Around the ATA * September 2011

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Information for Around the ATA is provided to Trap & Field by state and provincial ATA Delegates and/or their designated representatives.

Shooters and local officials: Please inform your ATA Delegate of news about shooters and clubs in your area.

Western Zone

Alaska

Alaska shooters are recovering from the state shoot at Birchwood R&SP July 13-17. The weatherman was kind to us this year with only a few sprinkles. Six of our shooters won Western Zone trophies, a new high (the state shoot is concurrent with the Zone). While turnout was a bit down, we had visitors from Idaho, Pennsylvania, California, Missouri, Michigan, North Dakota and Arizona. We appreciate their support and hope they will return.

Many honors went to young local shooter Todd Pulis, recent graduate of Lindenwood University. Shooting from penalty yardage, Todd won two handicaps and finished the shoot on the 24-yard line. He won the doubles, singles, all-around and HOA titles. The week prior, he won rookie honors at the state skeet shoot. The week after our shoot, he won the state 5-Stand championship.

The Handicap Championship came down to a tie at 96 between North Pole shooter Bob Setren and local shooter John Zajchowski. After the smoke cleared, John claimed the championship. Congratulations to all shooters and winners.

                David Kaiser

                ATA Delegate

Alberta

July was a busy month for the Calgary AHIEA club, starting with the Stampede Grand. Everyone enjoyed a rare fine-weather shoot, and as usual the club put on a good show for one of the larger attendances of the season to date.

The ATA Western Zone was also a success; while we had no zone winners from Calgary, the weather was accommodating, and attendance was solid. The Calgary AHEIA did a great job as host, including an excellent barbecue Friday evening. Thanks to the crew for a great event. Stefan Baumfeld, our new junior shooter from Brooks, ran his second 100 in singles as a follow-up to his first 100 at the Stampede Grand. Great shooting, Stefan!

Harold Schwandt and Neil Burbidge report that the Medicine Hat club continues to flourish, with over 50 teams in league competition. New and tough competitors on the ATA trapshooting circuit are starting to emerge from this program, including Gerry Tessman, Aaron Oland, which illustrates the benefit for ATA of a strong grass-roots program at the club level. Medicine Hat is also expanding their shooting facility by adding a short sporting course, which should add to shooter interest.

The provincials in Edmonton got off to a great start on July 21, but heavy rain and wind forced postponement of all but the singles event on Friday. In the end, despite some blustery weather, all events did get finished with extended shooting on Saturday and Sunday. Results are available on the ATA website. We saw many new faces in the winner’s circle this year; congratulations to all! John Stoik, Brian Chudoba and the Edmonton crew did a great job; thanks to all for their hard work and successful efforts.

Congratulations to Harold Schwandt, who shot his 50,000th handicap target during the provincials.

At the APTA general meeting, held after shooting on Saturday, it was determined that Larry Ivany will continue as president, Bob Gruszecki as vice president and John Stoik as secretary. Allan Radway was reelected ATA Delegate, with Garry Hill as Alternate and Larry Ivany as Second Alternate. Colin Crumb continues as CTA delegate. Trevor Kuhn was elected new APTA director; his skills and ideas will be welcome additions.

APTA has sponsored an Alberta Trapshooters Association sign on one of the sun shades at the Grand American. This will give Alberta recognition among all North American trapshooters who attend the Grand and is appropriate, given traditional Alberta prominence in Canadian trapshooting and the fact that our incoming president for 2013 is Allan Radway from Alberta.

Other meeting discussion in new business included development of an APTA shooter database, reinstatement of the APTA website, a method of honoring shooters who have passed away, and revision of the provincial trophy package for 2012. The directors were mandated to examine these ideas and implement as makes sense.

There are a number of registered fall shoots scheduled for September and early October at Calgary, Athabasca, Edmonton, Castor and Medicine Hat. We encourage everyone to get out and kick off the new trapshooting year with a good score at your local club!

                Garry Hill

                ATA Alternate Delegate

Arizona

Welcome to Arizona; come and renew old friendships and develop new friends, shooting at any of our clubs where our targets await you.

In my July report, I misspelled Eric Binger’s last name and identified Kim McDougle as his wife. Well, I’m two for two; Kim is Eric’s girlfriend. Eric participated in the ATA Western Zone Shoot at Garden Canyon T&SC at historic Ft. Huachuca.

Please refer to www.aztrap.com for a complete listing of next year’s events and locations.

The Pleasant Valley TC hosted its second summer series shoot. The series offers highly prized belt buckles to high-points shooters following each of the four-month series. Because of the buckles, the shoots are well attended for this small club in very rural northern Arizona. The drive is well worth the time to shoot at over 5,000-feet elevation and enjoy cool summer days and evenings.

Steve Long and Marty Benko plus a cadre of volunteers put together another hit. For Saturday’s singles, 30 shooters took the line, with Jack Buckner hitting 100. Roger Junkins, Long and Jay Alderman all had 99s. Other winners included James Gilmore, Andrew Henderson and Ellen Yoachum. In the handicap Len Sullivan took long yardage with 98 and a punch. Dennis Steadman took mid-yardage with 95. Saturday’s doubles was won by Sullivan with 96. Jim Grider and Amber Almon also won trophies.

The monthly steak dinner was served with Steve and Mary Long’s bean, garlic and jalapeno soup. The meal was a big hit.

Sunday’s doubles was won by Sullivan with another 96 after a coin toss with Doug Sims. Doug shot his first 100 in doubles a couple of years ago at Pleasant Valley. The singles, with 32 entries, was won by Roger Junkins with 98 for AA class. Other winners included Mitch Holmes, Dan Yoachum, Almon and Ellen Yoachum.

Sunday’s final handicap was won by Jay Alderman with 95 for a punch to the 26-yard line. Steve Neumann and Dennis both shot 93, with Steve winning the coin toss.

Be sure to attend the final Pleasant Valley summer series, and with great shooting, you will be a lucky recipient of a belt buckle. We also want to thank club owners Tom and Mary Sexton and a host of volunteers. Without them, trapshooting in northern Arizona would not exist.

Tucson T&SC held its monthly shoot July 10. Due to the dry heat, Tucson starts early and ends before the heat reaches a boiling point (not really). Randy Kalal and Michael Braegelmann both shot 100s to win class trophies. Ronald Darrah, Helen Kishardt and yours truly won as well. In the handicap senior vet George Skurla had the day’s high 95. Doug Sims was long-yardage winner with 94. Leading the doubles was A class winner Scott McClelland, 97; Zona Pinto won ladies’ with 83.

The Western Zone competition in Arizona was a great success. Many of you remember the difficulties we all endured last year: every day a trap machine broke down, we had some problems with voice calls, and a major thunderstorm arrived on Saturday. Thanks to Rod Ritter and a borrowed Pat-Trap from Double Adobe, the events on Sunday were completed.

As we know, trapshooting is comprised of a vast number of talented individuals who, when faced with adversity, step to the plate to hit a home run. With the support of Tucson T&SC and their talented maintenance supervisor Dennis Gormley, each Pat-Trap was overhauled. Rod Ritter and Art Nash spent almost the entire year fixing and replacing.

Well this year, we had one unknown that caused great concern a month before the Western Zone. Wild land fires started in the mountains just south of Ft. Huachuca. The Monument fire roared for about two weeks. Around 40 homes, the Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine and 10 other structures have reportedly burned, and more than 650 homes in the Hereford area just south of the Army post have been evacuated. More than 18,000 acres were burned.

About two weeks before the shoot, we received word that as a precaution, the Army brass was closing all shooting ranges on the post, including Garden Canyon T&SC. Rod Ritter was in daily contact with the post authorities and ASTA. A week and half before the Zone, we notified those who had pre-squadded that the shoot might be canceled. With Rod’s perseverance and follow-through with the Army, we received word that Garden Canyon would be opened, and the Western Zone Arizona site competition could take place.

Thanks to the Army, Rod Ritter, Art Nash, Dennis and Laura Gormley, Clyde Thompson, Betty Sackett, Doug Sims and all the setters and scorekeepers putting in countless hours at the shoot. I would also like to thank Steve Neumann for the use of his Verizon air card and computer to send and receive daily results to the Western Zone data center. This allowed shooters to see live results event by event.

Congratulations to Vince Bianco for his 200 and the Western Zone singles title won at Spanish Fork. Other Arizona Western Zone winners at Spanish Fork were Gary Palese, Dick Goerlich and Joe Henderson. Arizona Western Zone-wide winners at Garden Canyon were Gene Hapney, Billy Justice, Allyn Kubishke, Betty Sackett, Steve Neumann, Don Jensen and Dennis Stedman.

