Hi everyone. You can tell it is spring time in Illinois. Not only have the swallows returned to Capistrano, but shooters have also reached several milestones. John Nord has shot 50,000 Singles and Jerry Hasler has shot 75,000 Singles. Pat Jarnagin has shot 25,000 Handicap targets and Mike Dennis has shot 100,000 Doubles. Congratulations to all of you.
Illinois shooters have been winning at early state shoots. At the Florida State Shoot, Mike Hathaway won the preliminary Handicap event. At the Arizona State Shoot, Paul Jacobs won the Veteran category in the Handicap Championship. Ron Fearheiley won the Veteran category in both the Singles Championship and the HAA.
I received a phone call a few days ago that really saddened me. Ron Cox, Sr. from Browning, IL has passed. For as long as I have been trapshooting in Illinois, Ron has always been there. In a way, he has been the foundation of my trapshooting house. He was never a great shot, but he showed up and did the best he could on that day and was a good friend. His greatest accomplishment was having his son, Ron Cox, Jr., who won a State Championship in Doubles years ago. I will miss him and his willingness to help and being a good man. Rest well, Ron.
By the time you are reading this the Illinois State Shoot will be upon us. Come on down to Illinois where you will find good targets and good people for your enjoyment. I hope to see you there.
Shoot well and support your local clubs.
Bill Duncan, ATA Delegate