Clay Target Nation

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

JTH Agency Classic

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Victor Rod and Gun Club proudly hosted the 2023 JTH Agency Classic, June 9-11. This year’s event was the 34th anniversary of this registered skeet tournament and the 19th consecutive year that John and Elizabeth Hessney, owners of the JTH Agency, sponsored the doubles and four-gun events. The Hessneys were very generous, as they always are, providing over $6000 in added money and valuable prizes for this year’s shoot. Shooters traveled from around the regional area to attend this well-respected tournament. 

As club members and shoot committee greeted the shooters, the new pre-registration process helped speed the shooters through the registration process. This year’s shoot was expanded from 50 shooters to 60 shooters to meet the increased interest in this shoot.

Mother Nature provided a very pleasant weekend for shooting with no rain, temperatures in the 70’s, and light winds. The smoke from the Canadian fires even abated. The grounds were in great condition with the grass looking more like a golf course than skeet fields, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the grounds crew. We were set for another great skeet tournament.

Friday afternoon started the competition with 46 shooters in the doubles event. Mat Kelley was the lone shooter to run the rack for a 100. Squadmates Dess Ivanov and Don Lewandoski were one target behind Mat. In a short shoot-off, Don prevailed as runner-up, with Dess taking the AA class title. Other class winners were Scott Janowski (A), Zach Jacot (B), Ron Casella (C), and Tom Williams (D). After the conclusion of the shooting, the shooters were treated to a happy hour and meal compliments of Jim and Hilda Thompson. Thanks, Jim and Hilda!

Saturday’s weather cooperated with the shooters. The morning skies were partly cloudy with little wind, but not bad for early summer in the Northeast. Fifty-eight shooters took to the fields for Saturday’s competition with the .410 bore event first. Four shooters finished the event with a score of 98. Denny Lehman prevailed in the shoot-off to take the .410 champ title with Clay Tietjen claiming the runner-up spot. Class winners were Steve Wood (AA), Kody Hoth (A), Dale Patterson (B), Mike Kinsella (C), and John Yackiw (D).

The 20-gauge competition commenced on Saturday afternoon. Three shooters posted scores of 99. After a lively shoot-off, John Boone was crowned 20-gauge champ, with Kody Hoth following as runner-up and Rick Ayers taking A1. The remaining class winners were Steve Wood (AA), Ethan Call (B), Ed Cornelius (C), and Dave Pickles (D).

This year, Pete Hamann of Pete’s Stockworks in Bloomfield, New York, generously donated $300 in added money for a special 20-gauge handicapped event for B-C-D class shooters only. Ed Cornelius won this year’s handicapped event, with Owen Cooley and Dave Pickles splitting the 2nd and 3rd place monies. Thank you, Pete, for your generous support of this event and for all that you do for the recreational shooting community.

A special shout-out goes to Gavin Polmanteer. Gavin is new to registered skeet shooting. Gavin posted his first 25 straight in the 20-gauge event. As a result, Gavin has a new highly ventilated hat. Congrats, Gavin!

At the conclusion of Saturday’s shoot-offs, the shooters, family members, guests, and gun club volunteers all enjoyed a great happy hour and a succulent steak dinner donated by a group of Victor Rod and Gun Club members. The steaks were grilled to perfection, and all savored them to the last bite.

Sunday’s weather continued to be delightful. With great anticipation, the shooters went to the fields to compete in the 28-gauge and the 12-gauge events. First up was the 28-gauge event. Five shooters were able to post 100’s. Mat Kelley prevailed in the shoot-off to take the 28-gauge champ title, with Steve Wood closely behind to take the runner-up spot. Class winners were Jeff Ventry (AA), Denny Lehman (A), Doug Paddock (B), Ed Cornelius (C), and Joan Paddock (D).

Sunday afternoon featured the 12-gauge event. Four shooters crushed all 100 targets. After a very competitive shoot-off, Steve Wood took home the 12-gauge title, with Denny Lehman as runner-up. Class winners were Dess Ivanov (AA), Kody Hoth (A), Ed Cornelius (B), Paul Barnas (C), John Mutchler (D), and Victor Stirpe (E).

Throughout the weekend, Kody Hoth was steady, consistent, and on-target. Kody’s 393×400 was the top HOA score. Kody needed every target, as Steve Wood was only one target behind to become HOA runner-up. HOA class winners were Mathew Kelley (AA), Denny Lehman (A), Colin Smingler (B), and Ed Cornelius (C-D-E combined).