For a list of scores and winners, see www.shootatazone.com/western/winners.cfm and an upcoming issue of Trap & Field.

Garden Canyon also produced the following club winners: Randy Kalal, Len Sullivan, Steve Neumann, Betty Sackett, Tom Schmidt (Tom was earning his second punch in two weeks), Len Sullivan, Doug Sims, Temple Young, Don Jensen, Kubishke (Allyn broke his first-ever 50 in doubles), Tim Robinson, Dennis Stedman, Don Archibald, Scott McClelland, Betty, Ken Jones, Dennis Gormley, Wayne Ward, Jerry (Verde) Green (former New Mexico Delegate), John Harris, Richard Luckett, Don Carlson, Randal Snell, Hapney, Bill Simons and Jim Grider.

There was a great shootoff between Randal Snell and son-in-law Jeremy Menninger. This was the first-ever shootoff for both. The tie-breaker went two rounds, with Randal the victor.

And finally, we all want to thank Kathleen and Mike McNeeley of the McNeeley-Five for the best lunch ever from their custom chuckwagon. The steer burgers and bratwursts were to die for.

Really big news: I’m excited to report that Tucson T&SC has completed years of negotiations and planning with Pima Co. Parks and Recreation to acquire 323 acres of land to the west of the club. Construction has started, and we see daily progress. The minimum goal is to be able to use 10 program banks with an additional four practice fields. This would allow us to start the Spring Grand at 9 a.m., five per post over four fields, and have a 200-bird Singles Championship. Thanks, Lee, and congratulations to you, your board members and all those who worked so hard for so long to get this plan in place.

The new ATA year starts in September. Our 2012 schedule is posted on the Arizona Trapshooting Association website www.aztrap.com. The Arizona season begins at Casa Grande with one-day shoots Sept. 11, 17 and 25. Tucson hosts one Sept. 18. In October you can shoot every week at one of our clubs. Plan on visiting Arizona and blasting holes in our blue skies!

The inaugural Hall of Fame Shoot will be held at Ben Avery CTC Oct. 28-30. We will recognize John (Gunny) Scanlon’s induction into the Arizona Hall of Fame. Please check our website for information regarding squadding.

Tucson T&SC will be hosting the 2012 World Cup tournament in late March. They are expecting more than 300 shooters from many nations enjoy the great weather and targets. Plan to attend and watch the world’s best vying for the coveted slots for the 2012 Olympics.

The Arizona Trapshooting Association will award the “Rookie of the Year” Delegate Award to the rookie shooter with the highest composite average for singles, doubles and handicap. To qualify, you must have joined the ATA and ASTA for the first time in 2011 and registered a minimum of 500 singles, 300 doubles and 500 handicap targets. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or ASTA secretary Betty Sackett. The Rookie of the Year will be awarded a life membership to ASTA.

Anyone who would like to know about shooting in Arizona, what is happening at our clubs, or has anything you want to share with me, I can be reached at www.arizonadelegate.com or by e-mail at richardluckett@arizonadelegate.com.

I want to remind everyone to know the ATA rules and shoot and live by them.

                Richard Luckett

                ATA Delegate

California

The ATA Western Zone Shoot had California shooters at numerous sites. California had two great sites to choose from this year, Coon Creek and Triple B. At Triple B Billie and Bruce hosted a great shoot and provided a great dinner for shooters Saturday. Both clubs were a little light on attendance, but several shooters made the leader board.

One of the great highlights occurred Sunday, when Leah Larkin-Dixon shot 100 straight from the 27-yard line to complete her ATA Grand Slam. Leah’s parents, Vickie and Tom Larkin, shot very well, and I am sure they were ecstatic about Leah’s accomplishment. Great job, Leah.

Other shooters who took trophies home included Phil Ross, Esther Puckett, Andrew McClernon, David Kelly, George Reese, Lee Specht, Terry Bilbey, Steve Williamson, Ronnie McMahan, Ken Mimura, Vince McNamara, Mathew Whisler and Chuck Redding. Great shooting by all!

For the second year, David Van Elgort provided the vehicle for shoot’s success. The program David designed has been well received by all. The shooters all seemed to like the new zone-wide Lewis option for the championship events.

Santa Maria held their annual Golden 400 July 23-24. I was just told that Allen Pinoli won, with Russ Pierce taking runnerup. Great shooting! Until next month, good luck.

James Hammond

ATA Delegate

Utah

Target year 2012 starts Sept. 1. Golden Spike kicks the month and year off with their annual Labor Day Shoot. The shoot features six Henry Golden Boy rifles that will be given away on draw scores. Golden Spike always puts on a great shoot, so head up to Brigham City and enjoy their hospitality.

Following the Labor Day Shoot we have the return of the Western Grand to Utah. Preliminary Day is Sept. 6, with the high-over-all events starting on Wednesday the seventh. In addition to some fine trophies, there will be $15,000 added money that has been graciously donated by Pete Martin. Vernal is known for hosting a fine shoot, and I’m sure this one won’t disappoint.

Ogden hosts a shoot Sept. 17-18, with Spanish Fork hosting their Fall Shoot on the following weekend.

If you’d like to do a little traveling, the newly opened Clark Co. SP in north Las Vegas, Nev., will be holding a Fall Handicap Sept. 15-18. This shoot should be similar to the Fall Handicaps that were held at the old Las Vegas Gun Club.

The Oregon State Trapshooting Association has decided to break with tradition somewhat and move their ATA state shoot to September. This gets the shoot out of the crowded months of May, June and July and should make it easier for shooters to pick up another state/All-American points shoot. The 2012 Oregon State Shoot will be held Sept. 15-18, 2011.

As I am writing this, we just finished the  ATA Western Zone Shoot at Spanish Fork. We had a very nice turnout and gorgeous weather. We had a squad post a 500x500 in the first 100 of the Singles Championship, and it was rumored that was the first 500x500 posted in Utah. The squad consisted of Ed Wehking, Ronnie McMahan, Steve Williamson, Ron Christensen and Wynn Isom. Congratulations on some fine shooting.

In the Handicap Championship, we had two 100 straights at Spanish Fork, and they were the only ones throughout the zone. Leah Larkin-Dixon posted one of the 100s from the 27-yard line, which completed her ATA Grand Slam. Roger Stitt had the other 100, and he went on to defeat Leah in the shootoff for handicap champion, with Leah taking the ladies’ trophy. Roger, as you might recall, is the 2011 Trap & Field men’s Rookie of the Year. Congratulations to both Leah and Roger.

If you need to contact me, you may call me at 801-791-5370, e-mail me at utahdelegate@comcast.net, or post on my forum page at utahtrapshooters.com.

Scott Hoover

ATA Delegate

Washington

At this writing, our state shoot was just completed. Here is our board: Larry Bunch, president; Bill Whalen, secretary; Bob McLendon, treasurer; Rich Evans; Doug Starkel; Zach Keller; Jim Hughes; Greg Mayers; Bob Schneider; Jon Weber; Dave Lang; Dick Kohn; Steve Ladwig; Sean Lewis, vice president; Jim Dahmen; George Seubert, ATA Delegate; and Dick Kohn, Alternate Delegate.

Our state shoot went well except for a few trap problems. The Zone shoot at Spokane went well. Traps were in top shape.

Karma and I are getting ready for the Grand. I hope to see some of you there.

                George Seubert

                ATA Delegate

Central Zone

Illinois

A few milestones to report on. Mike Westjohn shot at his 100,000th handicap target and surpassed the 300,000 mark in total ATA targets. I received a report that Tony Fortino broke his first 200 straight at the Wisconsin State Shoot. Mary Garey e-mailed me to report on a significant achievement by her husband. Richard Garey broke his first 100 straight in a handicap event. He broke them all in Thursday’s handicap at the Iowa State Shoot, once again moving back to the 27-yard line. Congratulations to these folks on their accomplishments.

Jack Miller reported on this year’s successful AIM program. We had 110 youth shooters in the Tuesday and Wednesday singles events to get their 200 singles for the Illinois AIM team championship. We also had 34 AIM shooters competing for AIM handicap trophies Wednesday. On top of this, 20 youngsters shot all three events on Wednesday to compete for the AIM overall in pre-sub, sub-junior and junior. High gun and runnerup trophies were available in each category. Jack’s goal is to continue these events on Tuesday and Wednesday at our state shoot. He hopes to increase participation to 200 or more in the singles, with 60% of these competing in Wednesday's handicap and 30% competing in all three events for the Illinois HOA. If you need help with your AIM program or want to start one, contact Jack Miller at 815-295-1194. Let’s all get behind this program and help it grow.

