd C1, and Mike Restall D1. Sub-Junior champion was William Davis, Junior champion was Riley Dellinger, and Collegiate and Lady champ was Victoria Stellato.

The final event, .410 bore, was won by Paul Stemac, and runner-up was Jim Lindell. Scores of 97 shot off, with Chris Spinder winning gun third, Riley Dellinger AAA1, Kevin Hostinsky AA1 and Henry Hardin A1. Classes were Mason Watkins B1, Jim Spinder C1 and Doug Brown D1. Sub-Junior champion was William Davis, Junior champion was Riley Dellinger, and Kristen Masencup, Collegiate and Lady Champion.

Several shooters met personal goals at this shoot. Parker Rowan, a Junior shooter, shot his first 25 straight in 12 gauge. Nancy Roberts shot her first 25 straight in 28 gauge.

Maryland State Championships

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Salisbury Gun Club was a wonderful host for the 2018 Maryland Open Skeet Championships, but even with the big fan cooling off those sitting on the porch, they couldn’t control the Eastern Shore heat and humidity. Since this was an open state shoot, we had eight out-of-state competitors, resulting in both State and Open winners. For clarity, the State winners are detailed in the article, and the Open winners are included in the accompanying table.

The Doubles event started in the late afternoon on Friday, July 27. As the last flight went out, the sky darkened, but Mother Nature was kind with just a slight sprinkle. With the only 100 straight, Mark Gay earned both the Open and State Doubles championships. John Swidrak and Bob Shelley shot off 98s, resulting in John capturing both State and Open runner-up, and Bob winning both State and Open third. Other State winners in Doubles included Alessandro Vitale AAA1, Mike Wollard AA1, Debbi Perry A1 and Lady, Mark Polek B1, Joe Weinbrecht C1 and Cliff Bedore D1.

Both the 12- and 20-gauge events were held on Saturday. The 12-gauge shoot-offs started with four Open winners (three in State) who had perfect scores. Maryland State winners were Mark Gay – champ, Alessandro Vitale – runner-up, and Mike Wollard – third. Other winners were Sam Armstrong AAA1, Debbi Perry AA1 and Lady champ, John Wells Jr. A1, Jeremy Dvorak B1, Ed Shifflett C1, Ralph Wellens D1 and Ernie Bradley E1. Ryan Boyles was Junior champ and John Waters was Senior Veteran and Retired Military champion.

With only two perfect scores in the 20 gauge, after the shoot-offs, Sam Armstrong was State champ with Kevin Spessard as runner-up with his first-ever 100 straight. Three 99s were recorded in the 20 gauge, (two in State) with Alessandro Vitale winning third. Remaining State winners were Mike Wollard AAA1, Mark Gay AA1, Bob Shelley A1, James Esham B1, Aaron Amick C1 and Ernie Bradley D1. Ryan Boyles was the Junior champion.

With the shoot-offs complete, a feast of shrimp and BBQ was prepared and served by club members. The Maryland Skeet Shooting Association (MSSA) meeting was held and the state team awards handed out. Two of Maryland’s long-time shooters and supporters, Mark Gay and William (Bill) Wamsley, were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Mark’s squad of Alessandro Vitale, Shirl Seward (who spoke for Larry) Sam Armstrong and Joe Weinbrecht honored Mark with his introduction. Joe got to go first, and as he said, “This is the only time I get to lead off!” Aaron Amick introduced Bill Wamsley, speaking on his behalf. Both shooters were honored for their shooting accomplishments over the years.

Sunday turned out to be a slightly windy day as the shooters began the 28 and .410 events. There were two 100s in the 28 gauge, both by Maryland shooters. After the shoot-offs, Sam Armstrong was the champion and Alessandro Vitale was runner-up. Three 99s shot off for third, Jeremy Dvorak, Jonathan Myrick and Kevin Spessard. Jeremy won third, Mike Wollard AAA1, Mike Moats AA1, Jonathan Myrick A1, Jay Jeffery B1, John Wells C1 and Harry Friedman D1.

The windy. 410 resulted in two 99s and two 98s. The championship shoot-off resulted in Bernard Warnowicz as champion and Sam Armstrong as runner-up. Mark Gay won third in a shoot-off with Larry Day and Mike Wollard, who took AAA1. Other class winners were Maj Tavakoli A1, Larry Day B1, Aaron Amick C1 and Brian Vess D1.

Sam Armstrong won the HOA with a 398, and Alessandro Vitale was runner-up with a 394. Third was won by Mike Wollard in a shoot off with Mark Gay, who ended up AAA1. Jeremy Dvorak was A1, Bob Shelley B1, Aaron Amick C1, Ralph Wellens D1, and Ernie Bradley E-1. Ryan Boyles was the Junior champion.

It was a hot but good weekend for all the shooters. Special thanks to Joe Weinbrecht, Maryland Skeet Shooting Association (MSSA) president; Dan Pardoe, MSSA vice president; and Mark Gay, MSSA secretary/treasurer. Without all the behind-the-scenes work that these guys did, the shoot would not be as successful as it was. Thanks to the helpers from Salisbury Gun Club: Jim Hammond, Larry Donaway, Norman Trader, Jody Baker, Tom Shockley, Mike Shockley, Robert Rayne, Bill Hardy, Rick Kubiak, Tommy Morris, Jim Richardson, Bruce Culver, Mike Ruark, Sheryl and Mike Taylor and kids from the Wicomico 4H Club, and Dan Swarenger. Much thanks and appreciation to all the referees and to Gail Benjamin – Maryland Chief Referee.

