It had been a long trip. Caught the red eye from Argentina direct Miami then on to Baltimore where I rented a car and drove across the Bay bridge committed to laying my head on a pillow in Dover Delaware. Was the duck hunting worth it...yup! When was the last time you and your hunting partner bagged 61 ducks in less than 4 hours.....twice a day for--> 4 days! You do the math.....and if you don't come with me next year, who's fault is that!-----------> See the blog called "Blind Ambition" coming up later in the month. It's the full story with pics! But lets go to the US OPEN!
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COPY OR EXAMINE FULL SCREEN...
The next morning early I rolled out excited to have arrived a day or so early. I was eager to see Hopkins Farm meet George and Patty get some photos and interviews. However I slowed myself down to make a last check of emails that may have arrived during the flights....after a search of my luggage I discovered to my shock that my computer had been stolen---humm, maybe anger is a more descriptive word... no, there were several descriptive words, none which you haven't heard before. I am junking the soft sided luggage shooters. I had decided in Argentina that I did not want to carry the computer around the airports so I packed it.....mistake.
Anyway it did pump a little adrenalin through the sluggish morning muscles. I skipped that last cup of coffee. My temper quickly subsided when I saw Lois Lessing standing outside the office taking a break.
Her warm smiling familiar face was a welcome sight. TEST--->how many of you knew Lois worked for the NSAC for 15 years as Director of the Sporting Clays division? OK---->how many knew Lois is contracted to do 32 shooting events a year? OK----> how many know that Lois is from Wyoming? But wait a minute...don't you have to live in Wyoming to say that your from Wyoming....lets see 32 shoots a year, travel time...that's stretching it Lois but we couldn't live without you...I just wonder how your husband does?? Who among us does NOT depend upon Lois--->Wyshotgun.com for their shooting results? The sport of Sporting Clays is lucky to have such a dedicated individual on their squad...lets hear it for Lois! Be sure and thank her next chance...she will probably say, "..for what?" That is the first sign of a person doing what she loves.
<-------As I was standing by the rented SUV organizing my next move I happened to look up and notice a sign on the building that read what? Now that's class! I wondered if it might be possible to interview Wendel for the radio. Not 30 minutes later I met Wendle and his charming wife Anne as they exited the Registration office. Wendle agreed to an interview without hesitation. Patty Hopkins found a quiet spot for us to talk...the ammo storage room..lol..lol..
What a lucky guy to have his beautiful charming wife come to all his shoots, "..except the ones he flies too.." Anne added quickly. Not sure what that means Anne??Before the interview ended I was once
again surprised by the friendliness of these two REAL people from Tenn. what great ambassadors of our sport. Wendel closed by saying if there was anything I needed that he could help with just ask...he gave me his cell number...oops I believe it was Anne's cell number to be exact. But if you get the opportunity to shoot with Wendel or even say hello you will find him to be a great guy.
Soooo you want to hear about the course George Hopkins set....lets start with the HEAT George arranged to sweep the countryside...and I'm a Texas guy. Boy this was nothing short of a good old south Texas hot humid heat wave. Sweat threw your shirt, wipe the drips from your brow eye stinging heat man! But to George's credit he and his team did provide tented shelters from the sun along the course, ice cold water, in-the-shell salty peanuts, fresh ice cold watermelon and finely ICE CREAM!....he worked hard to give the shooters every opportunity to cool down.... great job....thanX!
Unless you were shooting FITASC or a small bore, the only opportunity for you to practice was on 10 stations that made you wonder if this was not the Main Event course! George did get the Games up and several 5-stand stations and a "flurry" which I never got a chance to shoot. Every time I actually caught sight of George he was running ahead of everyone in his "turbo"
charged Gator! Checking..checking...checking....I did speak to Patty Hopkins and she made it very clear to me that......."we keep George busy, he's busy today and he'll be busy everyday until the shoot ends.." This was in answer to my request for a radio interview. OK this IS the US OPEN! Around a 1000 shooters are descending upon the farm from as far north as Alaska, as far east as Japan and as far south as Jamaica...all expecting a lot from their host. It is surly the largest shoot I have ever attended. But...but...but guys you have to understand...I am here to help YOU---> you have to make time for the Radio Guy!
