With this column, I have been an ATA Delegate for one year. If you would have told me I would have done this in the middle of a world-wide pandemic, vote to cancel the Illinois State Shoot and see the Grand move to Missouri, I would have laughed at you. That's the bad news. The good news is, I have met and been helped by a bunch of wonderful people that make this job so wonderful and unique. I want to send out a big thank you to the shooters of Illinois, and shooters across the country, that have put their trust in me. Representing you has been an honor that has meant the world to me.
The link I talked about last month to donate money to the Illinois Hall of Fame is up and running on the ISTA website. Please check it out and see the bricks and how they can be arranged, leading into the planned Hall of Fame building. I realize money is tight, but for one day's shooting costs, you can make a lasting legacy to honor all the great shooters Illinois has produced through the years.
I have noticed that the number of Illinois shooters is down at the Southern Grand. Given all the problems in our country at this time, this is sadly understandable. I am happy to report the ones that are there are shooting well. I want to give a shout out to Charlie Bickle who is shooting his normal great scores. Charlie is an ISTA Director and a member of the Illinois Hall of Fame. Let me tell you that all of his shooting accomplishments pale beside Charlie the man. You will never meet a nicer, better person. Charlie is one of those people that make shooting fun and I feel privileged to be able to call him a friend.
Stay healthy.
Bill Duncan, ATA Delegate