Hi everyone. I have different news items I need to take care of this month. First, I want to congratulate Ian Lawrence for winning the out of state Singles Championship at the Missouri State Shoot. Ian sets a high standard for those of us in Illinois. We have to work like heck just to try and keep up with him. Good shooting Ian! We are proud of you!
Sadly, I have to mention the sudden passing of an Illinois shooter. Robert Grieves unexpectedly passed a few days ago as I write this. Robert was a good friend and a good shooter in this state for years. He was the type of guy you looked forward to seeing every time you went to shoot. He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Now, I want to talk about an unsung hero of trapshooting here in Illinois. The Secretary of the Illinois Board of Directors is Joan Maiden. She is married to Bill Maiden, one of the Directors on the Board. Joan is a very brave woman! She decided to put up with 12 crabby old men, instead of just one. She has done a wonderful job dealing with all of us and organizing all aspects of shooting in Illinois so that everything runs smoothly in the State. She is a real asset, and I don't know what we would do without her.
I'll see you on the Trapline.
Bill Duncan, ATA Delegate