I was however really glad to run into Mo Daan and Richard as they were returning from an inspection of the course layout... now that's a sign of a true professional---> Mo was particularly excited, she was looking forward to changing clay to dust...her favorite past time!! She gave me a big hug and headed off for the next course.
(Mo call me I lost your address to send you a copy of the radio show--8053529269) I had heard that Andy (don't call me Jerry) Duffy was shooting FITASC and I wanted to grab him before the Main Event so I went off in another direction. I followed Andy around a bit watching him smack targets as gently and easily as swatting flies on a summer night. It's like they say the great ones make it look so easy. When I did introduced 
myself and asked if he had time for an interview for the radio. He paused, then admitted he had not heard of the "American Trigger Sport Network Radio" but we concluded the program may not play in his area of Montana. Hey Andy I'm working on it...let you know when it is in Tolson....where is Tolson anyway?
We decided on the farms bunkhouse for the interview. It had been reserved for the Ref's. Some of them were in between shifts relaxing in the cool a/c, but quickly relinquished the space when they knew that I needed a quiet place for the radio interview.
"ThanX guys". I did learn a lot from Andy. Not only is he a good shot but a highly intelligent shooter to boot.... I guess I had not known just how long Andy had been into trigger sports. He openly discussed his hunting and dog training days in New York state that eventually lead him to enter the competitive shooting arena. By the end of the interview he became very supportive of the radio program, hoped that it would help recognize the sport, and move it into the mainstream of sporting events where it belongs. 
In his own words
"...if someone can sit in front of a TV and watch guys catching a fish....well we have a surprise for them" he was not criticizing fishing he loves to fish but the point was well taken. You want to have some real fun watch a shooter scrap an piece of clay traveling at 80 miles and hour! But I'm preaching to the choir...right? Off the microphone Andy discussed ways to push Sporting Clays forward. Extremely knowledgeable, Andy had many ideas and pointed out people in the industry who could help. I have now added Ed Perchel to my list of interviews....anyone know how to contact him?? I have a "Bounty" on him....free lunch if you get me his cell phone number! It was also nice to hear that Andy's father had played a major roll in his shooting career. Sometimes we forget how much we influence younger generations...and how long that memory lasts. Good interview Andy...your a natural for radio===>ThanX. Watch for it on the radio...
OK, Prelim Day!!.....seems like the last few Prelim's I have attended started in weather....BAD weather.
So I should not have been surprised to wake and find overcast sky's and rain. The first flight was at 8:30 AM. I chose to follow Andy Duffy and his squad. Boy did I do the right thing...not only did Andy share insight and advise on each target with each squad member before and after he shot... he was a traveling road show of entertainment joking and keeping everyone from getting tooooo frustrated. But once you entered the stand, he never said a word, he allowed the shooter to gather himself, pick a position, a break point and call for a target. If you missed he was there to offer advice, if you connected....he applauded your shot. There were only 4 shooters to a squad. He improved each members score as we moved quickly from station to station. By the way George Hopkins, the smaller squads seemed to work better and faster. But anyway, if your lucky enough to shoot with Andy Duffy....get ready to improve your score AND your shooting.
Let's stop here a minute. What a great course design, surrounded by corn fields, wheat and trees. Hey it is a farm! But this truly would rival any golf course design...and on what golf course can you find freezer's filled with ice cream and sliced watermelon! As we proceeded around the 16 stations set up for the Prelim I began to understand the mind of this trapper--->George. I had not been at Hopkins Farm before so I didn't know what to expect in his target settings. 
