Hi everyone. The heat has broken here in Illinois and shooters are coming out to shoot some birds in the new target year. The only problem is anymore it seems to rain every weekend. Oh well, it's always something.
Ian Lawrence has shot 50,000 Singles targets. This is quite an accomplishment for this young man. You can see where his great scores come from. Brian Frost has shot 25,000 Handicap targets.
The Illinois Northern Zone shoot was held at Downers Grove Sportsmen's Club on September 10 and 11. Saturday the weather was great and Sunday it rained off and on with clouds. The shooters still came out and shot their usual great scores. Steve Johnson won the In-Zone Singles title and Mike Westjohn won Out-of-Zone. The In-Zone Handicap title was won by Jake Diliberto and Mike Westjohn struck again with the Out-of-Zone title. Dan Staker won the In-Zone Doubles title and Dave Dressler won Out-of-Zone. To finish it out, Dan Staker won the In-Zone HAA and, not surprisingly, Mike Westjohn won Out-of-Zone. Good shooting everyone and thanks to the Downers Grove staff for putting on a great shoot.
The one thing I dislike about writing a monthly column is talking about someone who has passed. It always makes me sad. When that person was a good friend it is particularly tough to do. Jerry Graham died right before the start of the Grand. Jerry was a great guy and an even better shot. I first met him years ago when he was one of the few people still shooting a Model 12 in competition. He later switched to a Ljutic and between those two guns he shot himself into the ISTA Hall of Fame in 2012. Jerry never shot off for an award. He was content to shoot his score and go home. It was refreshing to be around a guy who shot for the love of the game and not trophies and points. Poor health limited his shooting of late, but he kept trying to shoot a round or two to be with his friends. My sincerest condolences go out to all of Jerry's family and friends. Rest in peace!
Support your local clubs! They need you.
Bill Duncan, ATA Delegate