ATTENTION...ATTENTION....SHOOTERS, IF YOU DID NOT ATTEND THIS YEARS' NATIONAL SPORTING CLAY CHAMPIONSHIP... YOU WERE TRICKED AND NOT TREATED!!!!
The targets were do-able, the staff was excellent and the weather was perfect. The largest Sporting Clays Championship in the history of the NSCA went down flawlessly surrounded by exciting games, banquets and parties!
Who decided to change the dates of the National Sporting Clays Championships anyway?? Who Cares! Just thank every member of the governing body at the NSCA...and when you see Michael Hampton shake his hand. Good decisions are far and few between in this life and when one is 
made...it should be acknowledged and congratulated. Some researchers even claim it encourages good decisions in the future! Believe it!
Everyone who is anyone or wants to become someone in Sporting Clays was there. Jon Kruger came down from the mountain and brought that famous clay smashing K-80 of his, with a NEW English walnut stock. Bill McGurie drove in from Tennessee with a truck full of "get ready", Scott Robertson brought his motor home down from Elm Fork, Zach Kienbaum brought his title from California looking to upgrade, Jim Porter brought his crew of sharp shooters from Triple B, 
friends Carl & Beverly Zapffe came from Washington, Stephen Van Helden brought a K-80 and left with a Perazzi, Gil & Vicky Ash drove all the way from Houston for the 17th or 19th time?? Bobby
& Lori Fowler planned his stratagy during their drive, Bryan Laws polished his .410, confident he would take home the prize, Jack Concannon was seen driving around in a new Cadillac, Tony Rivera broke away long enough from his Commercial Construction project to throw lead, Mo Daan put down the reins to her new colt long enough to scoop up a trophy before returning to Reno, Gary Greenway "America's Milkman" 
brought his humor and a gun to do battle, Steve Fischer brought a camera and a gun, Carl Westfall was there and took home a Second Place, Curtis Lessel brought his crew of pirates and conspirators in an attempt to 
overthrow long standing titles. I was glad to see a new, old friend from The Homestead "Green Jacket Club", Edwin Wahlen. The list went on and on folks, but last and first was MR. DON CARLISLE who took home the HOA!
But before the registered 1,370 + shooters lined up for battle, Bill McGuire and I got together at "RUDY'S" for a little BBQ. This is the eating place of all the regulars who come to the Nationals. This is where you buy your BBQ by the pound, eat it off wax paper and sip a Shriner Beer....TEXAS STYLE!
Only sissys use napkins here! It was well after dark before Bill and I staggered out to his truck....it wasn't the beer that made us waddle, it was the food! Tooooo much....tooooo goood. We had shared a few stories with many whose names fell between the secret recipe for cream corn and the fresh cole slaw. Pat Lieske sat with us for awhile and invited us to visit his SOS School of Shooting in MI.,a Delegate of the NSCA, he pridefully claimed many years of attendance at the Nationals.
The next morning, the first thing I wanted to do was get a "one-on-one" with Mr. Don Snyder. I see him everywhere but never seem to be at the same place at the same time. But I had him cornered! I sat in front of his office and waited. When Don came around the corner he smiled and said, "you got me finally..didn't you," smiling. Now you can tell alot about a man from seeing his office. Don HAS an office. Walls lined with deer and awards. Teak and walnut furnishings..top drawer stuff. No junk. Plus, in a corner, a well used excersize bike. Don keeps his eye on everything and stays in shape. I will summerize Don this way...a John Wayne kinda guy. You'll enjoy the interview on the radio. Thank you sir....
Check-in was going like breeze...this staff was ready and experienced. Our close friend, Lois Lessing, put her skills on the line with a smile. She was organized, she was ready and she was home. Her family lives near by, coming to the Nationals had an extra benefit for Lois. So when the Linwood College Shooting Team stormed the registration office unexpectedly, Lois just flexed her muscle and powered through the problem like the professional she has become. Who would have a shoot this size without Lois...THANX Lois!