I just returned from the Iowa State Shoot. For many reasons, this is my personal favorite. Once again, weather was an issue at a state shoot. We had extreme heat early in the week. (Sparta is not the only place it gets hot.) In spite of it all, I was able to relax and enjoy myself. I’m home for two days and then off to Brittany for the ATA Central Zone then on to Sparta for the Grand.

Please keep me informed. I can be reached at 627 B Main St., Mazon, IL 60444; mattroofing@sbcglobal.net; 815-448-5120; or 815-735-2974 (cell).

Jim Matteson

ATA Delegate

Indiana

I would like to thank the trapshooters of Indiana for allowing me to be your ATA Delegate this past year, and I look forward to serving as Delegate for the coming year. It is a great honor for me to serve you.

Congratulations to all trophy winners at the Indiana State Shoot. Weather was nice, and the birds were perfect. We gave out 107 punches this year, the most that I can remember. Also so everyone will know, we were down only seven entries this year for the entire shoot.

Now a quick update of the CERAland project. The board met at Columbus a couple of months ago to walk the proposed site for the ITA homegrounds. The BOD was very impressed with the layout. There were some suggestions by the board that CERAland officials made on the spot for us. We are planning an open house for gun clubs and other interested people. More information will be sent to the clubs to be posted on their bulletin boards.

At our annual meeting Friday night of the state shoot, we went over the financial report, and a copy was given to all gun club representatives. We also elected our ITA Board: Tom Matthews was elected president, and Larry Atwood was elected vice president. I was elected ATA Delegate and John Voliva and David Wright will serve as Alternate Delegates. Tentative sites for the state zone shoots were chosen: southern, Vincennes GC; central, Alexandria GC; and northern, St. Joe Valley CC. Exact dates are yet to be determined, but they will be held in May. The dates for the 2012 state shoot are July 10-15. Mark your calender and plan to attend.

Remember that we do have a lot of good shooting left at our local clubs. Many will be having their club championships and other special shoots. Let’s support our local gun clubs because without them, we wouldn’t have an ATA organization.

You can contact me at king8a@yahoo.com.

Roland King

ATA Delegate

Iowa

Hi, folks! The 135th Iowa State Shoot is now in the books. On behalf of all the directors and president Dave Wickman, we thank all competitors and vendors who made our shoot a success. Congratulations go out to all winners and especially championship-event winners, who were all first-time champions! Steve Hartmann ran the 200 singles and then bested Terry Palmer and Thomas Parcher in overtime to claim the singles title. Donald Hallsted did not need any extra rounds to win the handicap after breaking 99. Then there was the doubles; Kenny Brandt had an exceptional week by winning the first two doubles events with scores of 99 and 100 and then finished with a 99 in the championship, along with John Hughes, Gary Stille and Dan Wood. Kenny prevailed in overtime to secure the title.

Other notables during the week were three 100 straights in handicap. Richard Garey from Illinois broke the century mark Thursday, shooting from the 25-yard line. Iowa veteran Darwin Stock followed on Friday from 24 yards, and in the same handicap, sub-junior J. K. Chambless from Arkansas blasted 100 from 22. Iowan Monte Kloubec broke 97 in Wednesday’s ’caps to move back to the 27-yard line for the first time. Congratulations to Lindsey Kauffmann for running her first 25 straight in Saturday’s singles and Kloubec for breaking his first 100 straight in the 16s.

Overall the scores were exceptionally good, considering that the temperature was basically in the mid 90s and the heat index was generally in the 105 to 115° range all week. It took a score of 96 to get a punch in any handicap, and perfect scores were recorded in all singles and doubles events.

At the ISTA annual meeting Sunday morning, Dave Wickman was reelected president, Dan Wood was reelected ATA Delegate, Robert Doerres was elected First ATA Alternate Delegate, and Lori Wickman was elected as Second Alternate.

The ISTA would like to thank Pat Lyman for his many years of service to the ISTA as an Alternate Delegate and to Don Wickliff, who is retiring as a director after 38 years.

If you have information that you would like to see in this forum or questions related to the ATA, please feel free to call me any time on my cell phone at 712-542-8863.

Dan Wood

ATA Delegate

Michigan

Here we are again, another target year behind us and a great new year in front of us. I hope the 2012 season is a successful one for all of you. See if you can talk a friend or family member into trying the sport at a local gun club. Who knows, maybe they’ll find the sport enjoyable and become top competitors in the future.

Please don’t forget the first shooting event of the 2012 MTA season is our Fall Team Shoot Sept. 9-11, 2011. The event consists of 400 singles, 300 doubles and 300 handicap targets, with the team race held on Sunday. It is a 100 singles event, where the trophies are determined by Lewis class on the total team score. Shooters, get on the phone and contact your friends and family so everyone can enjoy this event.

Several Michigan shooters were successful in capturing trophies at the Ohio State Shoot, including Roger Cunningham, Thomas Nowak, George Snellenberger, Andrew Wild, Leslie York, Louis Black Jr., Kyle Luttig, Robert Scheonrock, Gideon Hebron, Gordon Wellsandt, Michael Allen and Kirk Burl. Congratulations go out to all these great Michigan trapshooters.

Approximately 200 youths from the SSSF and AIM programs competed in Michigan’s youth championships, held concurrently with the state Singles Championship July 2. Junior Jason Jonckheere captured the top individual junior trophy with 198; high ladies’ award went to Sydney Foote with 198. I congratulate the AIM state team champions along with all the other SSSF and AIM young adults who took part this year. These young adults are the future of our sport. Thanks go to Katharine Kane, Betty Bragg, Michael Hughes and all the SSSF and AIM coaches for their efforts and support.

Total attendance for our 101st annual Michigan State Shoot was down approximately 22%. Weather remained perfect throughout the week. Our main event champions are as follows: singles—Andrew Wild, champion; Keith Heeg, runnerup; Ken and Scot Smith, parent and child; Scot and Katrina Smith, husband and wife; doubles—Matt Krizinski, champion; Heeg, runnerup; handicap—Kirk Burl, champion; Jerry Glisson, runnerup; all-around—Krizinski, champion; Heeg, runnerup; HOA—Andrew Suda, champion; Heeg, runnerup. Congratulations to all state shoot winners. For full results, refer to the detailed article in this issue of Trap & Field.

Shooters attaining career milestones at the state shoot are as follows: first 25 straight—Kyle Bristoll, Mark Bristoll, Brian Erickson, Cody Gillette, Nick Krasny, Alex Stobert, Tiecan Scheunemann and Ken Hessling; first 50 straight—Kyle Bristoll, Mark Bristoll, Gillette, Hessling, Caleb Sands and Jack Piccard; first 75 straight—Kyle Bristoll, Jeff Russell, Lucas Bradburn and Hessling; first 100 straight—Leslie York, Jon Sims, Bart Spieth, Clay Weidenhamer, Lucas Bradburn and Jack Adrianse: first 200 straight—Andrew Wild; first 100 straight at the MTA grounds—J. B. Lewis. MTA director Jess Bowman shot at his 100,000th doubles target. Congratulations to all of these great shooters on attaining significant career milestones.

I have known sub-junior Andrew Wild for approximately four years. His progression to the All-American that he is today has been phenomenal. As I reported earlier, Andrew attained the 27-yard line on his 15th birthday. Andrew’s was the lone 200 in the state Singles Championship. The only junior to ever capture the Michigan state singles championship was the great Ned Lilly. To my knowledge, no sub-junior has ever won it until this year. Andrew is a great example of the impact that youths have today on clay-target shooting. Andrew is focused on his next goal, attaining his ATA Grand Slam. I’m confident he will. When you see Andrew, take time to talk with him. He is a friendly, very personable young man. I’m sure he’d be glad to share trapshooting stories with you. Congratulations, Andrew!

Outstanding sub-juniors continue to come to the forefront. Brandon Hatch broke 100 singles, 100 handicap and 97 doubles all in the same day during the Michigan State Shoot. Congratulations, Brandon, on your display of great shooting ability!

Elections for ATA and MTA officers took place Saturday: ATA Delegate, David Z. Price; First Alternate Delegate, Robert Trottier; Second Alternate Delegate, Wally Hart; MTA directors, Richard Magnus and Fred Jackson. By unanimous vote Wally Hart was elected MTA president; Dick Turner was elected vice president; and the secretary-treasurer will be determined in the future. Please thank all of these individuals for their support of shooting at the MTA.