Open Winners Champion Runner Up Third
Doubles Mark Gay John Swidrak Bob Shelley
12 Gauge Mark Gay Alessandro Vitale Jeff Fleischut
20 Gauge Sam Armstrong Kevin Spessard Mike Stasio
28 Gauge Sam Armstrong Mike Stasio Alessandro Vitale
410 Bore Bernard Warnowicz Sam Armstrong Mark Gay
HOA Sam Armstrong Mike Stasio Alessandro Vitale

 

Boyd Memorial Cancer Shoot

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Rick DeBar with chairman of the shoot, Joyce Boyd

The annual Boyd Memorial Cancer Shoot was held the weekend of July 7 at the Cooperstown Sportsmen’s Club in Cooperstown, NY. The High Over All trophy, for the combined 12 and 20 gauges, was presented to shooter Rick DeBar, who shot his first 25 straight just last year at this same event.

This was the 6th year of the fundraiser that combines a day of registered skeet shooting with a day of open shooting to everyone who wants to shoot skeet and/or trap. The weather cooperated on both days this year, so we enjoyed shooting, good company, lunch, raffles and a bake sale. Funds raised are donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. It is with much pride that we can now say that over $30,000 has been donated to date.

We attribute the continued success of this important fundraiser to family, friends and the skeet community. Thank you to all who attended, including Jack and Loretta Mutchler who have provided us with their guidance over the years. Appreciation goes out to our club membership for donating targets and space and to our club President, Bob Navratil, for his support, dedication and hard work. It is very rewarding to be associated with gun enthusiasts who are making a positive impact in our world as we remember those who have passed from cancer, celebrate the survivors among us, and hope that a cure is within reach. 

– Contributed by Ted Kantorowski

Kentucky Lake Open

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Chief Paduke Gun Club (Paducah, Kentucky) hosted the 59th Kentucky Lake Open on July 20-22. At the completion of Friday’s Doubles championship, Dennis Burns Jr. of Fancy Farm, KY, topped the leader board with the only 99. Kevin Parrott of Louisville won AA with a 95. Tom Selley, Mt. Juliet, TN, led A by breaking 98. The B class was taken by Joe Marr, Troy, IL, with a score of 94. Dick Ferguson, Lake St. Louis, MO proved best in C with a tally of 86 hits. Nathan Harrington, Benton, KY, was first in D, with 89 Xs on the scoreboard.

At the end of the day’s shooting, many of the participants spent a fun-filled evening at Harrah’s Casino in nearby Metropolis as guests of the casino. This has become somewhat of a tradition with our out-of-town guests who look forward to the outing each year. This was the 24th consecutive year for Harrah’s to host our shooters, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Burns won the shoot-off of 100 straights in the all-gauge event, besting Rodney Reinier, a class B gunner from Lebanon, IL, who had just posted his first 100 straight. Perennial KLO contender Mark Presnell, Jackson, MO, was AA winner with a 99. Josh Beard, also of Jackson, led A class with 97, and Richard Ladd, Collierville, TN, bested C with his 96. Club officer Mike Hatler, Bandana, KY, was the D winner with 96. Harrington was the best in the E division with 92.

Burns kept rolling in the 20-gauge shoot-off, beating Vernon Shedd of Ludlow, IL, in the Doubles tie-breaker after both shot 100. Ken Ford, Calvert City, KY, came out on top of AA class with his 99. Class A first was taken by Barry Stevenson, Calvert City, KY, also with 99. Shedd was the B winner, while Harrington led C by smoking 90 clays. A 93 by Dennis Owen, Medon, TN, was good enough to top the 20-gauge D rank.

A new twist at this year’s event was the operation of the kitchen by Kathy Toy and her fellow members of the Paducah DAR chapter. It was agreed unanimously that both the appearance of the help and quality of the lunches served was vastly improved over the days when Roger Hazen attempted to perform this task! Another major part of what makes the KLO a great shoot was the efforts of B. J. Yates and her staff of top flight referees – Denny Edwards, Jay Byrd, Seth Crawford and Brad Felton.

After three events, the smart money was on Burns to run the table, but then the 28 gauge reared its head, and a 98 went on the scorecard; Ken Ford was the only entrant able to survive unscathed with his 100 straight. Presnell was the AA top gun again with an almost-perfect 99. Davis Minton, Dexter, MO notched a win in A, also with a 99. Richard Ladd didn’t cut them any slack in B, breaking 99. Pat English, Jackson, TN, took the top prize in C by busting 89. John Oliver, Kevil, KY, 87, was the conqueror of D.

Burns righted the ship in the .410 event, posting a brilliant 99, to take another gun crown sans shoot-off. Parrott wound up atop AA by virtue of his 96. Stevenson triumphed in A by squashing 97. Minton again prevailed over the B group by virtue of his 94. When the smoke cleared, Pat English and his 87 sat all alone at the top of the C heap. D class .410 first was taken by Ferguson with 80.

Burns added another KLO HOA crown to his lengthy string of major victories, by virtue of his 397. Ford managed AA1 with his tally of 393 markers. Larry Blount, visiting from Tuscon, AZ, was a great help in preparing for the shoot and also notched a nice 388 to lead the pack in A class. Stevenson bested the B category with his 385. In the C HOA race, Mike Burrell, Blodgett, MO, came out on top of the pack with his total of 362. Harrington beat Oliver, 349 to 341, to claim D honors.

We will be back again in 2019 for the 60th version of our shoot, third weekend of July. Plan now on signing up early.

– Contributed by Bob Toy

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