Hello all,
The new target year is upon us. Shortly after the Grand, folks traveled to Iowa for the Heartland Grand. A number of Illinois shooters represented, and though no championship trophies came home, I am certain it was a great showing and a good time. It is on my list to go to.
The Northern Zone Shoot took place the weekend of September 12th at Downers Grove, alternating annually with St. Charles Sportsmen's Club. Aidan Ireland took home the Singles, Doubles and HAA awards in Zone, with Jacob Pierce taking the Handicap. Conditions were tough on Sunday, with a lot of wind. Out of Zone was headed by Mason Bartlow in Singles and Doubles. The Handicap was won by Nick Nenne and Director Steve Dinkelman took the HAA for OOZ.
The Southwest Grand came and went, and much like the Heartland, several Illinois shooters participated and shot well, but the competition is fierce. Frank Payne shot well and came away with a Sr. Veteran runner-up trophy in the Class Doubles.
The Illini Indian Pow-Wow was also Labor Day weekend as it is every year. There was good turnout despite some very hot weather the first few days. The evening events sponsored by the Indians were also well-attended and seemed to be fan favorites, including a black light shoot, Annie and Long shot competition. Emma Smith ran another 100 in Singles after breaking her first at the state shoot, and Dalton Apple broke his first ever 100 straight. Congratulations, young man.
On a much sadder note, accomplished youth shooter Wyatt Sibley passed earlier this month. He was part of the 3 time National Champion Calhoun shooting team and had achieved numerous individual feats as well. Our condolences go out to his family. He will be missed by many in our shooting community.
As the season moves to cooler weather, consider continued shooting at your local clubs to carry momentum into the late fall and winter months. Our skills are usually sharpest after a long summer, and this is a great way to ensure target minimums are met early for shoots next spring.
Finally, congratulations to the ATA All-Americans! We have a large contingent from Illinois who represented us well across the country this year. The time, effort and financial commitment it takes to achieve this, not to mention the immense talent, is a monumental achievement. For many, this is not their first time.
Ian Lawrence, Open, First Team - 2,647; Anthony Fortino, Open, Second Team - 1,086; Garrett Helms, Open, Second Team - 1,010; Lauren Dunn, Lady I, Second Team - 1,336; Mason Bartlow, Junior, First Team - 2,303; Coltyn Schutte, Junior, First Team - 2,034; Noah Goeddel, Junior, First Team - 1,943; Steven Margherio, Junior Gold, First Team - 2,511; Wyatt Williams, Junior Gold, First Team - 2,447; Michael Hathaway, Veteran, First Team - 1,802; Dan Staker, Veteran, Second Team - 990; Mike W. Dennis, Senior Vet, First Team - 1,722; Frank Payne, Senior Vet, First Team - 1,550; Mike Westjohn, Senior Vet, Second Team - 1,091; Brian Hezel, Senior Vet, Second Team - 993; Larry Norton, Wheelchair, First Team - 2,560
Final checks for the State Team are being done and will be released next month.
Shoot well, and see you out there
Michael Ruebhausen, MD, Illinois ATA Delegate