When first approaching the Registration Office a quick"clip board" survey was requested before you were is
sued your packet. However tedious, the NSCA surveys provide valuable information for next years' events.Time well spent...just do it! I caught radio fav
orite, Tony Rivera hunched down filling out his survey questionaire. As we were discussing his next live radio interview ,Tony stated he was up to his ear lobes in work."Just call me on the job like last time....it was fun!" San Antonio is growing at an unbelievable rate of speed and Tony and his crews are everywhere. But there were signs of stress.
Now hurry shooters. Step lively here, get inside, sign up for side games, because FITASC is closed. This is the Nationals,boys and girls,you should have signed up for that months before arriving. Pick up your shooting cart and pay y
our fees amist the Halloween clad staffers. What a hoot 
as they say...it added to the fun and excitment. I can see this evolving more and more over the next few years. As we all know, and have heard from Lanny Basham...your "mental management" is 50% of the game and Michael and his staff put you in a good mental mood from the moment you walked up. HEY...who was that "Red Headed Stranger" she sure knows her stuff...lol..lol..
REMEMBER---> CLICK ON PHOTO TO COPY
Nov 1-----Green Station 1
Hey.. 8:30 AM comes early--->just after the sun gets up! Duh, guess I had not given that decision enough thought before I signed up for that flight. Could have taken that flight on Sunday AFTER DAYLIGHT SAVINGS kicked in! That means no time to get in a few birds before the MAIN begins.But as luck would have it, I was assigned to a special squad of "experts & nice guys"--->Mike Taylor, long known for his expertise and Team USA member, Steven Van Helden, retired CEO determined shooter and my old friend and radio guest, Bruce Hering.
Of course the "radio guy" was up first on
Green station 1, after a few losses my luck improved when a beautiful coyote came out of the ditch hollering, "shoot at the target not me...I'm trying to sleep here!" I got his hint and finally got my wheels under me. The day improved, station after station. Both Steve and Mike were on their game, but Bruce was struggling a bit, getting his game off the ground.
Had to do a little touring of the facility, afterall, it was my FIRST time. I noticed in my packet, that there was a special shoot entitled "first time" shooters to NSCA. I checked my schedule...where was it and when? I hate being late! As it turned out, it was just my score that counted. But next year, let's have a "PRESS ONLY" shoot and invite not only the usual suspects like myself, but also from San Antonio AND News people from around the country. Now that may bring in a few TV cameras and a little extra attention to our event each year. Let's work on a list. Hey shooters, help us out... who do you know in your home town that works in the News business and shoots or hunts? Call Michael and let's get them here next year with a special invitation and perhaps an incentive package! Good news is GOOD NEWS!
Nov.2 ..!---->Friday. Yellow station 1.
I did not need to be on station until 10:30. I spent a few shells at the practic stands. I felt good. Arriving on station early I noticed the Armed Forces had sent volenteers to Ref. Seemed natural since they also sent C-5 MONSTER cargo planes to fly low over the course and raise the hair on you neck! Whew...no distraction there! 
But one could not help being proud to be an American when you saw them bank and slide in for a landing. My old buddy and Canadian Hockey player, Randy Travalia, now from MN. ,was shooting just ahead of me in the next squad. I had to walk over and explain to him that the "distraction" above him in the air could carry the entire Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force....AYE!..lol..lol.. Randy and his lovely wife, Nancy, usually travel together. Great couple. Randy has a good sense of humor and solid American loyalty. By the end of the course, I had discovered a few weaknesses in my shooting. However, I received such great support from my squad, I knew I would do better the next day. Bruce stopped me after station 3, and explained how after a "Bad" day on the course yesterday, he had a long and serious talk with his gun. Whatever he said should be published because Bruce came out swinging early and smashed target after target surprising us all with a huge score at the end of the day! GO BRUCE!
Back at HQ, the excitment was mounting.... A quick run over to the Ammo building found Big
Bad John hiding behind a bear
d and wearing old clothes but..but..but..he always looks like that...lol.lol..The line moved quickly. The combined experience of John's team prevented the usual "waiting in line syndrome" from happening. John was also in charge of selling Game tickets AND securing several hundred guns nightly. Great job, John!
