Clay Target Nation

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

40th Pacific Arms Cowtown Open at Fort Worth Trap and Skeet

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Fort Worth Trap and Skeet (FWTS) hosted the 40th Anniversary Pacific Arms Cowtown Open, April 26-28. To begin, a huge thank-you goes to Mr. John Herkowitz, owner of Pacific Sporting Arms, for being the title sponsor. Like many successful events, this tournament came about with the combined efforts of many individuals. Mr. Herkowitz came on board early in the planning process to provide added money. 3on8 (Mike Gerschick) also provided support, as well as Briley Manufacturing through their contributions for all FWTS skeet shoots.

HOA Winners: Champ – Cash Hicks, Runner Up – Nicholas Godfrey, Third – Mike Gerschick

FWTS board and staff members can be credited with producing a beautiful setting, good targets and seamless registration. Member Allen Cline presided as Chief Referee and brought a top-notch crew of referees with him. Members Mike Schmitt, Ken Gigliotti, Rick and JoEllen Collin, Gene and Tracy Ragle and Board President Steve Bradbury each sponsored an event to ensure the winner would come away with the traditional Cowtown buckle and a monetary award. Members David Roberts and John Kirkland made certain participants would be well fed and well hydrated. A final nod of thanks goes to Chris and Jennifer Hicks, Jason Kennedy and Talia Hughes for their tireless work in the kitchen. No one left the shoot without the opportunity to be well fed.

Contestants hailing from not only Texas, but also Kansas and California were present to begin Doubles on Friday. Three rotations of Doubles were scheduled, and very few vacancies were available. Blustery conditions required some hard looks at the target, but good scores were recorded nonetheless. Gun Champ was Cash Hicks (99) with Robert Gonzalez (97) as runner-up. Adam Roberts was third (94), and Lady Champ was Jean Berry from California.

Saturday opened with the same windy conditions and the 12-gauge event. The weather did not prevent Cash Hicks or Adam Roberts from running perfect scores of 100 and meeting later that day for a shoot-off. Winners in every class were credited with scores in the 90’s, indicating the talent and fortitude that prevailed against the wind. When the shoot-off smoke cleared, Cash Hicks was Champion, Adam Roberts runner-up, and Robert Gonzalez 3rd and SSCH. AA1 was Dana Palmer (98) and Nick Godfrey AA2 (93). Russell Stevens and Greg VanBelois were A1 and 2, respectively, with 98s. Jean Berry was making a run for the Lady HOA Champion buckle by winning with a 92.

Saturday concluded with 20-gauge, and this time the Champ was Nick Godfrey (99), runner-up Allen Cline (99) and third Cash Hicks (98). Kansas shooter Grayson Kremeier was AA1 and Junior Champ (98), Mike Gerschick AA2 (98), and Casey Stanfield A1 and SSCh (97). JoEllen Collin shot 96 to win Lady Champ. Following shoot-offs, contestants and families were invited to a steak dinner to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Cowtown. Also celebrated was the 86th birthday of Tim Cudia, who served as referee all weekend.

Sunday was not consistent with most skeet tournaments; as the day wore on, the wind began to lie down, all threats of rain were exhausted, and shooters took up the little guns in more favorable conditions. Three young men scored 99s in 28-gauge, and the winners were Grayson Kremeier, Champion; Cash Hicks, runner-up, and Nick Godfrey third. Robert McClain was AA1, George Murray AA2, Mike Gerschick AA3 and Michael Dennis A1.

The .410 Bore event found Cash Hicks and Nick Godfrey shooting off for gun champ with 97s and Cash taking the buckle. Godfrey was runner -up and Dustin Holmes (96) third. Robert McClain and Adam Roberts had 91s for AA1and 2, Dana Palmer AA3. Mike Gerschick edged out Clay Laughlin for A1and 2, with Robert Ellington bringing in A3. Jean Berry took D1 and Lady Champ.

Frequent trips to the winner’s podium earned Cash Hicks the HOA title. This competitor won three of four events for 394. Nick Godfrey was HOA runner-up with a 388 and Mike Gerschick third with a 383. JoEllen Collin (362) was declared Lady HOA Champ and Jean Berry runner-up with a 357.

Skeet Chairmen JoEllen Collin and Tracy Ragle would like to extend an invitation to all registered skeet shooters to attend a Fort Worth tournament this year and experience a fantastic background and Texas hospitality for yourself.