For the eleventh consecutive shoot, the HOA competition featured the added handicapped HOA Challenge. All four-gun shooters were eligible to enter this event. This event is named “Joe’s Challenge” in memory of Joe Strazzeri. Joe was a great skeet shooter and a stalwart of the Victor Rod and Gun Club. The DIMARCO GROUP donated $2500 in added money for Joe’s Challenge. The event drew great interest from the shooters. The scoreboard was watched closely at the conclusion of each event. When the results were all in, Kody Hoth took home the top prize of $1000, followed in order by Colin Smingler ($750), Peter Bogdon ($500), and Mike Kinsella ($250). Congrats to all winners of this year’s “Joe’s Challenge” handicapped HOA event.

Special thanks go out to our club volunteers for their strong support of this shoot. Congratulations to our admin team of Mark S., Terry P., Andy N., and Keith M. for streamlining the registration process and ensuring that the shoot management process ran flawlessly. Also, thanks to Jim Thompson and Dan Caryl and the great crew of fine referees. We cannot thank shoot sponsors John and Elizabeth Hessney enough for their support and generosity. Each year they give back to the sport by sponsoring this fine shoot. John and Elizabeth are the owners and proprietors of the JTH Agency. They sell quality firearms, apparel, and accessories for the recreational shooting sports. Check out the store online at https://www.jthagency.com

Thank you to this year’s shooters. We appreciate your continued support of this shoot. We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 JTH Agency Classic!

– Contributed by Wes Bailey

JTH Agency Classic

By

Victor Rod and Gun Club hosted the JTH Agency Classic on June 8-10, the 15th consecutive year that John and Elizabeth Hessney, owners of the JTH Agency, sponsored the Doubles and four-gun event and 30th anniversary of the tournament. For the shoot’s anniversary celebration, the Hessneys increased the added money and prizes to a combined value of over $6000, much to the appreciation of the shooters. Shooters trekked to the Victor Rod and Gun Club from western and central New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Canada. As the shooters arrived at the club, they encountered the customary hospitality and a facility and grounds gleaming from months of preparation and numerous capital improvements. The club does its best to live up to the shoot’s claim as the “Biggest Little Shoot in New York State.”

The JTH Agency Classic started with the Doubles competition on Friday afternoon, with 40 shooters taking to the fields under clear skies and warm temperatures. Dess Ivanov was right on the targets, bagging all 100 for his first 100 straight in Doubles competition. Five shooters tied with scores of 98. William Kalwas was the eventual winner of the shoot-off to claim Doubles runner-up. Other Doubles winners were Ian Smingler (AA), Dean Herzberg (A), Colin Smingler (B), Mike Kinsella (C), and Victor Stirpe (D). After the conclusion of the shooting, all of the shooters, referees, and volunteers were invited into the club house for an excellent Italian-style meal donated by Tim Archetko, executive chef of the very popular Otto Tomotto’s Good Italian restaurant in Victor, NY. Otto Tomotto’s is one of the highest-rated Italian-style restaurants in the area, and the shooters thoroughly enjoyed the delicious meal.

Saturday’s weather was perfect for skeet, as the winds were calm all day and the blue sky presented a very good background. A total of 42 shooters took the field for Saturday morning’s .410 bore event. Dan Walker crushed all 100 targets for his first 100 straight in competition. Dan needed every target to outlast a pair of 99s from Corey Bogart (runner-up) and Dale “Bob” Patterson (A1). The balance of the .410 field of winners were Dess Ivanov (AA), Scott Janowski (B), Mike Wojtecki (C), and Al Morris (D).

The 20-gauge event concluded the shooting on Saturday afternoon. Ian Smingler got all 100 targets to take the champ title. After a lively shoot-off of three shooters, Canadian Dean Herzberg prevailed as 20-gauge runner-up. The balance of the class winners were Dess Ivanov (AA), Peter Bogdon (A), Ethan Call (B), Victoria Barner (C), and Steve Dickerman (D).

Again this year, shooter Randy Cook generously donated $300 in added money for a special 20-gauge handicapped event for B-C-D class shooters only. Victoria Barner and William Black tied for the top two scores, splitting the prize money. We really can’t thank Randy enough for his generosity and his support of this very popular event. We are very fortunate to have thoughtful and generous shooters like Randy that give back to the sport they love so much.