That night the National delegate & Advisory Council Meeting was held. The attendance was impressive. I had made a new friend, Jimmy Montgomery from Louisana....or was it Crown Royal Corners?? Seen here, talking "shop" with our friend Don Snyder, Excutive Director, over the whole shebang! Jimmy made me a solid promise to look after me when I cross the border into Louisana to attend his big Mandrel Shoot..." I can take care of EVERYTHING and ANYTHING...just don't move the body till 
I get there!" lol..lol..lol..he later introduced me to the Louisana contingent->Carson,Tommasi, Pedersen, THE JUDGE Mike Carady, Peanut and Shannon. Look forward to sharing some cajun delicacies with you all soon.
Michael Hampton opened the meeting. He reviewed the 
agenda and called for questions. He introduced new Advisory Council Members and moved quickly to voting on the location for the 2009 US OPEN. Our friend and radio commentator, Mark Kiddie, spoke for Elk Creek eliquently. Antony Materase presented his clubs' advantages
In the end, the vote fell in Elk Creeks favor. Not because one location was better than the other, not because one could do a better job of hosting this prestigious event...but because the members just wanted a change. It will be a challenge for Gary and Curtis to match what Antony and his hard working family of shooters have honed to perfection. BE THERE!!
Lastly, Kim Rhody brought her 3 OLYMPIC Gold Medals to the podium. But not to brag, to infor
m us of the history of the Gold and the uniquness of each individual medal and encouraged us to come forward and touch something few of us will ever have placed around our necks. Her father sat in the audience, proud of the daughter he raised so well. She reminded everyone,that life without service to others lacks fulfillment. Kim is a strong supporter of the Ronald McDonald Foundation. She brought with her the Founder/President Mr. Glenn Lubeznik....and he's a shooter! How very lucky we/NSCA is to have such a fine person like Kim representing this country in the Olympics and working hard to help others. Watch for her on the radio soon.
Nov. 1st...K-Cup
First day Kieghoff Kup. I had just purchased my first K-80 and only hours before, interviewd Mr. Dieter Kieghoff for the radio...I wanted to do well. The squad consisted of a great couple, Carol & Clark Amos, sort of shared a gun from time to time. Carol shot very well. But Master Class shooter and Builder from Brandon, MS, Joe Rankin was my mentor. The day went ok for me, not what I had hoped in the end. Good targets, great fun and a really good squad. But I was scheduled to be on the Red Course for the MAIN by 1pm. A more experienced shooter would not be concerned as the clock ticked and 1pm started to close in on the K-Kup. Finally, I had to decided what to do...finish the K-Kup and be late to the Red Station?? I consulted my K-Kup squad first...at a loss for an unanimous answer, I looked for people I know. Mo Dann came to the rescue...she said simply, " What is more important...the K-Kup or the MAIN event?" That WAS the obvious answer. I jumped into the cart and headed quickly to the Red Station. My squad members there agreed with the decision, and Bruce got on the radio and explained the problem to the officials. I was instructed to shoot the Red and return to the station missed on the K-Kup after to complete the course.
Well I floundered a bit as the MAIN began. Guess I had lost my concentration and focus. That's my story and I'm sticking to it..lol..lol.. But I did ok. In the end,I quickly returned to the last station of the K-Kup---->>>#10! For those of you that remember that was two targets off the tower from the left at lightening speed and undetermined distance from the SUN! Yeah...that station. Well I explained my quandry to the Air Force Ref and he smiled, " So....you're going to love this one." I was given permission by the upcoming squad to slip ahead and shoot. When the show birds were released I knew I had no plan to kill them. I poked at the sky and fired. Before the last pair showed themselves, I paused to remind myself of the plan I made driving from Santa Barbara to the Nationals, ".. hit every easy bird and don't blow any stations." I took several deep breaths, positioned my barrel and called for the targets.....I slammed the first target quickly and moved for the second...tooo late to catch him. More experienced shooters would have shot the far one first and dropped back for the close one. But Hey...I was happy...I had not blown the station! I crushed ONE! There really is a Sporting Clays God!