But earlier in the interview with Wendel Cherry he eluded to the challenge, and pointed out that each Trap Setter had his own signature. Using the terrain... ponds, trees and slopes, berm's and light, George tried hard to test your skills reading the targets. Where most challenges are just fast and high or on edge, George also established stations where the shooter had only a few split seconds to... read it and fire! Stations where the barrel of the gun was pointing down more than up. The rabbits came quickly towards the end of the course bringing loud cheers or deadly silenced as some shooters exploded on them while others imploded. Did the rain play a part? Yes, but it was only a mild nuisance to most, Andy pulled 
out a light rain jacket from his bag, smiled and said,"...you have to be ready for anything," turned away and walked the course in the rain and wind....choosing to "get into it" rather than complain about it. Now that brought out the respect from other shooters as they huddled around the tents. Everyone searched for lighting. Rules state lighting will pull the Ref's from the station forcing the games to end or at least create a delay...I am not sure who makes the final call? But with all the "big shots" in the Prelim I was glad it did not lead to that decision.
When the clouds cleared, Andy Duffy lead the pack...but only two targets separated him from Mr. Jon Kruger and Wendel Cherry by days end. I cannot speak for the others but I can say Andy was as cool as a cucumber never showing any sign of pressure even when he missed a target. He shook it off and moved to the next station with the same smile on his face. 
I asked him once what he thought about between pairs. After the first two, dead or lost Andy would take a breath, seem to reach inside and shoulder the gun for the next pair. I know what I think... but what does Andy Duffy think about? He responded "....aah lunch of course!" We laughed. But I was nearly right, he said he needed to feel calm inside before he called for the target, " right within myself.."
But this is the Prelim folks things can change when the Main Event begins. We all know it's about consistency and endurance, concentration and muscle memory. This is the US Open. The best of the best will lead...and when I checked the score board again---> suddenly a new name appeared.. Jack Concannon is in a shoot off!! Who could ever forget the photo in Sporting Clays magazine of Jack Concannon standing along side the best shooters on the PLANET at the World Shoot held in the UK last year holding his trophy!....and what about THIS year's World Championship? Guess who? Right again folks CONCANNON!
The next 72 hours will determine the winners and runners up. If you came, you are a winner. There are no looses here. But some will take away hardware and others will take away memories. I felt lucky to be here.
I expect to have a good time. Pick up some experience and return for a better fight next year. As I drove the shooting cart around the course admiring the landscape and watching shooters enjoying
themselves I spied another old friend--> Jim Porter and his boys Joshua, Garret and Paul. Otherwise better know as the Southern California Top Guns. I received my very first Sporting Clays instruction from Jim in California. He is a story all by himself, what a guy! But I will save that for another post AND a radio interview. But I do need to 
ask one question----->Garret what the hell are you listening too???
What was my squad like you ask....well Nat (not Nate) Harris and his son Taylor came to do battle. Watching Nat pointed out to all of us how to make the shot...what a great family. Nat quietly watched me strain over a few targets. Calmly he spoke only a low tone using short sentences..."you have plenty of time.." He offered stability to the team. To watch him
approach the station, draw a breath and smoke a target was inspiration to all of us. Unlike many I have shot with he guarded his opinions and remained a gentleman throughout the course. What a perfect guy to shoot with....no brag just fact. Some insist on "talking the game" to handle their nerves. Nat just stepped into the box and smoked targets smoothly and with dignity. Nice shooting with you Nat, hope I get a chance to shoot with you again it's been a pleasure sir....
Back at the staging area I was ready to eat. Seems eating before I shoot slows my action so I wait for the flight to end. Everyone lined up to eat at 3 tented eateries. Plenty of good food for all. I tried all three but it was hard to pass up Dixey Joe's soft shell crab and crab cakes
....but the brownies really yelled out to me. Joy Conrad made up two different kinds....male and female. Yup...male and female brownies....->>> 2,3,4, any one guess the difference yet? If you haven't emale me..lol..lol..Seems Andy Duffy headed for the same treat. We agreed it had been a good morning and a small chocolate reward was in order..
I finely got the picture I had been hoping for---> George and his daughter Leslie Hopkins. George didn't have much time to chat, shrugged off my request...it was only because of Leslie's insistence that he agreed to stand still long enough for me to click the photo. The "click" of the camera barely made it to your ear before George faded out of frame...whoosh! Gone again on his "turbo" charged Quad! The pride of the Hopkins family Leslie, a mother of 2, got her office skills from her mother. 