At the conclusion of the shoot-offs, the shooters, family members, and gun club neighbors all enjoyed a festive happy hour with free refreshments and hors d’oeuvres featuring sushi donated by California Rollin’. How many shoots have sushi? The sushi was a big hit and quickly disappeared. The shooters and guests were then treated a great steak dinner, donated by Dick Evans, Don Lewandoski, Mark Snyder, Justin Aldrich, and Joe Strazzeri. Ron and John grilled the steaks to perfection. Jim Hunter emceed the night’s events and got the festivities started. The shooters and their guests had a great time renewing acquaintances and catching up with their skeet friends. As an added feature, the Hessneys donated enough prizes for every four-gun shooter to win a prize in a raffle. The smiles abounded.

Partly sunny skies and comfortable temperatures greeted the 43 shooters for Sunday’s lead-off 28-gauge event. Six shooters posted scores of 99 in the event. After a suspenseful shoot-off, Ian Smingler emerged as 28-gauge champ with Don Lewandoski as runner-up. Dean Herzberg finished as the AA class winner. Other class winners were Ed Call (A), Bill Costello (B), John Yackiw (C), and George Kirik (D).

On Sunday afternoon, the scoring continued in the 12-gauge event with Dan Morris and Dave Eckert posting 100s. Morris won the shoot-off to become the champ. Eckert took runner-up honors. Other 12-gauge winners were Ian Smingler (AA), Don Lewandoski (A), Mike Kinsella (B), George Kirik (C), Al Morris (D), and Joe Messineo (E).

After the conclusion of the four-gun events, the HOA title required a shoot-off between Dan Morris and Ian Smingler to determine HOA champ. Dan and Ian each had 394×400 four-gun totals. After a short shoot-off, Dan Morris was victorious as HOA champ, with Ian finishing as runner-up. Other HOA honors went to Ivanov (AA), Lewandoski (A), Victoria Barner (B), and Mike Wojtecki (C/D/E).

For the seventh consecutive year, the HOA competition featured the added handicapped JTH Agency Classic HOA Challenge. All four-gun shooters were automatically entered to win premium prizes for the event. John Kapron won this year’s HOA Challenge event and received a Beretta A400 Xcel shotgun. Ian Smingler claimed the second-place prize of a Beretta A300 shotgun. The third-place prize of a $600 Briley companion tube gift certificate was earned by Dess Ivanov. Fourth place was a fine Boyt shotgun case that went to Dan Morris. Three more shotgun cases were given out to the fifth- through seventh-place finishers. How is that for a bundle of prizes? Congrats to all winners of this special event, and thanks to John Hessney for the donations of these fine prizes, in addition to the added money for the shoot.

The JTH Agency Classic is a great source of pride for the members of the Victor Rod and Gun Club. The club is very fortunate to have such a group of dedicated volunteers that devote countless hours to making this shoot the best that it can be. It is gratifying to know the shooters notice the effort and show their appreciation. We truly appreciate that the shooters keep this shoot on their shoot calendar and return each year. Many shooters have been coming to this shoot for more than 10 years and some from the very first shoot. Thanks for your support!

Special thanks go out to our shoot chairman Andy Nolan who manages the shoot project. He has strong support from many members. Thanks also to Dan Caryl for being the chief referee and to his great crew of fine referees. Many thanks go to the advertisers in the shoot program. We believe that we have one of the best quality shoot programs in the country. We can’t thank shoot sponsors John and Elizabeth Hessney enough for their support and generosity. Each year they give back to the sport by sponsoring this fine shoot.

Please go to VRGC web site (www.victorgunclub.com) to check out pictures of the shoot. The club continues to make a number of continuous improvements to make the shooting experience better every year. See you in 2019!

– Contributed by Wes Bailey

Dess Ivanov Wins WorldWide Electric Spring Classic

By

(L-R) Shoot Sponsor Rick Simmons of WorldWide Electric, 12 Ga. A-Class Champ Rick Ayers, HOA Champ Dess Ivanov, HOA RU Steve Wood, HOA A-Class Champ Dan Walker, and Shoot Sponsor Fred Rosen of WorldWide Electric.