The Hall of Fame Banquet started at 6:30 at the Radisson. The location was excellent for such a Prestegious event. Those few who have spent a life time nurturing Sporting Clays, those who have stood alone and defended our sport and those who's time it is to give back to our sport were there...and inducted into the Hall of Fame. No greater way of expressing our appreciation to those who have served us in the good times and bad than this....
what a truly magnificent evening. Mr. Jon Kruger received the first award back in 1998. However, Jon did receive one of the awards this year for Most Targets Shot in 2007.
Receiving NSCA highest award were Valerie Johnson, Bruce Ney and Linda Joy-Sosebee each presented the Gold Medal signifying their inductions. Please accept my apology Valerie, I missed your photo because of equipment failure. Also, just as a side note about Bruce Ney--> little did I know in Kentucky ,at Elk Creek, the man standing next to me in the practice 5-stand 
was Bruce. As I repeatedly missed a low crossing shot, he finally turned and smiled asking politely, "can I make a suggestion?" I never missed one after that...THANX Bruce.
As I walked around the room I saw many of the leaders in our sport, dressed well ,showing support for the NSCA in this most prestgious of event. I was proud to be apart of this sport. If you did not attend or if you are one 
of the ones who somehow feel the Banquet is not important...you're wrong. If you're a leader.. LEAD. BE HERE! People want to see you. They want to talk to you and they want a photo with you. The impression by many is that if your amoung the chosen few who are considered TOP GUN CELEBRITIES and do not attend...this is what they say, " Oh he's tooo
o good to be here.." It is exactly events just like this, that guarantees the NSCA a firm hold in the future. The celebrities in our sport must contribute more than a top score and a passing smile on the course. What do THEY do in every other sport----> THEY SET THE EXAMP
LE. My old friend, Curtis Anderson, and his lovely wife were there to share and enjoy the company of others.
Sometimes one even has to look twice just to recognize members...LOOK at Martin! Is this guy secretly running for Governor? He's this years' GQ award winner for fashion.....and Mo Daan! Did you see how many chairs were pulled around her table. Every single guy in the hood was there. Even married eyes were challenged to keep their attention on the podium. Everyone was starring at those beautiful round ...silver elephant bracelets on her wrist......lol.
Nov. 2nd Saturday
It was the Red Station for me. Whatever happen to the Ladies Tour bus for Fredericksburg? Great idea but I never heard back from anyone?? But everything else was in full swing. The "Wailing Wall" had begun to a familiar echo about noon with excuses as shooters stood against the steel railing peering through smoke at the first posted scores. About 5:30, the first announcement for the Shoot-Offs was heard loud and clear, from the PA system. I turned my shooting cart towards the stadium where the TOP GUN SHOOT OFFS were to be held. As I approached and began to remove my equipment I heard the roll call of shooters and where they should report. "WHO?" Did they say James TowEL...James TowEL?? That is the usual pronunciation of my name... Could they mean ME? I stopped a employee with a handful of papers and asked him to look and see if the name JAMES TOWLE had been announced. "yea,h you him? Better get down to the Clay 
Cartridge stand 6, pronto, Mr. Press guy!" There were 10 shooters on the list. One was my friend,Tim Johnstone from the Texas State Shoot. It's always more fun if the competitors are people you know. Tim did not show up? What happen Tim..? But ThanX, since you were NOT there I won it shooting 9 out of 10. Why is it when I'm in a shoot-off there is never anyone I know around when I WIN ...only when I lose!
With no time to spare, I thanked all that shot against me and jumped in the cart. The main event was about to start.
A costumed announcer and helper introduced each shooter...all the TOP GUNS. The rules were explained. Fireworks, balloons and the dreaded XXX Birds! What a HOOT! Everyone had a good time and had the chance to watch some of the country's best shooters try to concentrate with all kinds of unimaginable distractions. Scott Robertson stole the show early ,blasting away at pumpkins and balloons. Hey Scott, by the way , your comments did not fall on deaf ears Pal...I'm working on it. But shooters if you were not there....YOU WERE TRICKED and not TREATED to a great, fun event. It is easy to imagine this event will grow and become even more exciting next year.