I would like to thank Central Handicap Committee chairman Dean Townsend for attending our state shoot and assisting with shootoffs.

Congratulations to junior Gideon Hebron on his great performance at the Wisconsin State Shoot. Gideon broke 200 in the Singles Championship and followed that with a 100 from the 27 in the Handicap Championship, completing his ATA Grand Slam.

The 2011 Summer Team Shoot was another great tournament at the MTA. The individual winner was Gerald Storrer; champion team was Keith Heeg Stock Works, 498x500; runnerup team was Doug’s Sales, 496; handicap and all-around winner was Earl Munson; and HOA victor was Heeg. The MTA board thank all who attended; you are the reason that the MTA is a successful shooting organization.

Many of you are aware of the damage that occurred at the MTA during the Great Lakes Grand. It took much time and money to get the grounds back in shape for our state shoot. The MTA board and groundskeeper Rick Shirkey worked very hard to get everything back in pristine condition. Thanks go to several individuals who came forward with monetary contributions to assist with the restoration effort: Jerry and Marge Mathias, Joe Greene, H. Robert Hawkes, Tonya Bluhm, Mark Zauhar, William Grill, C. P. Burke, Richard Garey, Don Hoffman, Robert Pugsley, Deana Ulman and Keith Uffelman.

Michigan Olympic shooter Rachel Heiden recently won a gold medal in the ISSF World Cup Championship in Slovenia. Congratulations, Rachel!

I have enjoyed talking with many of my shooting friends over the 2011 season. This is really a great sport, and I have met many great people during my years as a shooter. I hope you all have a great 2012 shooting season and meet your shooting goals. Remember, folks, we have the best shooter-owned homegrounds in the world. Come out during the 2012 season and enjoy what belongs to the Michigan shooting community. Please be safe in your travels and take the time to enjoy yourself. If you wish to contact me, you may do so at zoowie@peoplepc.com.

David Z. Price

ATA Delegate

Minnesota

Minnesota’s 101st state trapshoot ran about as smoothly as any that I’ve been associated with. Total entries were down about 5% from last year but were up slightly (1.4%) over 2009. Weather was great the whole week, and the scores showed it. Thanks to the Alexandria SP crew for running a very organized shoot and also to the MTA Board and president Glen Lonneman for their hard work before, during and after the shoot. I felt the new computerized classification and squadding system worked better than expected. We had a few glitches to work out, but the system proved to be a time saver and minimized errors. Vickie Townsend did a very professional job in setting up the system and training the help. Thanks, Vickie!

Monday’s Youth Day had 154 shooters competing in the college, senior high and junior high divisions. We were down 25 shooters from last year. Team champions were college, St. James GC; high school, Crow River SC; and junior high, Crow River. Steven Noren was high gun in the college division with 198, and Jon Haverly was runnerup with 196. Cody Ziemer headed the high school division with 194, topping Colton Schoen in a shootoff, and Kurt Potter won the junior high division with 98 after a shootoff with Emma Olson. The AIM competition on Saturday was also down in attendance from last year. Having the Youth Shoot on the day after the Fourth of July may have had a negative impact on our numbers. Next year we will be back to having the event on Monday, the week following the Fourth. I would like to thank David Smith, Mark and Sally Stevens, Kathy Lahti and everyone else, especially the parents who help make these youth programs successful.

The food was great again this year. Tuesday evening the MTA served free pork chops to the shooters. Thursday evening Bob Schultz of Target Shotguns sponsored a miss & out competition and offered free brats and polish sausage to everyone. Donations made at these cookouts went to the Minnesota Youth Foundation.

Congratulations to our 2011 state champions: Nick Kubasch, singles; Rich Wolf, handicap; Eric Munson, doubles and HOA; and Glen Lonneman, all-around. We have had eight different singles champions in the past eight years, as well in the Handicap Championship.

Major sponsors this year were Gander Mountain, Shamrock Leathers, Minnesota Youth Shotgun Association., Puglisi Gun Emporium, Decot Sport Glasses, Cabela’s, Federal Ammunition and Krieghoff International. Also thanks to all who contributed to Friday’s Memorial Handicap. Show the sponsors your thanks by supporting them.

Friday evening’s banquet honored 2011 MTA Hall of Fame inductee Virginia Hines Schmidt. The live auction brought in over $24,000 for the Minnesota Youth Foundation. I haven’t heard the net figures yet. Thanks to all bidders and buyers! Dave Dressler from Illinois was our auctioneer and did a great job. Also, make sure you thank these donors when you see them: Jack Puglisi, Doug Braker gun refinishing, Brian Brophy of Shamrock Leathers, Cabela’s, David Gilberg, B&R Guns-Stuntebecks, George Pappas, Glen Lonneman, Harlan Campbell, Jolene Pappas of Whiteface River Run Kennels, Lester Zwach of River Ridge, Mark Zauhar & Pride Engineering, Lindsay Zauhar, Federal Cartridge, Remington Arms, Scott Messenger, Alex SP, MTA and Tommie Lee. You made our youth auction a huge success; thanks!

The annual meeting got under way at 8:05 a.m. Saturday. Ron Noren was reelected ATA Delegate, while Mark Stevens and George Pappas were reelected Alternate Delegates. Completing the second of a two-year term next year will be Lonneman, president; Keith Koosman, vice president; Sally Stevens, secretary; and Thomas Brooks, treasurer.

The 2012 Minnesota State Shoot will be July 9-15.

Jim Dickman served barbecued ribs at the state southern zone shoot at Winona, and I must say that they were some of the best that I’ve ever tasted. Thank you, Jim!

Finally, thank you for reelecting me as your ATA Delegate. I will continue to do my best in representing Minnesota trapshooters. Please feel free to call or e-mail if you have any concerns or questions about trapshooting in our state. I appreciate your responses and suggestions that I’ve been receiving. Also, let me know of any recognition for shooters’ accomplishments that should be mentioned in future articles. My phone number is 507-381-5908, and e-mail is ronnoren@embarqmail.com. Visit our website at www.minnesotatrap.com.

Ron Noren

ATA Delegate

Ohio

As the new Delegate representing Ohio, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Dennis Filo for his many years of service to the shooters of Ohio.

As I write this, the Grand American and Cardinal Classic are about to happen, and when you read this both will be over. The OSTA incoming officers are unknown at this time, as the board of directors will meet for reorganization at the Cardinal Classic.

Our two Alternate Delegates and I are planning a get-acquainted meeting at the Grand. It is our intention to assist the shooters in Ohio to the extent of our ability. You may call or write any one of us with your questions and/or concerns: Clyde Findley, cfindley@medicalrecovery.net and 513-518-2300; John A. Evick, Alternate Delegate, jkjzbevick@comcast.net and 740-312-2824; and Charles Steving, Alternate Delegate, letsshoot@neo.rr.com and 330-455-6607.

Congratulations to our Ohio shooters David L. Berlet and Patrick McCarthy on their induction into the Trapshooting Hall of Fame.

Good luck and better shooting.

Clyde W. Findley

ATA Delegate

Wisconsin

As I write this, we have just finished a great 112th state shoot. Weather was fantastic, especially compared to last year’s flood. Across the board, entries were down approximately 10 to 15%. Look for all results in an upcoming issue of Trap & Field. A couple of notable items were Dick Otto reaching 100,000 handicap targets. Dave Lade and director Bill Simonar reached 25,000 doubles targets. I would like to welcome new board members Ken Cerney and Don Mittag plus First Alternate Delegate Kevin Doerring and Second Alternate Dwight Paulin. I would also like to thank you for reelecting me as your ATA Delegate at the annual meeting.

Homegrounds are moving ahead with the purchase of 278 acres of land from Plum Creek in the town of Rome, Adams County, at a cost of $1,750 an acre. We have started withdrawing 120 acres from the Managed Forest Land program. Engineering and design work bids were reviewed July 26. We will be meeting with the Rome officials about the site plan and utilities in September. The WTA is accepting pledges and donations to help make this new home a reality. We would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to those who have already started their donations.

As always I can be reached at richardt@tesker.com or 262-424-0444.

Rick Tesker

ATA Delegate

Eastern Zone

New Jersey

As I started writing this Friday evening of the Eastern Zone in Elysburg, Pa, temperatures registered 105° in my buddy’s vehicle. This capped off a string of high 90s and 100°-degree days earlier in the week.