Victor Rod and Gun Club hosted the third annual WorldWide Electric Spring Classic, the “Richest Little Shoot in New York State,” on April 29. This 12-gauge and Doubles one-day event kicks off the registered skeet season in western New York. Enticed by $2000 in added money, 43 shooters took to the fields to test their skeet shooting skills. In addition to the added money, the owners of WorldWide Electric also provided complimentary polar fleece jackets for the shooters. Needless to say, the shooters were in very good spirits as they gathered in the clubhouse in anticipation of the day’s events.

After a long winter, the shooters were hoping for a nice spring day. But it was not to be had as a nice little dusting of snow welcomed the shooters. Shooters from this region are a hearty bunch though, so the weather was not a deterrent, just something to joke about. More importantly, the shooters were able to meet and catch up with old friends. The clubhouse was very quickly engulfed in the camaraderie that comes with skeet tournaments. The club was in excellent shape, and the shooters were delighted with the newest capital improvements to the facilities and fields that enhance the shooting experience.

The morning started with the 12-gauge event. Although this is one of the first registered shoots of the year in western New York, the shooters were ready to post mid-season scores as evidenced by two 100s and four 99s in the 12-gauge event. Squad mates Dess Ivanov and Steve Wood took their 100s to the shoot-offs. Dess prevailed as 12-gauge champ in a lengthy shoot-off, with Steve being the runner-up. Four more shoot-offs were required to decide the class champions. Other 12-gauge winners included Mat Kelley (AA), Rick Ayers (A), John Mutchler (B), Victoria Barner (C), Victor Stirpe (D) and Joe Messineo (E). By the way, 12-gauge E class champ Joe Messineo was shooting in his first registered skeet event! We look forward at seeing Joe at future skeet tournaments.

At midday, the shooters were drawn to the clubhouse for a delicious lunch. The snow and light rain that adorned the morning had stopped and the weather turned pleasant, at least by western New York standards. The afternoon was devoted to Doubles. Dess Ivanov bested the field with a fine 98, claiming the Doubles champion title. Scott Janowski and Steve Wood posted 97s in Doubles, and after a short shoot-off, Scott emerged as the Doubles runner-up, with Steve Wood claiming A1. Other winners were Don Lewandoski (AA), Ricky Laurito Jr. (B), John Quealy (C) and Doug Goodman (E).

For the fifth year in a row, a shoot-off was not required to crown the HOA champ. Dess Ivanov’s excellent 198×200 bested the field of shooters by one target over runner-up Steve Wood. Dess has been working very hard to hone his skeet skills. He has made himself into a force to be reckoned with on the skeet fields. A shoot-off of three shooters was required to determine the AA class champion. Rick Ayers came out on top to become the AA Doubles champ. Other HOA class winners were Dan Walker (A), Victoria Barner (B) and Doug Goodman (C).

Like so many other clubs, Victor Rod and Gun Club is an all-volunteer organization. The club’s mission is to provide a safe, recreational shooting experience for its members and guests. The club members did a great job of preparing for the shoot and working during the day of the shoot. Everything ran smoothly from registration through shoot-offs. Special thanks go to shoot chairman, Andy Nolan, and his team for their efforts to make the administration process efficient. The shooters and referees noticed the effort and were appreciative.

We cannot thank enough Fred Rosen and Rick Simmonds, owners of WorldWide Electric Corporation, for their generosity in sponsoring this shoot. WorldWide Electric Corporation is a domestic importer of electric motors, drives, and speed reducers.

We also want to thank Chief Referee Dan Caryl and his crew of referees. The referees did a fantastic job as always. Most importantly, we would like to thank the shooters. Without shooters willing to travel from across the region to participate, we could not have a successful shoot. We are very fortunate to have such a passionate group of skeet shooters in this part of the country. We hope to see them all again in 2019!

– Contributed by Wes Bailey

Photo by Jim Spotts

JTH Agency Classic at Victor Rod and Gun Club

By

Victor Rod and Gun Club (New York) hosted the JTH Agency Classic June 9-11. It marked the 14th consecutive year that John and Elizabeth Hessney, owners of the JTH Agency, sponsored this Doubles and four-gun event and the 29th anniversary of this registered skeet tournament. Shooters arrived at the Victor Rod and Gun Club from western and central New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Canada. The shooters saw first-hand how the months of preparation and numerous capital improvements provided a first class-shooting venue for the “Biggest Little Shoot in New York State.”