Nov.3d
Another day of stress... and fun complimented by a party at the Baretta Pavillion for recognition of Sponsors. I was on a pretty good run at my level and happy with my improved shooting. 
I must thank my friend Bill McGuire for the training he gave me in Tennessee...it worked Bill! I need more Mental Management Time....Lanny & Tony! But the end of the day was well rewarded. The party at the Baretta Pavillion was needed by all. Many, many prizes were handed out from drawings. The food was good and it was an oppurtunity for a relaxing, fun evening...with music! As I roamed the room searching for the Rich & Famous, I found everyone enjoying themselves. The conversation was not entirely about shooting. Some actually commented on the Stock Exchange and Football. 
Most of the Referees were there huddled together laughing and telling jokes.
Bruce Hering has a great bunch of guys and girls. I see them all over the country. Very professional. You know when they are on a shoot, each station will go strickly by the rules. But saying that, let me add that I was also glad to see the Military Base provided personal. What a pleasure to see our men & women enjoying the sport. In fact, since I was on Bruce's squad it was not unusal to walk up to a station and hear Bruce squawk out to the Ref, " Have you shot your station son!" and no 
matter how much the young man might resist the temptation, Bruce responded with," Get down here soldier...in a past life I was your commanding officer!" lol..lol...Not only did they scramble down from their Ref's station, a loud," Sir..Yes Sir!"
accompanied the move. It was very generous of Bruce to allow the time AND his gun to these volenteers. ThanX, Bruce that was a strong "patriotic symbol of support"...AND a damn nice thing to do. See---> "ol Stone Face" Bruce has more than a pink cap....there is something beating under his vest....lol..lol..
Nov. 4th...
The bleeding was ending....the shoot-offs would now determine the final winners and forever memories. On this night alone, some will bathe in Glory's warm light. A handful will stand high and stare into a crowd of applauding friends and fans. Brick layers, Bookkeepers, Bankers and 
Businessmen. Blue collar, white collar and ..yes a few proud red necks are all equal at this moment in time. It's not who you are, but how you have trained.
It is interesting to witness the genuine friendliness between competitors that know ,in the next few seconds ,FIRST PL
ACE will be determind for a year. We are fortunate to be apart of a sport that can show soooo much CLASS when it counts. There's not many sports where WINNERS & LOOSERS celebrate together! God, I do love this sport...Lastly shooters there are a lot of talents that contribute to your NATIONALS. I would have to print a newspaper to thank everyone. But there is a photo gallerys below, help yourself to copies AND thank these people next time you see them!------->>see you next year shooters! AND SEE YOU ON THE RADIO!
Remember as the sign says, "The Mind is a Terrible Thing".
Hey, if you do NOT get my radio show in your town---->email me. I will send you a complementary subscription to become a CHARTER member of our new club. YOU, and everyone that sends me an address before January 1st, 08, will get a FREE copy of my show, every month!! You can play it anytime you want..whenever you want, as many times as you want, start a library, lend it to a friend----->MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Each show features live interviews with the top guns, shooting tips from the worlds' most respected instructors, your second ammendment rights directly from the NRA, interviews with outfitters from around the world, live game recipes, updates from the USA Shooting Team, and blonde jokes from Blondes!
There are shooters that I see everywhere. They come to the competitions. They train hard. They are the lifes blood of this sport...good friends and I look forward to seeing them at each shoot I attend. CLICK ON ANY PHOTO!
Last be not least there was an INTERNATION TEAM from Venezuela and they WON! Maximo Olivieri, Luciano Burioli, Lucio Gomez...thanks for coming guys!
We had the "THE MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING" sign on our cart and you took our picture. Did I miss it or is it on another posting?
Thanks,
Randall
Posted by: Randall Carson | November 13, 2007 at 08:41 PM