The Garden State Grand was held at Pine Belt July 15-17. Kay Ohye led the first handicap with 95, and Ron Sutton topped the second with 96. Steve Ottrando paced the 200-bird handicap with a pair of 94s.

There was a three-way tie of 100s for Friday’s singles. Ohye won the carryover, defeating Greg Menshoff and Bob Erisman. Kay edged out John Melitsky’s 198 with a 199 to take the singles. During Sunday’s events Patty Slimm broke 97 to capture the first handicap, and Gregory Menshoff and Bob Malmstedt tied at 94 in the second hundred. Malmstedt won the 200-bird handicap with 186. Sutton shot a 97 to lead the doubles.

As mentioned earlier, Thursday and Friday of the Eastern Zone was shot under grueling conditions (getting ready for Sparta?). Saturday and Sunday were only in the 80s. During Friday’s class singles, Ed Taylor took AA resident runnerup, Charles Bennett Jr. won open junior, and Joseph Clarke took resident sub-junior. In Friday’s preliminary handicap, Bennett was the resident junior winner.

Sunday’s doubles saw Ohye take resident senior veteran; Joseph Clarke was the open sub-junior winner. And in the main handicap, Ken Mlynarz won the resident 24-25 award. Debbie Ohye-Neilson captured a number of awards during the weekend.

Pine Valley is having their Club Championship Sept. 3-4, and Pine Belt is having theirs Sept. 17-18.

Don’t forget to attend the 2012 northern zone shoot at the North Jersey CTC Sept. 23-25. To be eligible to participate in the North-South Championship at the state shoot, northern zone residents must participate in the 200-bird singles event on Saturday of the zone shoot, so please make an effort to attend. Another good reason to be there will be the annual pig roast following shooting on Saturday.

On Oct. 8 the Second Fall Shoot Out will take place starting at Pine Belt for the first hundred, then on to Pine Valley for the second hundred and then a pig roast dinner.

I was informed of the passing of Salvatore Atanasio of heart failure on June 24 at James J. Peters VA Hospital in the Bronx. Sal was 84 years old. He lived most of his career in New York and spent 12 years here in Franklin Lakes, N.J. I’ve known Sal for over 25 years. Wherever there was a big shoot in Middle Atlantic states, Sal was there shooting and, most times, winning. He started shooting registered targets back in 1964 and over the years amassed 651,800 targets, including 342,550 singles, 189,600 handicap and 119,650 doubles. Sal is survived by his four daughters, Denise Smith of Wappingers Falls, Donna of California, Diane Meier of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., and Dawn Cassone of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.

If you have a question or an idea for an article, please write me at jasissa@msn.com or phone me at 732-546-7910.

Joe Sissano

ATA Delegate

New York

Best regards to all my shooting friends. I hope everyone will have a happy and safe Labor Day holiday.

The 150th annual New York State Shoot is now history, and I thank everyone who attended and participated. The shoot was an overall success, and attendance was up. Weather was great, outside of a Friday-afternoon thunderstorm.

Congratulations are in order to Rich Mastin for winning the Blaser combo in the Blaser shootoff. He was one of 88 shooting for the gun. Great going, Rich!

Sincere thanks to my old friend and vice president of Blaser, Rich Kaysa, for donating the gun. Attendance was up 20% in Friday’s events. This success would not have been possible without Rich’s donation. We hope to have the same event next year.

More thanks to Jim and Barbara Rosowski for donating $3,000 to the special Lewis class in Event 7, the Sportsmen’s Handicap. The event was a huge success.

Eastern Zone vice president Dennis Hart reports that the Ronald McDonald charity event in the class singles was very successful. Thank you to all who participated in the special Lewis class and to all who donated prizes. The Ronald McDonald House in the Syracuse area has become a lifesaver for those in need.

I am glad to report that Saturday’s free dinner for shooters and families was a great success. Well over 600 dinners were served. I hope that you all enjoyed the meal.

Three 200s were shot in the main singles. Chris Landon prevailed for champion, Dave Clary was runnerup, and Brad Heath took AAA honors. Landon came back the next day and took the doubles, and Clary was right there with him, taking the handicap championship. Heath won the all-around and the high-over-all. Great shooting, gentlemen. Complete results can be viewed in Trap & Field and at the New York State ATA webpage www.nysata.com.

Next up for New York will be hosting the Northeastern Grand American at the homegrounds Sept. 13-18. I hope you all plan to attend.

I hope to see you all soon.

                Brian Whalen

                ATA Delegate

Ontario

Congratulations to the St. Thomas GC and CTA rep Jim Wood for hosting a very well-organized and successful Canadian (ATA) Championship tournament in late June, in spite of inclement weather that threatened to cause havoc.

I feel obliged to address an issue that involves us all from time to time when participating in another country or hosting events where people from other countries are competing.

During major tournaments with both American and Canadian participants, it is customary for a U.S. club to fly the Canadian flag and play the Canadian national anthem and for a Canadian club to fly the U.S. flag and play the American national anthem. This is commonplace in professional sports as well. The expectation is that everyone remove their hats and stand at attention during both national anthems.

There have been rare breaches of this convention from time to time over the 30+ years that I have been involved in trapshooting. Within the past six months, however, several incidents have been reported to me where individuals have been observed doing things that on the face of it portray a lack of respect for the playing of the national anthem of another country. On investigation/follow-up, most incidents can be attributed to errors in judgment, extenuating circumstances (e.g., emergency) or just plain failure to pay attention to what was taking place. But unfortunately, on occasion the perpetrator(s) actually intended disrespect. A Delegate reported to me that he had to deal with such a deliberate incident of disrespect recently, and did so very quickly and decisively. You can be sure that I will not tolerate any disrespect by Ontario shooters toward the flag and anthem of our friends to the south (or any other sovereign nation, for that matter). I am confident virtually every Ontario shooter supports me on this position.

I probably would not have devoted article space to this issue had I not recently observed a flagrant breach of protocol myself at a major tournament. To my amazement, during the playing of the Canadian anthem, three middle-aged men wearing hats sauntered through the clubhouse and into an adjoining hallway. I waited until the conclusion of the Canadian anthem and the American anthem and could find none of them. I suspect they were visitors and not even trapshooters. Had I found them, I would have attempted to determine the reason for the apparent disrespect/insult. Blieve it or not, some people are simply uninformed and have no clue what is expected of them.

It all starts with educating people. But when you observe an apparent breach, are you inclined to say and do nothing, or are you prepared to intervene and have a little chat with the perpetrator(s)?

I personally believe that it is helpful for people to have at least a basic knowledge of the facts and circumstances that led to the creation of another country’s flag and or anthem. Do Canadians know that the “Star Spangled Banner” was a product of the War of 1812? This was 55 years before Canada became a sovereign nation (in 1867) and 36 years after the U.S. attained its independence (in 1776). Upper Canada was a colony of Great Britain. The U.S. and Britain were at war (again), but this time the battlefields were on both sides of the U.S./Canada border. There were many battles fought in Ontario and many more fought throughout the east coast of the U.S., including in and around Washington, D.C. On Aug. 19, 1814, the British entered Chesapeake Bay, and by the evening of Aug. 24 the British had invaded and captured Washington. They set fire to the Capitol and the White House, the flames visible 40 miles away in Baltimore.

Baltimore (then a city of 40,000) was next on the British attack list, and Americans prepared for the onslaught on Ft. McHenry at the entrance to the Baltimore harbor. At 7 a.m. on Sept. 13, 1814, the British bombardment of Ft. McHenry began and continued for 25 hours, with the British firing rockets across the sky. Francis Scott Key (born Aug. 1, 1779, in western Maryland, and who by 1805 had established a law practice in the Georgetown section of Washington), watched this battle with extreme apprehension. Washington had already fallen. It was critical to hold Baltimore. He knew that as long as shelling continued, Ft. McHenry had not surrendered. It was a long and tortuous night. In the pre-dawn darkness, Key waited for the sight that would ease his anxiety. When dawn finally broke, he was overjoyed to see General Armistead’s great flag blowing in the breeze—a huge 30 x 42′ flag with 15 stars plus eight red and seven white stripes waving in the breeze. It appears the British judged Baltimore too costly a prize and retreated.

Key was inspired to write a poem describing the experience. The poem was promptly published and put to the music of an old English song. Both the new song and the flag became known as the “Star Spangled Banner.” Congress named it the U.S. national anthem in 1931. And the original flag that was waving proudly over Fort McHenry so many years ago? It has its home at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History.

