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(Held AUGUST 15th THROUGH 20, 2000)
Our first full course IHMSA sanctioned state championships and the last one
of this century was an overwhelming success by all accounts. Many, many thanks
go out to all that helped make it happen.
To all those that donated not only much needed materials and equipment, but
also all their time over this past year. All those nights and weekends, rain or
shine that it took to build the silhouette range into what it is today, a first
class shooting facility worthy to host a sanctioned state championship match.
There were many, many compliments from competitors from all over the state, and
guest shooters from Canada that came here for the first time, were very
impressed. Everyone involved deserves a congratulation. Thanks to IHMSA state
director Jeff Hunt and the state CO-directors that had faith in us and accepted
our bid to host this great event, based upon our word that we would have the
needed improvements made, and it was close too. Last minute range work was still
being done the night before the big day.
The board of directors at WWSC deserves credit also for appropriating the
needed funds to put on an event of this caliber. There was some unexpected flood
damage to the club and equipment. Much needed skeet machines had to be
replaced,and broken pumps needing repair, depleted much of the clubs operating
funds, so it was pretty tight for awhile.
Now, on to the match. There were over 50 shooters, including 5 women, with
185 guns registered for the different events. The competition was fierce, with
many perfect scores fired, which forced tie-breaking shutoffs. Our own DR. Jeff
Smith, who fired a perfect 60, with 5 shootoffs in big bore(congratulations)
with his thompson contender in 7 tcu, and myself in field pistol (not a perfect
score) made it to the shootoffs in our own prospective categories and we each
tied again and had to do a double shootoff. This was done at the end of the last
day of shooting and the pressure was on. Jeff was shooting against international
shooter Larry Clark, who consistently shoots perfect scores.He came out a couple
shootoffs short. Maybe it was Larry’s many years of experience in being in
those situations or Jeff being a tad tired after working his butt off all week
and the fatigue was catching up to him.Larry look out next season. My excuse is,
my family, along with all the other shooters were watching. Well they watched me
give it a good try . Those itty bitty, tiny hummingbirds that you could hardly
see, and were hidden by the late afternoon shadows and seemed to disappear just
when you get sighted in etc. etc. got the best of me. Disappointed? Maybe a
little, but it sure was an exciting finale. By the way, My brother Dan Larabel
took top honors in that event.That’s what happens when you introduce family
members to the sport, they end up beating you. Nothing like a little family
rivalry, I won’t hold it against you. Maybe I shouldn’t have let him spot
for me, hmmm. He also ran the control shack, keeping the event running on
schedule, operating the command sequences and tabulating the daily and final
standings. Another West Walker charter member, Dave Freas took home first place
awards in 22 and field pistol for his class. His son Bill also took home awards
. Associate members Rich and wife, Sandy Vaughn, Chris Hackett, Dave and wife,
Michelle Krysiak also took home awards. John Pomroy of royal oak found out we
have the toughest rams in the midwest. Just prior to shooting, he was telling
everyone he had never rung a ram with his custom made freedom arms revolver in
357 magnum, if I hit it , it goes down. Well, he hit one and it didn’t fall.
He couldn’t believe it, so I took him down range to show him that the ram was
set properly on the stand. It was . He took a picture of it as a memento and I
understand he plans to call it the toughest ram in the midwest and put it on
great lakes silhouette web page .Put more powder in next time John.
Thanks go to all the shooting supply companies and sporting goods stores from
around the country that donated merchandise and raffle items for the
competitors. There were a lot of nice supplies and gift certificates given to
everyone. Its nice to know these companies support the shooting sports, and gun
clubs Although nearly every sporting goods and gun shop in the Grand Rapids and
surrounding area was also sent a pleasant request letter asking for a donation
of anything, old stuff, clearance items or just an ad banner, only two companies
came through. Mc sports, care of Greg Doxstater donated all the bags for the
goodies and a banner, Dan Hankinson, of Dans Sport and Ammo donated a lot of
bullets, and reloading supplies. Please remember the businesses that donated
your prize merchandise when you are getting ready for next season, or are
thinking of buying any type of sporting gear.
Each morning was started off by a hearty breakfast for all, prepared by
Brenda Sobel and Mark Thue.
Daily lunch specials were also served up by Rady Delgado, Larry Belgraph,
Brenda, and Chuck Tenbrink. John Sobel fired up the grill on Saturday and made
some killer burgers for the hungry masses. At times the dining area was packed.
Everyone was grateful hot food and cold beverages were available. Speaking of
food, the awards banquet Sat. night was a meal everyone there will remember. Joe
Klocko and his mom and sister held nothing back when they served up that feast.
It was reminiscent of a good old fashion Polish wedding reception banquet. Many
of you west siders may have had their food at your wedding reception, because
they have been doing them for generations and we were lucky to have them come
out of retirement to give us a real treat. No one was disappointed or left
hungry that night. One look at Joe and you know he ate very well growing up in
that family.
We only had one bad day of weather. When it started raining pretty hard, Rick
Heyt made a quick run to the hardware store and lumberyard and with a little
help from shooters from the other clubs, a shelter was quickly erected to keep
their gear and themselves dry. Afterwards the shelter provided welcome relief
from the hot sun . Deb Heyt and her cast of red-hot target setters were kept
busy and hopping all week long. They included her grandson Brian, Chuck
Tenbrinks daughter Chris, Jeff Smith’s daughters, Lauren and Lindsay and Kirk
Mcdonald , the seasoned veteran target setter from Barry County Sportsman’s
Club. These kids did an outstanding job all week. Anyone who thinks that is a
easy task, just come out and try doing it all day four days in a row, and see
how your back feels.The big bore rams weigh 53 pounds each, there are fifteen of
them needing to be set back up every twenty minutes from 9am till 5pm. In all,
240 steel targets had to be set each twenty-minute interval .They deserved every
dollar and more in the tips they worked for. Chris, Jeff’s wife did an
excellent job doing registrations, coordinating the shooting times, selling
raffle tickets and hats and shirts along with Donna Hunt, who was a godsend. All
these volunteers were desperately needed and for their help I am deeply
grateful.
I cant say enough about Co-match directors Jeff , Dave, Rick, Joe and Dan for
all the work they did and for not stringing me up behind the 200 meter berm for
talking them into taking on this big task. Now that the range is pretty much
complete, how about us doing a regional, or a Midwest invitational? C’mon
guys, we can’t stop now.
SCOTT LARABEL
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