I was welcomed to the 70th Annual 2009 South Carolina State Skeet Championships, hosted by Partridge Creek Gun Club in Ridegeville, SC, like the prodigal daughter. In the past several years, they have raised a beautiful clubhouse and continued to manicure their grounds into a first class facility. The weather was fittin’ only for the dawgs after which the month of August is named but otherwise, a great shoot. The shoot welcomed folks from neighboring states and Maryland for braggin’ rights and the highly coveted AAPs (All American Points).
Friday afternoon kicked off Doubles for 49 shooters. Rod Stroman posted the highest score of 99, to be announced Doubles Champion (Resident/Open), unchallenged. Open R/U honors went to Doug Thompson (NC) with 98. 4 gentlemen hit the field to grab Resident R/U honors, which went to Robert Lindley with 97, in a mere 3 stations, giving Ed Cox A honors; Norris Boone B honors, & Terry Ridenhour C honors.
Saturday morning was a bit overcast as the weather wrestled Hurricane Bill and a cold front (which I missed) so the sun wasn’t an issue, a bit of a breeze kept things a might more comfortable, and the scores reflected the more moderate weather. Of the 74 competitors, 7 perfect scores hit the field once again with all the dust settled in less than one round, crowning SCSSA President, John McMahan Resident/Open Champion. Resident/Open R/U was won by Retired Military Clint Kreuser (welcome back Clint), Doug Thompson and Kyle Taylor took Open & Resident AA honors respectively; Wally Fillinski took A honors.
By Saturday afternoon, the sauna (ooops sun) was back and everyone seemed to be wilting from the heat for 74 shooters. Only 3 straights managed to clear the fields in the afternoon so Michael Barnett (MD), John King and John McMahan were back on center stage. This was King’s first 100 straight to date ~ I’m not sure who was more excited, him or Dad, Randy. Results came quickly with Mike Barnett winning Open Champion, John McMahan taking Resident Champion/Open RU & John King taking Resident R/U & Open A honors. A Special Handicap shoot off, a SC tradition, was held and while Robert Lindley was complaining that the fellas who get to shoot the 12 gauge stand a better chance of winning, even with doubles in the .410, he was the “last man standing” and taker of the ‘purse’. Dinner was delicious BBQ fare, prepared by the highly acclaimed club chefs of Partridge Creek. The food alone is enough to entice one to visit the club and enjoy the Southern Hospitality. Seasoned shooter, Mac McRae, was inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame. He was known for shooting great scores and big wins throughout the circuit back when he was passionately shooting, up until the mid-1980s. It’s always a treat to get to visit with the ‘Big Dogs’ of the skeet world. The final highlight of the evening was a raffle drawing for a hunting trip to Argentina for a dove shoot; Robert Lindley was the proud recipient of that ‘prize’ as well.
Sunday morning was sunny from the start so unless one could hide under a big tree, the day started out warm. 69 28 gauge entries headed out, with 99 the high score for all. Clint Kreuser, Gary Justus (NC) and Norris Boone went to hash out ‘things’ … Justus took Open CH in one station hitting his pair on Station 3, and left Krueser and Boone to move on for additional honors. Station 4 proved to be a challenge for both as they each left the door open for the other before Kreuser finally took Resident Champion/Open R/U. Boone took Resident R/U/Open B honors.
68 hearty .410 competitors endured the heat and humidity and mechanical malfunctions to break all they could. When results were tallied, Allen McCannon (GA) took Open Champion uncontested with a lone 99. Resident Champion/Open RU honors were unchallenged for another returning Retired Military shooter, David Boggs (welcome back to you too), who shot 98. Resident R/U/Open B honors were handed to JC Culpepper (another seasoned shooter returning to competition after a sabbatical).
HOA for SC residents was tight with 390 for Kreuser, Lindley, McMahan, & King. Kreuser fell out first to take Resident AA Class/Open AA 2nd; McMahon missed next to take Resident A honors/Open A 2nd ; King took Resident R/U/Open A honors; crowning Lindley Resident HOA Champion/Open AA. Two man team partners, McCannon & Thompson found themselves tied after 400 targets, with 394 so they resolved things in one station with McCannon hitting his pair and Thompson missing one, thus awarding Open Champion and R/U respectively.
HAA was clean for Resident Champion Lindley, with 487; Resident R/U McMahan, with 485 & Stroman taking A honors. Doug Thompson was Open Champion with 492 & Lindley Open R/U.
The Doug Thompson/Joe Reid “Fairies” were dressed in their ‘never predictable costumes’ this weekend once again. I thought they couldn’t dress any more brightly on Sunday after seeing them on Saturday … but I was oooh soooo wrong!! Their neon colored shirts could NOT be missed.
Thank you to the always faithful referees who work tirelessly and never complain ~ no shoot would be complete without YOU!!! Partridge Creek was a wonderful host and everyone was welcomed like family. Next year’s State Shoot will be hosted by Mid Carolina Gun Club in Orangeburg, SC on August 27-29, 2010. Please make plans to enjoy great company, targets and southern hospitality should your schedule allow.