– Contributed by Tracy Ragle

20 GA Winners: Champ – Nicholas Godfrey, Runner Up – Alen Cline, Third – Cash Hicks
28 GA Winners: Champ – Grayson Kremeier, Runner Up – Cash Hicks, Third – Nicholas Godfrey
.410 Bore Winners: Champ – Cash Hick, Runner Up – Nicholas Godfrey, Third – Dustin Holmes
Doubles Winners: Champ – Cash Hicks, Runner Up – Robert Gonzalez, Third – Adam Roberts
“This is the 2nd registered shoot for Hadison Hardy having shot her first in March. We appreciate her for shooting the Cowtown and look forward to seeing her and other youth shooters in the future.”

Clairton 200 at Clairton Sportsmen’s Club

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The Clairton Sportsmen’s Club held the Clairton 200 on June 15 at their expansive facility in Clairton, PA. All three of their manicured skeet fields were used. The weather was beautiful; sunny and upper 70s with light winds. This shoot featured 100 12-gauge birds in the morning and 100 28-gauge birds in the afternoon. HOA winners were Matt Bartosch, after winning a shoot-off of 191’s with runner-up Scott Hazlett, and Tom Shields, third.

Matt Bartosch – HOA CH and 12-GA CH, Scott Hazlett – HOA RU

Bartosch won the 12-gauge event with a nice 99; 12 shooters participated. Class winners were Hazlett (B), Greg Grove (C), Rich Rothrock (D) and George Gleich (E).

A nice lunch was provided including hot sausage sandwiches, potato salad and a variety of tasty cookies. Thanks to Don Steinert for his efforts.

Of 14 participants in the 28-gauge event, Mark Jones shot a 95 and emerged as Champion. Class winners included Bartosch, Hazlett, John Avolio and Grove, respectively, in AA, B, C and D Classes.

Thanks to Brian Steinert and John Avolio for registration, scorekeeping and other administrative duties. Refereeing was handled by Don and Brian Steinert and Lance and Carl Biddle. Marie Palmer made attractive shooting towels which were awarded to the top three HOA finishers.

Clairton is a dynamic club hosting many shooting activities. It is great to see the return of registered skeet there!

– Contributed By George Gleich

Mark Jones – 28 GA CH
John Avolio, Bryan Steinert

Blackbird Open at Generations Skeet Club

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The Blackbird Open was held at Generations Skeet Club (PA) on May 5.  Thirty-four shooters participated in this two-gun event, 12-gauge in the morning and 20-gauge in the afternoon.  The shooters on the first flight got very wet, but then the weather broke and remained overcast but pleasant with a bit of sun peeking in here and there.

Chris Kline – 12 GA, 20 GA and HOA CH, Riley Kline, Pat Leyo – HOA RU

Chris Kline took HOA Champion honors with a perfect 200; de ja vu, he did the same thing at last year’s Blackbird! Pat Leyo posted a 197 to take HOA runner-up.

Kline’s 100-straight made him the 12-Gauge Champion, but not until he won a shoot-off of 100-straights with Pat Leyo. Class winners in the 12 included Leyo (AA-100), Bryson Fox (A-99), Tim Vescovi (B-96), Scott Hazlett (C-97), John Welch (D-92) and Jack Petrosky (E-87). Some nice shooting there, folks!

Kline was outright 20-Gauge Champion with his second 100-straight of the day. Class firsts went to Carl Biddle (98), Tim Vescovi (95), Brandon Holtz (96), Jack Makdad (95) and Jack Petrosky (90), AA, A, B, C and D, respectively.

Thanks to Ryan Holtz and Bill Calvert for running the desk. Kudos to Renee Calvert, Andrea and Jackie McMullen and Alex Farrell who refereed. Thanks also to Pat Leyo for doughnuts, to Joe McGarvey for homemade beef vegetable soup, and to Renee Calvert for chocolate chip cookies.

Generations’ upcoming shoots for 2024 include the Firebird 500 (July 19-21) and the 10th annual Couples Shoot (September 1).

– Contributed By George Gleich

Generations Invitational at Library Sportsmen’s Association

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Library Sportsmen’s Association in Finleyville, Pennsylvania, held its Generations Invitational on May 18-19. Library’s two beautiful new skeet fields are being broken in with numerous registered shoots this year, including closed club shoots and several open shoots. Numerous Library shooters have attended registered shoots at Generations Skeet Club in Patton, PA, while construction of Library’s new fields was underway. LSA chose to return the favor by inviting Generations’ members to a shoot named in their honor. Nine Generations shooters participated in this shoot.