She had a firm grip on what was going and coming. Manning...or Womening the phone, giving directions, answering questions and managing anything that came her way while her husband Wayne worked with George on the course. With more encouragement from Leslie I even added a photo of Patty and her sister together behind the counter....one might say they were closer to being twins don't you think? Must be the good water
around there??.
Well Thursday was my day off, from shooting that is... so I decided to concentrate on radio interviews. Since I drive out to Hopkins Farm each day I kept noticing this big green DC-3 parked on the side of this grass landing strip.
Never gave it much thought as I past by but planes..like horses seem to whisk me away somehow when I see them? Anyway today I noticed a guy out there stripped to the waist working on a small bi-plane. "no, no way" I thought... but what the heck all he could say was "NO". So I turned around and decided to give it a try. David Pfaff is a Captain for US Airlines, he is also the owner of a 1957 copy of a 1933 German WWII trainer that belonged to his father. When I asked him if he was flying today. He responded by saying "yes..just as soon as I change the oil and find out where these extra parts go..."### WHAT!.. he laughed and agreed to take me up for a ride..." But I do have some bad news he said... I can't charge you anything" 
...ahhh ok...well that is not the answer I was expecting. In California I would of been charged something for just coming ONTO the property! But not wanting the offer to go cold I quickly answered, " Listen David how about in an hour, call me"----> he DID! We flew over the Hopkins farm did a couple of tight turns,
took a few photos and returned to the grassy landing strip. What a guy! ThanX David I hope I see you again...maybe at an airport somewhere. As far as I was concerned my day was complete. I had done my job...more than just done it so I decided to go back to the hotel and 
make a list of Interviews.... and I needed to begin this blog.
The first round of the Main Event
The squad was made up of only 3 shooters. Ian Hurds, J Henderson and myself. We moved quickly around the stations. Both Ian and 
J took a few losses before they got "on their game". Even though I did well on some stations my overall score was lower than I had hoped for... The US OPEN was design around 200 targets over three days...calculate...calculate....yes that's 68 target, 66 targets and 66 targets on three courses. My past experience tells me.. if you don't "GET THEM" on the first day you spend the rest of the shoot trying to catch up. I tried to shake it off as I continued to miss targets I should have hit.
My fellow squad members had had many days on many ranges and trained with some of the best instructors before coming. J admitted he had trained with Bobby Fowler. I enjoyed the company of fellow shooters, made a few good shots, 
even aced a station or two but it was not good enough...this is the US OPEN folks! I left the field knowing the day was lost to the trappers. They had done their job and I gave it my best effort. Tomorrow is another day.
Rather than go back to the hotel and lick my wounds I decided to grab an interview or two for the radio show. First on my list.....Mr. Bruce Hering...who dat? Well let me tell you who dat is...Bruce is the Program director/instructor at Southeastern Ill college in Harrisburg Ill. for the Game Preserve & Shooting Complex Management degree program. What is that to you..you ask? Who cares you may mumble...how many of us have attended a shoot and found the Ref's to be friends of the owner or friends of friends of the owner. Maybe never have had a gun IN their hands, maybe never have officiated at an event before ....any event! Now they are about to determine your Lost-Dead targets! EEEEKS!
Bruce's program trains these young guys and girls to officiate. They even have to serve an internship for up to a year on a real course before they can graduate. Under Bruce's guidance they travel around the country as Ref's at various events building confidence and experience. 
Remember they are in college so they can only do one a month during the school year....but I am here to tell you this is a great program. I met 25-30 of the students. What a great bunch of guys and girls.
Professional in appearance, professional in manners and professional in their ability to handle TOP GUNS like Kruger, McGuire, Duffy, Cherry, Concannon and newbies like Towle! What a pleasure it was to talk with these guys and girls. How much better you feel when you step into a station knowing the Ref's know what their job is and how to do it. You have to hear this interview on the radio. Bruce will tell you how to get involved and who to contact.
