Blair Reigns at 14th Annual Hall of Fame Championships
South River Gun Club of Covington, GA and the GATA Hall of Fame hosted the 14th Annual Hall of Fame Championships over the past weekend. 56 shooters joined us as the 2008 target year kicks off to shoot in what remains unseasonably warm weather and enjoy the camaraderie of another weekend spent with our trap family. My local shooters deem that as of the beginning of each new target year, everyone in Georgia is on the All State Team. It’s the shooting each weekend that allows them to shoot themselves OFF the state team.
This year’s inductee into the Hall of Fame was Norman Franklin who joined us for the presentation with his lovely wife, Ms. Katrina and other special family members. The GATA Hall of Fame presented Norman with a beautiful framed sterling target and certificate. Norman has won numerous titles throughout the many years he’s enjoyed the great sport of trap. Cake was provided for all to help celebrate Norman’s induction.
Saturday 56 entrants shot 200 Singles targets with the high score tied at 198 for Martin Henderson, Stan Boss & Mike Benoit. Boss had to forfeit due to prior commitments so Henderson & Benoit settled with a coin toss, crowning Henderson as Champion.
45 shooters joined in the Preliminary Doubles. Gary Blair and Bill Parson (AL) broke 98's and settled with a coin toss so that Blair won Championship honors.
Saturday evening there was a BBQ dinner, prepared by David Adams and his ‘lovely assistants’ (folks on hand to provide him with plenty of refreshments)!! BBQ was very tasty and everyone enjoyed while making a worthwhile contribution to the GATA HOF foundation.
Sunday morning brought 36 competitors back out to compete for Doubles honors. Again Blair was tough, with a lone 99 to take Champion honors unchallenged.
Championship Handicap followed for 41 competitors. In the first 100 targets, Billy Griffin was ‘reported’ to be working on a 99 going into the last round which he shot directly in view of those critiquing from the comfort of the climate controlled clubhouse. Under the watchful eyes of all who weren’t on the field shooting, they watched as Billy dropped one on his fourth station, then miss the exact same target the next time around. It’s a wonder Billy didn’t hear the groans from inside as everyone was pulling for him. He ended with a 97, still a very strong score from the 26.5 yard line, to earn 1 yard, to again join the ranks of those from the back fence. On the second 100 targets, Roger Hedges showed out with a 99 from the 21 yard line. Roger had just been reduced earlier in the week .. but with that 99 it was really a moot point. He was heard bragging about attending a shoot out west in the near future and he was planning to play all the options. I think the Trap Gods heard him and decided to make things a bit more fair for those folks out west!! Goodbye again to the 21 yard line for Roger. The 99 combined with his first score of 94 was good enough .. but just squeak in to win Handicap Champion with 193. Jim Meucci was hot on his tail, and shot a pair of 96’s to earn two 1/2 yard punches and ultimately earned his way to the 27 yard line for the first time, in addition to winning long yardage. He received his 27 yard pin but I suspect the ultimate glory will be shooting with one of his favorite squads without having to move mics on the field. He was grumbling a few days earlier about taking a reduction if one came his way. What was he thinkin’??
HOA Champion went to Gary Blair with 578/600, unchallenged, again. This shoot should be called the Blair HOF … as he’s won HOA at this tournament more times than anyone else. Ms Cyndee Gullett swept all the ladies events throughout the weekend. Veteran winners were Jim Mitchell, Joe Doris and David Mitzner.
The GATA HALL OF FAME provided specialty knives to all event champions, class and category winners. Mike Benoit donated several items to the Hall of Fame auction and Winchester Coins to each Junior who participated in Saturday’s Singles. Thank you Mike for your contribution. South River Gun Club was a most gracious host and provided everything required for a great tournament. Our thanks to everyone who joined us for the shooting and camaraderie each tournament brings. We hope you will make plans to join us in Georgia, as well as South River, in 2008.
gunclubprincess@yahoo.com