So now you know the story behind the words and the music. It is an inspiring story for which Americans are and should be proud. We Canadians too often trivialize the War of 1812 as the war in which we (or more precisely, our colonial overseers) beat the Yanks. While it is true that the American invasionary forces were repelled at the decisive battle of Queenston Heights—and General Brock, who lost his life in that battle, was forever immortalized—the British forces didn’t win Baltimore. Nor did the American flag fall.

While we have our differences from time to time as two sovereign nations, Canadians couldn’t have a better neighbor, and vice versa. Our respective forefathers fought shoulder to shoulder (and many died) in numerous global conflicts. Our nations each embrace the attributes and responsibilities of freedom and democracy. It takes but a moment to stand at attention during the two national anthems. Celebrate them both. Next month, for the primary benefit of our U.S. friends, I will give some history on the Canadian flag and national anthem.

Paul Shaw

ATA Delegate

Pennsylvania

I am writing this on the last morning of the ATA Eastern Zone Shoot hosted by the PSSA, but by the time you get to read it, we will be looking back on the 2011 Grand American. It seems as though when we get to this part of the summer, everywhere I go shooters are talking about how fast the summer went by and that our good-weather shooting season is just about over.

One highlight during the Eastern Zone was that senior vet Peter Culbertson reached the Quarter Million Club (combined singles, handicap and doubles total). Paul Herbein tipped me off a couple of weeks earlier that Peter was going to reach this goal soon, so I called the ATA office and had the pin sent out ahead of time. Between the doubles and handicap Sunday I was able to present it to Peter on the patio of the PSSA building, where friends celebrateed his achievement with him. Congratulations, Peter.

Another very successful Pennsylvania Grand took place here at the PSSA homegrounds, as 665 shooters competed in almost perfect weather conditions. The kitchen staff prepared a fantastic meal on Saturday evening, consisting of three roast pigs plus all of the extras for shooters and their families to enjoy. Congratulations to sub-junior Ian Recla for breaking his first 16-yard 100 straight at the Pennsylvania Grand. Without a doubt, Ian has been one of the top trophy winners throughout this shooting season here in Pennsylvania.

Another young shooter from Pennsylvania who deserves recognition is junior Bethany Breighner. Bethany is making a name for herself. At age 16 she won the Firecracker Handicap at the Pennsylvania Grand with 97 plus shootoff.

Coached by her father Brian, Bethany started shooting at age 12 and shot her first registered targets at the 2007 Grand American. Mother Yvonne is always on hand to cheer her on. Bethany has won a trophy at every Pennsylvania State Shoot since 2009. She and her father decide which events she should enter to enable her to have time to spend with her non-shooting friends.

Bethany was two weeks old when she attended her first trapshoot at the Nu-Ox GC. As she got older, she rode her bike and whizzed around on her skates in the clubhouse. At three she became a baton twirler and won numerous trophies. She is now an all-around athlete, playing basketball, volleyball and soccer. However, her first love is trapshooting.

Have you ever heard of the Pennsylvania Claybuster 300? Steve Ross reports a great way to get your targets in. With its creation in 1984 as a way to promote trap among three local gun clubs, the Claybuster 300 celebrated its 28th event June 4. The Claybuster, as it is known to shooters, had 140 competing for awards, but more importantly, it is a way to tune up for the upcoming state shoot and enjoy the best part of trapshooting—the camaraderie.

The day began with check-in and breakfast at Elysburg and the day’s first 100 targets. Four flights with seven squads each followed one right after the other. After the 100, it is off to Keystone SA in Muncy for the second 100. Then it is time for lunch and 100 at Norry GC in Northumberland. Scores are tabulated, shooters are slotted into trophy spots, and if necessary, shootoffs for the top spot are called.

This year featured nine 100 straights from seven shooters and a three-way tie at 298 for the Claybuster title. John Manetta II, Bob Tarcza and Lester Ott settled the tie with one shootoff round. Ott captured his first Claybuster top trophy, relegating Tarcza and Manetta to runnerup and third. Niles Oerhli and Ray Miller finished fourth and fifth with 297s, and Larry Cox made the top six with 295. Other winners were Bethany Breighner, junior; Suzie Owens, ladies’; and Bob Panichi, vet. Classes A through D went to James Hoffman, Randy Krick, Ray Hollenbach and Aaron Loreman.

The evening concluded at the Watson Inn in Watsontown for a wonderful banquet featuring a served meal, awards, music, dancing and most of all, fun and friends. Here’s to another 28+ years.

Gwyn Weaver reported another great way to promote trapshooting. On June 4 a unique, fun trapshoot was held at the Shippensburg F&GA. Unique because it was sponsored by the Mount Pleasant United Brethren Church as a fundraiser to support two mission trips. One trip is to help an orphanage in Belize, while a second is planned to Elkhorn, W. Va., to help the needy in Appalachia.

Approximately 80 persons entered, many new to trapshooting. New participants were given instructed in safe gun handling by experienced shooters. The gun club generously donated the targets for the day. Local businesses donated gift card prizes, given by age group to those breaking a black target from each round. Unfortunately, rain came, but the youth shooters didn’t want to quit. Tents were rearranged so they could continue shooting from under cover. A pig roast with all the fixings was prepared by church members.

What a great way to raise money and introduce new people to our sport. Many are now returning to shoot practice and have expressed interest in league shooting. Hopefully, interest has been sparked that will lead to some new registered shooters.

Thanks to Gwyn Weaver and Steve Ross for their contributions to this month’s column. If you have any newsworthy information you would like to see here, I can be reached at 724-654-7118, by fax at 724-658-6011 or by e-mail at frankpascoe@pascoebuilders.com.

Frank Pascoe

ATA Delegate

Southern Zone

Alabama

As I begin this, I have just received the trophy list from the Southern Zone telephonic shoot held July 14-17. Alabama shooters represented the state well, winning trophies in all the major events. Winners included Shelby Sockwell, Kenneth Gordon, Nina Gordon, M. L. Howard, Jackie Howard and Logan Taylor. Jackie Howard completed the list by winning runnerup in the HOA and third in the all-around.

Russell Bell of Muscle Shoals T&SC informs that the electrical outage that caused the July 3 shoot cancellation has been resolved. The damage was a lightning strike, and repairs are complete. Congratulations are in order for Russell, who will receive his 45-year Grand attendance award this year.

The club in Columbia, Tenn., has started registered shoots again, and northern Alabama shooters might want to attend.

Red Eagle S&T has undergone a change in officers but will continue their trap program as scheduled. I encourage all Alabama shooters to support this club.

By the time you read this, the Grand will be history, and we will all have more happy memories. I know everyone is looking forward to it. Alabama will be represented by many shooters, including a large group of AIM participants.

Larry Sexton

ATA Delegate

Florida

This report will start with news of the passing of two fine gentlemen of our shooting family, Ashley Jones of Robinson Ranch and Bill Mollohan of the Silver Dollar. Ashley was well known for shoot marathons. Bill was a shooter and former manager at the Silver Dollar. We will always keep them in our minds.

Matt McBride shot his first 100 straight at Silver Dollar just before the Southern Zone Shoot, and he continued to shoot well at the Zone along with other sub-junior and junior shooters, including Justin and Aaron King, Matt Vega, Zach Davis and others.

In one of my reports we talked about a new shoot facility. It is not in Lake County but in Sumter County. Sorry about that.

See you in the state at the next shoot. I will be at the Summer Championship Shoot at Gator. Good luck to all.

You can contact me at 813-415-7483 or ksipps53@gmail.com.

                Ken Sippel

                ATA Delegate

Georgia

The heat wave is still on at this writing. Georgia shooters have just returned from the Southern Zone. We had many site trophy winners (too numerous to mention) plus five shooters win Zone-wide trophies: Kenneth Mears, Mike Senters, George Dyll, Boone Butler and Billy Griffin. This year we had nearly 40 shooters participate in the Zone.

South River GC has begun construction on two new trapfields and have also decided to add another 12 campsites before the 2012 state shoot. On July 9 at South River Charles Dallmus shot at his 50,000th singles target.

As I write, I have started loading the RV for my Grand American trip. I hope Georgia will be represented well by all who go. Fayette Co. 4-H senior AIM teams are attending the AIM competition.

Everyone please keep Cyndee Gullett in their thoughts and prayers. She is having some health issues, and at this time that is all I know.