The JTH Agency Classic started with the Doubles competition on Friday afternoon with 40 shooters taking to the fields under clear skies and a slight breeze. Canadian Doubles champ Dan Morris let one bird escape, but his 99 was enough to win without a shoot-off. Both Steve Wood and Dean Herzberg took their 98s to a shoot-off to determine the Doubles runner-up. In a lengthy shoot-off, Wood prevailed, with Herzberg becoming the A1 class champ. Other Doubles winners were Don Lewandoski (AA), Ed Freedman (B), Brian Quealy (C), and Victor Stirpe (D).

The spring weather in western New York brought historic amounts of rainfall. Saturday’s weather did break with a threat of a shower, but fortunately all the showers passed around the club, and the day turned into a warm, breezy summer day. A total of 49 shooters took the field for Saturday morning’s .410 bore event. Ian Smingler bagged 98 targets to best the field and claim the .410 bore champ spot. The balance of the .410 field of winners were Des Ivanov (AA), Mat Kelley (A), Ed Call (B), John Mutchler (C), and Al Morris (D).

The 20-gauge event concluded the shooting on Saturday afternoon. Five shooters were perfect in crushing 100 targets. After a spirited shoot-off, Canadian Dean Herzerg won the 20-gauge championship, with junior shooter Hunter Dickerman close behind as the runner-up. The balance of the class winners were Joe Strazzeri (AA), Justin Aldrich (A), John Mutchler (B), Michael Cawley (C), and Al Morris (D).

Again this year, shooter Randy Cook generously donated $300 in added money for a special 20-gauge handicapped event for B-C-D-class shooters. Junior shooter Michael Cawley had the top handicap score and won the first-place money, with John Mutchler and Al Morris splitting the runner-up cash prize.

Clear skies and warm temperatures greeted the 50 shooters for Sunday’s lead-off 28-gauge event and closing 12-gauge event. The high scores continued with three 100s and two 99s. In a three-way shoot-off, Ian Smingler bested Dennis Lehman, runner-up, and Mat Kelley to take 28-gauge champ honors. Mat Kelley finished the event as the AA class winner. Other winners included Justin Aldrich (A), Dave Eckert (B), Mark Snyder (C), and Jim Fox (D).

On Sunday afternoon, Ian Smingler, Mat Kelley, and Steve Wood all posted 100s in the 12-gauge event. In a shoot-off lasting into the third box, Ian Smingler emerged as the 12-gauge winner. Kelley took runner-up honors with Wood becoming the AA class champ. Other 12-gauge winners were Colin Smingler (A), Hunter Dickerman (B), Jim Johnson (C), Michael Cawley (D), and Al Morris (E).

The HOA champ was decided without the need for a shoot-off. Ian Smingler dropped only two targets to register the top score of 398. Mat Kelley was three targets behind to finish as HOA runner-up. Other HOA honors went to Ivanov (AA), Joe Strazzeri (A), Hunter Dickerman (B), John Mutchler (C), and Al Morris (D).

For the sixth year, the HOA competition featured the added handicapped JTH Agency Classic HOA Challenge. All four-gun shooters were automatically entered to win premium prizes for the event. Joe Strazzeri won this year’s HOA Challenge event and took home a certificate for a full set of Briley matched-weight tubes. Al Morris claimed the second-place prize of a premium Perazzi gun case. The third-place prize of a Beretta gun case was earned by Ian Smingler. Congrats to all winners of this special event and thanks to John Hessney for the donations of these fine prizes, in addition to the added money for the shoot.

The JTH Agency Classic is a source of pride for the members of the Victor Rod and Gun Club. The club is fortunate to have a group of such dedicated volunteers who devote countless hours to making this shoot the best it can be. We appreciate that the shooters keep this shoot on their shoot calendar and return each year.

Special thanks to shoot chairman Andy Nolan, along with many volunteers. Thanks also to chief referee Dan Caryl and his great crew of fine referees. Many thanks to the advertisers in our excellent shoot program and to shoot sponsors John and Elizabeth Hessney for their support and generosity. 

Visit victorgunclub.com to see photos from the shoot.

– Contributed by by Wes Bailey

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

JTH Agency Classic
JTH Agency Classic

 

 

 

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