Next on the list....well I walked out after the interview with Bruce and strolled over to the score board. In case you missed it there are almost a thousand shooter here....thats a lot of shooting carts, quads and pull carts all going in every direction...and by the way each seems to think they are more important than the other one so watch out if your walking and talking. I spotted Antony Matarese
standing with some other guys his age. I introduced myself and he agreed to an interview. I had caught him at a perfect time. Between shooting events.
We sat down at the kitchen table of the bunkhouse which was fast becoming my studio and discussed his career. Antony is first the son of Antony who owners the M & M Shooting range in New Jersey. Antony, the son, was also 3d in the FITASC World Event, the Bronze medalist in 2006. He is a rising star to say the least. Big tall good looking guy, lots of dark full hair, big grim, good sense of humor. We kidded one another at the table and had a good interview. Antony also gives lessons. Hey... if your a young shooter in your 20's you may want to contact Antony if you want to have a lesson with someone your own age that is just a very cool guy and he speaks your language. Now Antony was accompanied by his body guard, 
TJ Fluehr....well sorta. See TJ is a funeral director in Jersey...BADA BING!..lol..lol...Oh and one more reason to have a lesson with Antony...come closer to the screen I don't want everyone to hear this..... he has a knockout looking sister! Pissssst----> she likes the beach...here's her pic--->
I had to have something to eat so I was on my way to the area assigned to caterers when I heard someone say Jack Concannon was shooting on the practice 5-stand.....
...... CONCANNON! Now for those who may not recognize Jack Concannon. First let me say he is over 60 years old and has TIED ANDY DUFFY! Did anyone get that??? Well when I caught up to him he was specifically working on his long shots, letting some of the easy shots go. I waited. When the rounds ended I approached him and intro'ed myself. He greeted me warmly. I was shaking hands with a new friend. I have met enough of these guys now to recognize a real smile from a business like smile. 
Jack was truly a nice guy who eagerly agreed to an interview. Just wanted to know more about the "Trigger Sports Network". But Jack's huge in Sporting Clays, has won around 400 guns in his career and won the 2006 World Event in the England...the list goes on and on from the early days of gunsmithing to TOP GUN! I hope you hear the interview on your local station. Jack thanX! Imagine this now...a guy over 60 who can force Duffy or Kruger or ANY of the TOP GUNS back to the range and challenge them for HOA! Man what a guy Jack..your my hero man. It's like watching Big George Foreman go back into the ring and knock down a guy half his age...go Jack..go Jack...!!
Second day--Main Event.
I decided I had taken this a little toooo causally. This IS the US OPEN. Get back to basic. "Butt, Belly, Beak...BANG" as Dan Reeves says to me. Should I concentrate more, should I be relaxed and not think about
it...what is too relaxed..what is too tense? So on my way to the shoot I remember what Jack Cocannon said yesterday. Relax...remember it is the subconscious mind that hits the target, not the conscience mind. I bought a few 5-stand tickets and shot two rounds. Like my friend and instructor Dan Reeves says, "go shoot some rounds" just to get your ears ringing and engage your brain before the real shoot'en starts. I shot OK but struggled with the long "going way birds" on practice station #1. Just could not get on them. Not reading them well....got to work on that when I get home. As another friend of mine once said." OK..no time for look'en and learning son just get to burn'en and turn'en"....lol..lol..maybe I just need friends that speak better English???
It was time to go. I drove out to station 5 on the Red course. J came shortly after...but where is Ian? One of the main Ref's said he would go back down the road and see if he could spot them coming. He returned in a few minutes. He could not find him. Our instructions were to start with or without him. Well Station 5 was incomers over a pond slightly moving off from right to left as true pairs. I only let one go free. It was a good start...I felt good. Next few stations kept the challenge going, I dropped a few I should have hit. But by the end of the 66 bird course I thought I had done a better job than the day before...in fact on Station #1 where two target jetted out high from left to right in pairs I did better that the shooters before us. I felt pretty good. Owe it to Bobby Fowler. He was shooting behind us again and I over heard him talking to J about how to break them. I listened...and learned. ThanX Bobby! Maybe on our next meeting we can find time for that interview. Sure would like to meet that wife of yours....aaah that didn't sound right did it. What I meant was she was always friendly and smiling each time we past on the course. Helped me to relax just knowing someone friendly was around. But....actually she did look terrific in those camo pants!