Brian Steinhert – HOA RU, Chris Kline – HOA CH, Joe Vescovi – HOA 3RD

This was a two-gun, two-day shoot involving the 20-gauge (25 shooters) and 28-gauge (23 shooters). The weather was beautiful on both days, mostly sunny and warm with light winds. Chris Kline was HOA Champion with a nice 196; Brian Steinert’s 195 was good for runner-up, and Joe Vescovi took third with a 192.

The 20-gauge was shot first. Kline’s 98 made him Champion. Class firsts went to Joe Vescovi (AA), Tom Oliver (A), Tim Holtz (B), John Avolio (C) and Michael Kasimirsky (D).

The 28-gauge was next; Brian Steinert ran them and was Champion. Class firsts (AA, A, B, C and D, respectively) went to Kline (98), Roy Holtz (96), Scott Hazlett (94), Rich Rothrock (95) and Shawn King (85).

Shoot management was ably handled by John Avolio. Jacki Avolio and Clayton Benson did a great job refereeing. Jacki also prepared the food, including pulled pork, potato salad, a yummy chocolate cake and cookies. Marie Palmer made beautiful champion, runner-up and third shooting towel awards (paid for by LSA).

– Contributed by George Gleich

6th Annual Harry Michelson Memorial Skeet Tournament

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St. Joe Valley Conservation Club had the honor of hosting the 6th annual Harry Michelson Memorial skeet tournament. Memorial weekend was the perfect time to honor one of our WWII heroes.

Mike Schmidt – 2nd, Owen Knight – HOA, Bruce Christian – 3rd, Sandy Michelson

Harry Michelson was a decorated WWII pilot, lifelong NSSA member and Chief Referee for many years. Harry’s daughter Sandy continues her father’s legacy by sponsoring this tournament each year in his honor at St. Joe Valley Conservation Club.

We had 54 registered shooters for the Memorial weekend event. Friday was a beautiful day to begin the tournament, starting with doubles in the afternoon. Alan Ferrell was the only shooter to run the board with a 100 straight. Mike Schmidt, Owen Knight and Kyle Krispin were in the shoot-offs with 98’s. Mike Schmidt was runner-up and Owen Knight was third.

Saturday morning began with the National Anthem, followed by “Back Home in Indiana.” The 12-gauge event produced some very good scores. Bruce Christian, Mark Presnell and Jack Krispin each posted 100 straights. Bruce Christian prevailed in the shoot-off to win the 12-gauge event. Mark Presnell was runner-up and Jack Krispin third.

The 20-gauge event continued with some very good shooting. Nic Shiveley, Mike Schmidt, Owen Knight and Kyle Krispin all shot 100 straights, setting up a four-man shoot-off, with Nic Shiveley the last man standing. Mike Schmidt was runner-up and Owen Knight third.

Sunday morning brought the possibilities of some rain showers and storms later in the day. In the 28-gauge event, Owen Knight and Jack Krispin were the only ones to shoot 100’s. Andrew Winders, Mike Schmidt, Jason Johnson and Al Magyar were in the shoot-offs with 99’s. Owen Knight won his shoot-off against Jack Krispin for first place, and Andrew Winders won his shoot-off to place third.

By afternoon, the weather was changing with a storm front moving in. Bruce Christian posted the highest score in the .410 event, a 99. Owen Knight, Ken Ford and Mike Schmidt each shot 98 to go into the shoot-offs. Bruce Christian was first, Owen Knight second and Ken Ford third.

Owen Knight was HOA with a 397, Mike Schmidt was runner-up with 396 and Bruce Christian third with 395.

The rain and storms held off for the shoot-offs. By the time the volunteers had the fields closed down and equipment under roof, the storms moved in.

Big thanks to all the volunteers who had the fields looking great, the volunteers that worked the weekend to load and adjust machines, and the volunteers that worked in the kitchen to provide food and refreshments. A very big thanks to Sandy Michelson for her generosity and her support. Sandy was in attendance every day to support and help anyway she could.

The Harry Michelson Memorial Shoot is scheduled for May 2025, so mark your calendars.

– Contributed by Ted Nussbaum

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