What an interesting Grand it was. The first Grand not in Vandalia or Sparta in about 100 years and the first Grand shot in the middle of a pandemic in 100 years. First, I want to again thank the ATA and the MTA for putting together the shoot on such short notice. We had some machine and trap help issues here and there, but all in all, it was a great shoot.
Illinois All American and All State Shooters continued to shoot well and placed in the events of the Grand. No big winners, just continued excellence. Other Illinois shooters shot really good scores above their averages and had a good time.
I want to highlight two sub-junior shooters who had a tremendous Grand. Ty Leach and Boedy Baker both shot lights out and placed in several events. They are both from my home town too. I feel like a proud Grandpa as I have watched these two young men develop as shooters and persons. The sky is the limit for them and I am looking forward to watching them in the future. Finally, a big shout out to Dagen Voigtman for his 400 x 400 in the HAA. What incredible shooting! It is amazing how many great young shooters we have in the sport anymore. I know I feel older by the minute watching them all.
Several Illinois shooters are about ready to reach milestones in target numbers. Bill Huhn, Richard Drennen and Ian Lawrence have almost reached 100,000 total targets. Todd Whitaker almost has 50,000 Handicap targets. Thomas Clark has 25,000 Single targets. Dan Schocke has 25,000 Handicap targets. Finally, Lawrence Gillum, Glenn Simpson and Kenneth Mitchell have shot 25,000 Doubles targets. As I have said in the past, the first step to excellence is commitment. These guys are showing us the way.
I was asked to drive down and certify the Cumberland County Sportsman Club so they could start to shoot registered birds. My wife and I drove down there in early July and man, was I impressed. As I came up to the club, it reminded me of some little clubs I shot at with my Dad years ago when I first started to shoot trap. A nice clubhouse, a lake, nice shade trees and two brand new trap fields, one of which is also set up for skeet. I also met several club members who were eager to make my wife and I feel at home. These are the clubs that are the backbone of our sport and we need to support. If you find yourself in Greenup, IL, give Kelly Sutherland a call at 217-728-8388, Extension 303 and check out Cumberland County. You will not be disappointed.
A new target year has started. Let's get out as much as we can and shoot and put the 2020 target year in the past.
Bill Duncan, ATA Delegate