Well here's the way it went....Prelim I came in 6th. Beginning first day of Main Event I was 2d, end of first day 36th! Wow....what happened? Lois posted the other shooters scores that's all....but I liked that #2 spot, felt pretty good for awhile. 1PM second day Main Event---9th. Tomorrow will tell the story.
But before I end let me tell you a quick story. There is a women in the Lady's competition, her name is Maureen Daan....MO is what she likes to be called. I mentioned seeing her. I also interviewed her at the Zone 7 shoot. She is a Master class shooter, great personality, always with a smile....helps anybody. Smart shooter. Studies her course, checks out where each trap machine is located and what it looks like... she was tied for 1st place in the Lady's Prelim. I just happened to see her the day before at the Safari Jewelry vender's table. She wanted to buy a silver elephant bracket. I asked her about it. She said "that's a lot of money for silver wire". When I saw her the next day I told her if she won the shoot off I would buy her the bracket. " What...you'll do what?" she responded..."Your on Mister.." she laughed. While I was watching the shoot off with Jack Cocannon, Andy Duffy, Jon Kruger and some of the others Mo was in her shoot off...I missed it. But when I went to my car to leave she came roaring up on her shooting cart grinning from ear to ear..." I won it..I won it!" I congratulated her gave her a kiss on the cheek and told her to meet me the Jewelry vendor the next day after the shoot.
The next day she was again shooting in Bobby Fowlers squad. She quickly came over to me and said I really didn't have to buy her the bracket. They were too expensive anyway and I was sweet to make the offer.
You know what Mo...you deserve it. Mo rarely gets a break. Someone is always on her case about something.....and then there was that "THING" at the zone with Bryan. I bought Mo the bracket and it was my pleasure to do it....what a great gal. She gives so much back to the Sport. Mo I really appreciate your friendship. Wear it in good health and I hope it brings you good luck.
Before I left that day I noticed Zack Kienbaum sitting on his cart with a couple of guys talking about the course. Zack of course is the new California State Champion. I was there when the crown changed hands. Another Champion with a good attitude and a smile. Zack will go far in this sport and he's the type of guy that you want to pattern yourself after if your just entering the Trigger Sports.
I have to make it a point to meet his parents. Talk about a guy who has his feet on the ground....we talked for while. Looking to my right I saw a guy that I see everywhere..at all the big shoots. I felt like I knew him but I couldn't figure out why so I asked. " I'm from Santa Barbara...
my name is Curtis Lessel" Boy did I feel stupid. Of course...we both shoot at the Winchester Range once a month Sporting event. Sorry Curtis how dumb of me...you not only shoot at Winchester...YOU WIN! Isn't it odd if you see someone "out of the normal" area you know them in your mind stumbles around seeking out the name and place?
Last day Main Event
It started well....sunny warm. I decided I had better prepare. After checking the score board I knew what I had to do to at least make the top 10 in my class. I went again and shot the 5 stand to warm up. On my way out I stopped Jim Porter and Garret coming in from the field. Garret said watch the incomers and get lighter glasses you will be in the shadows under the trees. The Blue course would be my Nemesis today it would grind me down, dropping one target after another. Shot behind the ones I missed, shot in front of the ones I should have slowed down for..couldn't seem to get on top of my game. By days end....a poor showing resulted in a score that would keep me out of the top ten and barely remaining in the top twenty of my class. Hey that's tuff to swallow but there is always next year.
I was licking my wounds, eating a fish sandwich when I noticed Tony Rivera and his beautiful wife Debbie walk by....caught up to them sitting in the shade of the Rhino trailer. A very down to earth guy. 