On June 27 I got a call from my longtime friend from Alabama, Gene Gentry, that Kasey Brewer, former sub-junior All-American, passed away June 26. This was such a shock that words can’t explain. I just couldn’t believe it. Kasey had been and will always be a part of my family. My daughter Shelli shot trap with Kasey all over the Southeast and at the Grand. We were there for his first 200 in singles and the day he broke 100 straight in doubles to become the youngest at the time to run 100 in doubles at the Grand. I think he was just 12 years old. Gene and Shirley, I just want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you every day. And I just wanted to say “Stump” Alabama has lost a great young trapshooter, but my family has lost a lifelong friend.

Check out our website www.gatrap.com. Contact me at dsadams73@hotmail.com or 770-461-9408 if you have any news.

David Adams

                ATA Delegate

Kentucky

I would like to thank everyone who attended the Kentucky State Shoot this year. There were a lot of good scores and the best weather that I can remember for the shoot.

Congratulations to the trophy winners: Jenna Knott, Nora Ross, Tim Foley, Donnie Johnson, Alec Wolfert, Doug Cox, Jackson Eubanks, Nathan Graves, Teddy Bilbrey, Royce White, David Riddle, Vernon Anderson, Dakota Walden, Keith Ditto, Joe Neyer, Larry Williamson, Dennis Menning, Joe England, Drew Cropper, Buddy Messer, Randy Ross, Donald Cottrell, Carroll Lutz, John Kerr, Zane Hadden, Joe Neeley, Bill Carver, Grizzly Adams, Larry Woosley, Danny Ryan, Barry Cox, Phillip Nickell, Melvin Watkins, Tyler Hall, Don Wyatt, Gerard Hoots, Travis Cox, Robert Dyer, David Miller, Wayne Hale, Scott Miller, Bradley Jones, Sue Burgess, Hunter Carver, William Richardson, Weldon Baize, Craig Hankins, Danny Haycraft, Raymond Reckers, Tyler Hall, Jerry Posey, James Dean, Kevin Parrott, Tony York, Angelia Swint, Taylor Bisig, Hank Colemire, Alton Kendrick, Marty Crafton, Steve Everly, Phillip Shireman, Dewayne Dummitt, Geraldine McClain, Bobby Fowler, Tyler Hall, Boyd Truelove, Donald Reed, Aaron Willoughby, Tony Willoughby, Mike Fowler, Larry White, David King, Jack Tom Phipps, Steve Childers, Charles Pearl, Johnathan Eubanks, Clifford Dowell, James Knight, James Beach, Jennings Vanover, Sam Horn, Ricky Smith, Roddy Harper, Stephanie Carey, Wesley Hadden, Steve Richardson and Linda Cox.

I would like to congratulate our Kentucky shooters who won trophies at the Ohio State Shoot: Randy Ross, Michael Castle, Jenna Knott, Cody Moore, Aaron Willoughby, W. D. Howard, Donald Isham, Frederick Popp, Tyler Hall, Wayne Parrott, James Curtis and David Riddle. Winners at the Indiana State Shoot were Vernon Anderson, Keith Ditto, Kenny Brown, Bill Ditto, Keith Parrott, Royce White, Drew Cropper, Taylor Bisig and Bradley Jones.

Our winners at the Southern Zone: Jenna Knott, David Riddle, Bobby Fowler, Mike Fowler, John Kerr, Royce White, Larry Woosley, Buddy Messer, Clayborn Hunter, David King, Marty Crafton, Jennings Vanover, Johnathan Eubanks, Jerry Newell, Carroll Lutz, Kenny Knott and Kevin Polson.

The Kentucky Trapshooters League website can be found online at www.kytrap.org.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments, I can be reached at deking00@bbtel.com, 270-547-7819 (home) or 270-668-1753 (cell).

David King

ATA Delegate

Mississippi

The major event of the trapshooting summer in Mississippi is the annual Rebel Open at Capitol GC, July 9-10 this year. The event is normally scheduled between the adjacent state and ATA Zone shoots. The Rebel Open attracts a contingent of Louisiana trapshooters to spice up interstate rivalries and camaraderie, and they normally win several events. This year was no different, as Matt McPhate did very well.

Congratulations to the following event winners: Sonny Womack, Singles Championship; Jim Porter, Preliminary Handicap; Monty McGee, Doubles Championship; Matt McPhate, Handicap Championship; and Sonny Womack, HOA. McPhate and Porter tied for the prize on the combined handicap.

Several agreements were made concerning the 2012 state shoot during the Mississippi directors meeting at Capitol GC. The board is working on a program and trophies as well as our website and Hall of Fame. Your board members will be happy to discuss the work with our MTA members.

I have seen Mississippi shooter participation at Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana state shoots. We encourage our shooters to attend out-of-state events as we benefit when those states’ shooters visit us.

Our Tom Yeager won the Southern Zone singles championship at Nashville in July. Tom ran the 200 singles and started banking extras for the shootoff with those tied at other sites. Tom was stopped at 150 straight extras when he was informed that he had more than enough targets to establish the win. If you see Tom, thank him for his representation for Mississippi.

Gene Schneck

ATA Delegate

North Carolina

Please note that the 2011 North Carolina Trapshooters Hall of Fame Shoot will be Sept. 22-25 at the N.C. Homegrounds in Bostic. Please plan to attend; you will have a good time, especially at the banquet.

The ATA Southern Zone Shoot was well-attended at all three locations. NCTA officials were happy that attendance at the Homegrounds was up every day compared to last year. Jackie and I participated there, and we had great targets all week. Weather was great, almost cool with no rain.

Many N.C. shooters won local site trophies: Addison Callan, Jeff Galloway, Larry High, Bill Howe, Faizi Durland, Charlie Brown, George Brown, Ken Duncan, Gary Hicks, Tom Shelley, Ray Gaultney, Rick German and George Sudderth. In addition, zone-wide ATA and SZTA trophies and ATA All-American points pins were won by Callan, Galloway, High, Howe, Durland, Brown, Duncan, Gaultney, German, Dennis Taylor and Jim Wilson. I am sorry if I missed anyone.

Remember to visit www.nctrap.com and www.tarheeltrap.com for N.C. shooting information. You may also want to check out the tarheeltrap trapshooting chat room. If you have any information you would like to see in this article, please send it to me. I can be reached by at troush@att.net or 336-674-8655.

Terry Roush

ATA Southern Zone Vice President

South Carolina

I just got back from the the Southern Zone North Carolina Homegrounds site in Bostic. Attaboys and girls go to the staff who put on a great shoot. They even ordered in a couple of cool days; one of them had just a tad bit of rain, but it was much better than the 96 to 98° temperatures just prior.

There were 42 shooters from South Carolina in attendance. Winners included John Hyer, Frank Ketron, Neil Alexander, Thomas Paxton, Kenny Inman, Hannah Burdge, Spencer Power, Jim Faber, Doug Stenback, Bill Ward, Donovan Burdge, Hunter Baughman, Clay Jones and James Ivey Jr. A good number of the above were Zone winners as well.

Mark Oct. 1-2 on your shoot calendar for our Hall of Fame Shoot at Spartanburg GC. Clay Jones III will be inducted. If you have any special remembrances about Clay, I’m sure everyone would like to hear them.

As I write, I’m getting things together for the Grand. I hope there will be some names from South Carolina to list next month.

You can reach me at fabe7445@bellsouth.net.

Jim Faber

ATA Delegate

Tennessee

Starting this month’s article are a number of congratulations. Hayden Stewart shot his first 100 at an AIM shoot earlier this year. Tyler Hickman shot his first 200 at the Tennessee CTC in June. At the Kentucky State Shoot in July, Nicholas Nadeau shot 100 straight from 26.5 yards for a first-time move to the 27.

In May the Tennessee Junior Olympics was held at the Holly Fork SC in Paris. Brian Henson won gold in trap, Trey Hill the silver, and Blake Triplett the bronze. Brian and Trey were invited to Colorado Springs for the National Junior Olympics.

The Tennessee CTC in Nashville was one of the host sites for the recent ATA Southern Zone Shoot. All three of the main trophies were won there: Tom Yeager, singles, 200 plus shootoff; Jackie Howard, doubles, 98; and Logan Taylor, handicap, 97 from 19.5 plus 24 in shootoff. Congratulations to all.

Sept. 14-19 is the annual Fall Festival at Hog Heaven in White Pine. This is the first major shoot of the 2012 target year and includes 1,400 registered targets with a view of Douglas Lake in the background.

For Tennessee shooting information, visit us at www.tenntrap.com. If there is any information you would like to see in this article, I can be reached at bcook27@bellsouth.net or 731-217-9957.