Easy to talk with, there was no pretense. It was like sitting sitting at a cafe counter eating burgers with a new friend. He gave me his telephone number glad to be on the radio show....in fact he was angry that he could not get the show in San Antonio, "In Texas all we do is shoot, hunt, fish, eat and watch the Spurs....so why don't I get your show?" I don't know Tony...but I will check. Tony admits to being a "working man". He has a construction company..."that's my real job." he laughed. He shoots when he can afford the time off. Tony does not give lessons, " I'm saving that for later..." We went on to talk about shooting targets. He gave me some of his theory's. After talking to him I know I could have hit 3-5 more targets this morning using his advice....bit late now, but ThanX Tony I will apply the theory in my next shoot.
I also saw Bobby and Lorie Fowler again, this time looking at "Hidefspex glasses.
Bobby is a Houston guy. Obviously spends a lot of time between shooting and teaching out at the gym. I know little about that... a very disciplined guy...hence the success he has received in his shooting career. Both Bobby and his beautiful wife will receive the "Most Attractive Couple" award this year. Hope to see you in Houston....
Now I did not mention the NSCA meeting I attended did I....to all you members out there who have never attended a meeting or visited San Antonio... just let me say this you are well served by Mr. Michael Hampto
n as your Director. I have sat in more than a few meetings trying to keep from falling asleep..folks Michael and his Executive Director Don Snyder are as good as they come. Michael moves through subjects asking for comments, suggestions or complaints. He wants your impute.
This is a Members Association. Members have a chance to influence the future of this association...do it! I do not know a lot about Michael but he has had to of had a lot of experience with people to conduct himself as professionally as he did in this meeting. As a member I feel privileged to have been lucky enough to attend. I was able to catch up to Michael and Don again the next day while I was interviewing Tony. These guys did not just come here for the meeting they came to meet everyone they could and help answer any questions anyone may have about the NSCA. Another Director Martin Jones went out of his way to come over an introduce himself. He wanted me to understand the NSCA's future and filled me in on it's past.
Ya know the rich and famous were there too...yea who does not have a shooting vest from Sharie LeGate step forward. Sharie is truly a "Star" in Sporting Clays. She had the only series on TV called "PULL" and now tours the country selling her AMERICAN made shooting vests...that's right not China not Taiwan and not Mexico! Her company is in the very heart of the United States..Colorado. I ran into her again at the Baltimore airport, we ALMOST had lunch together....lol..lol...pictures did not come out very good Shari, sorry. I couldn't get that flash to work??? But please don't forget I ordered TWO vests!
Oh and guess who else I saw...our own SHOTGUN JOURNAL host Bruce Scott. He was shooting at the same time I was shooting and he gave me his card in passing===>" call me" he said as he sped off to his next station. Boy have I got a lot of questions for you!
Lastly, my new friend John Hopkins...Dad to all of them. Yep, he watched the barn and kept his eye on everyone. The only security guy I saw there... knows more about everything than anyone. Great talking to you John! Hey "Bones"....WWII fighter pilot and over all great guy. You know the story about how the loss of the shoe lead to the horse failing....and so on and so on....well "Bones" played the essential part of organizing the cars and trucks and trailers...all sizes, all shapes in an orderly fashion. He didn't let anyone slip by his watchful eye....he even challenged me! But if it were not for the guys that bring order and organization to the Shoots you would have a lot of angry people. ThanX John...and thanX "Bones"...hope to see you both next year.
"THE THING"
Ya know it seems at every Shooting Event there is a "THING"....Mo had a "THING" happen to her at the Zone 7 shoot and now Willie T. Ribbs had his "THING" happen at the US OPEN.
Hey in case you have NOT gone to www.wyshotgun.com ----> Our favorite Jon Kruger won HOA and our RU and all around nice guy Bill McGuire came in a very close second.
Hey c u @ Boomers "All American" July 26-29!
were is my picture i am one of the golf cart girls i was wereing a orange in white striped shrit
Posted by: toni koetzle | July 02, 2007 at 04:14 PM