Billy Cook

ATA Delegate

Southwestern Zone

Colorado

One of the most enjoyable parts of being ATA Delegate is presenting someone their 100-straight pin. Most individuals get their first 100 in singles. Dustin Hudson got his first at the Southwestern Zone Shoot in Cortez, and it was in handicap. With that 100 Dustin was the Preliminary Handicap winner. He is a junior who has been shooting only one year. We all should be so lucky. Other Colorado winners at the Cortez site were Phil Vasquez, Alex Ragulsky, Irv Effinger and Cliff Haycock.

At the Colorado State Shoot I also gave a 100-straight pin to Charles Kaiser. Congratulations to both, and if I have missed anyone, please let me know.

This year the Colorado zone shoot was split between Grand Junction GC and Pikes Peak GC. This allowed much better participation, as travel distance was shorter. For the first time in a long time, we had a zone team from each of the zones. Northern zone was the overall winner: captain Ron Ramsey, Ron Walker, Kelly Stout, Michael Taylor and Steve Chandler. Second place went to western zone: captain Pat Bennett, John Gurule, Kevin Walker, Janet Smith and Tonya Thomas. In third was the metro team: captain Alex Ragulsky, Paul Dible, Irvin Savidge, Richard Jones and Diane Dible. Category winners were Marilyn Walker, ladies’; junior, Richard Bratten; sub-junior, Spencer Sol; and veteran, John Finochio. All-around zone winners were AA, Pat Bennett; A, Nate Simms; B, Kelly Stout; C, Mark Jones; D, Jim Barlow; women’s, Walker, junior, Dustin Hudson; sub-junior, Sol; veteran, Vasquez; and senior veteran, Tom Buxman. See the full report in Trap & Field for the rest of the zone winners.

At the zone shoot, Adam Rehor proposed to Stacy Bringelson, and Stacy said yes. I wish them all the happiness in the world. I attended the Southwestern Zone Championships in Cortez, as this is one of my favorite places to shoot.

Please feel free to contact me regarding any concerns or questions about trapshooting in our state. I can be reached at philvasq@msn.com or 303-808-6152. For the most up-to-date information about trapshooting in Colorado, please check out www.rmclaysports.com/CSTA.html.

Philip Vasquez

ATA Delegate

Missouri

During the Missouri State Shoot we were all looking forward to warmer conditions, but things really got out of hand by July. Unseasonably hot 100°+ temperatures (and nearly equal humidity) pushed all but the hardiest on the trapline to the limit. Without question, we’ve all had enough of the hot weather and the challenges it presents to our shooting efforts and are looking forward to the weather break that September and October will bring.

Many local clubs take advantage of the three-day holiday over Labor Day weekend and do their best to offer an enhanced registered shoot program. In Missouri the KCTA (Smithville) will host their 23rd annual Labor Day weekend tournament Sept. 2-5. Every trapshooter needs shells and cash, so that’s what will be offered in volume. The Macon 63 GC and Sedalia R&GC will be hosting registered shoots Sept. 4.

The beginning of September also means it’s time to start thinking about the Missouri Fall Handicap. New this year will be the addition of preliminary days Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 24-25). The traditional monthly shoot in September at the homegrounds has been canceled in favor of adding these two days, which will bring the length of the tournament to nine days. The program on each of these new days will be 100 of each. The singles on Saturday and Sunday will be combined into a 200-target event, but you can play a separate Lewis option on each of the 100s. Just as always, the high-over-all for the Fall Handicap starts on Wednesday and runs to the end of the shoot. The number of targets on each day is the same as last year, and there’s at least one handicap each day. As a result of the generosity of the Martin family, $5,000 will be added to the Lewis options on several of the events. There will be $1,000 added to each of five events, including Thursday’s (200) Singles Championship; Friday’s and Saturday’s first handicap each day; Sunday’s Doubles Championship; and Sunday’s handicap. The Martins’ $5,000 added to the Lewis options during the state shoot resulted in much more interest in the option and higher payouts. Everyone should be thankful for the several commitments that the Martins have made to trapshooting nationwide. There will be three Browning Lewis gun options this year. This is one more than last year and includes four BT-99s on Thursday, three XTs on Friday and three XTs Saturday for a total of 10 Browning trapguns given away during the Fall Handicap. Between the Martins’ added money and the Browning guns, there’s plenty to win in the Lewis options in all events from Thursday through Sunday.

Happy Labor Day weekend, and support your local gun clubs.

Lynn Gipson

                ATA Delegate

New Mexico

Hello to all New Mexico shooters. I know I promised the wind would stop blowing month or so ago; well, I was right, only a month late. I guess my weatherman tricked me!

Thanks to everyone who made it to the New Mexico State Shoot, and a special thanks to out-of-state shooters. We had near-record attendance, and the shoot went well. Thanks, Steve Williams and staff for hosting at the NRA Whittington Center. If you haven’t been there, it is a world-class facility and a great place to have fun.

Congratulations to the following champions; Cole Dalton, singles, 198; Jim Powers, doubles, 99; Clint Kuchan, handicap, 96; and Britt Dalton, all-around, 386. Ya’ll should put on a shooting clinic on how to shoot in the wind and heat. Temperature was around 103°, but with the wind (about 25 mph), it felt like 95.

Shake the dirt off, and let’s go shooting again. There will be some great annual shoots this month: Belen, Sept. 10-11; Farmington, Sept. 17-18; Los Alamos, Sept. 21; and NRA Whittington Center, Sept. 24-25. The Silver City Annual will be Oct. 1-2, and the NMSTA Grande satellite shoot will start Oct. 8 at NRA WC and on the ninth at Raton TC. Also hosting this shoot will be Alamogordo and Belen on the respective dates. If you get the chance, please support these clubs. There is a lot of hard work and money spent to hold this outstanding shoot!

As always, please thank the trap help and scorers; without them, it would be hard pressed to put on a shoot. God bless our troops in harm’s way, and if ya’ll need anything, let me know.

Randy Bingham

ATA Delegate

Oklahoma

July started off as usual here in Oklahoma—hot and humid. Temperatures have been soaring over 100°, but the high winds we’ve had have subsided somewhat.

Shawnee Twin Lakes TR held their monthly shoot July 3. Tim Deister posted a 98 in singles, Terry Johnson broke 95 to set the pace in the doubles, and Steve Satterwhite had a 95 in the handicap, running the last 50. I think that was his first 50 straight in handicap.

OTA SP held their monthly shoot July 9, and we had a record temperature of 110° that day. It was a little uncomfortable.

The singles winner was Charles Leadingfox with 197, and Micray Ratcliffe broke his very first 50 straight. In the afternoon the wind picked up, and we got the blast-furnace effect. Richard Shaffer broke 94 to lead everyone in handicap. Charles headed the doubles with 93. Conditions Sunday were about the same. Rick Bliss won the singles, and Leadingfox topped the handicap with 97 and the doubles with 95. Brian Northup and John Ewing went two rounds in a shootoff for Class D, with John winning. Katryna Mayall won women’s in the handicap with 84.

The Texas State Shoot in Amarillo was well attended by Oklahoma shooters. It was hot and dry, as usual. After serving many years as Texas Delegate, Gary Sherrod passed his duties to Jerry O’Connor. We all wish Jerry well. Some of the Oklahoma shooters who shot well were Jayton Bryant, Jerald Ford, Bill Dayton and Ron Bliss.

In Sunday’s handicap Ethan McCauley broke 96, and Chance Fleming entered a 95 (both running the middle 50). Chuck Gates carded a 96, and Pat Stacey posted a 97, winning several other trophies.

The Southwestern Zone Shoot was hot and dry in most of the locations. Shooting at Ft. Worth in 100°+ temperatures, Max Hitt broke 194 along with Brian Ratcliffe to shoot off for Zone Class C singles, with Max taking the trophy. Brian shot his first 100 straight in the event. Sub-junior Hunter Ratcliffe broke a 96 in the handicap to win the event at Ft. Worth.

At the KTA site there were many Oklahoma shooters as well. Stacey shot well, and Corbin Grybowski and Danny Elston took some Zone titles along with Brian Anderson and Robert Felgenhauer. Overall Oklahoma shooters were well represented at the various sites.

This is my first report to the shooters of Oklahoma, and I hope to represent you well. If you need to contact me, you can at 405-376-9408, 405-517-2222 (cell) or l.j.parsons@sbcglobal.net.

I will try to help you if I can. As has been the tradition with Tim, let’s keep our military men and women in our prayers.

                Larry Parsons

                ATA Delegate

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