June 21, 2009 Clays Match Report

 

10 Guns Entered

    

     6 Open Guns - Class won by Jay Schoonmaker with a score of 47

     4 Limited Guns - Class won by Hal Hansen with a score of 38

 

     Today, June 21, 2009 was the first day of summer.  The day dawned with clear blue sky, but by the middle of the day it had degenerated into a heavy cloud cover, thunder and lightning, and a very heavy rainstorm.  By the start of the clays match the sky had partially cleared, leaving a few thunder clouds, but no more of nature's light show.  The temperature was 60degrees, and the show began on time.  I guess a lot of the regular shooters were still under cover at home because we had but 10 guns braving the elements for an afternoon's sport. 

     Those of us that did make it to the clays match today wish to thank Chuck Nicodemus for hosting the match, Doug Mclean for running the board, and all those who pitched in to keep the target screens current.  Special thanks to Chuck Treat, our

Arrays Impressario for presenting Series G today.  This was one of your finest presentations yet Chuck.  It had a requirement for accuracy,speed, defining the fastest route, and the ability to change directions during the string.  Outstanding arrays.  Some inside information to our clays shooters: Chuck presented this reporter with a copy of his latest challenge, Series I, which we will see in 2 weeks.  Chuck, your mind has run amok.  We shooters are going to love it!  But now, a review of todays match.

 

Round 1

     Just a nice simple straight line.  Uh huh.....

 

 

                   O    O        O     O      O      O       O   O      O

 

Round 2

      Pick a route, any route, but only get 4 before you head for the black center micro.

 

 

                                   O                                     O                    

                     O       O    O      O       O      O     O

                            O                                     O

 

 

Round 3

     At some point on this string, you are going to be going in 2 different directions.  Just watch your front sight for the whole story.

 

                          O                                                         O

                                     O    O      O       O        O

                           O                                                         O

 

 

 

Round 4

     This string might be called "Up, Down, and Sideways" because those are the directions to the black center micro.

 

 

                           O            O                              O             O

                              O                    O                       O

                      O            O                               O             O

 

 

Round 5

     "V" for Victory.  Accuracy, speed, and direction changes.  It doesn't get any better than this.  Until Next Week!!

 

 

                              O                O                   O                 O

                             O      O             O              O     O

                                  O                                      O

 

     At the end of regulation play, we have 2 winners.  In the OPEN Class, with a score of 47, is Jay Schoonmaker. 

In the Limited Class, with a score of 38, is Hal Hansen.  No question about it.  Optics really help.  So do youthful eyes, fast reflexes, and just virtually no end of the proper type of practice.  One can buy the equipment, but that is only, ONLY!!,  the first step.  Practice and perserverance will pay off over time.  Being able to hit tiny targets, quickly, and change direction while still keeping one's eye on the dot is called "SKILL".  And skill comes after a LOT of the proper type of practice.

     We were happy to have Michael Flaherty return to our match today.  Mike has been setting the scholastic world on fire in college.   So, to give the rest of the world a chance to catch up Mike has been turned loose for the summer.  Welcome back Mike, now we'll see if you can keep up with your Dad after sitting in class all winter.  Don't forget the plates Mike.  Your Dad has set quite a standard on Tuesday evenings.  Like Father, Like Son???

     And, we'll see all you clays shooters right here next week, and now that summer is here, maybe the rest of the regular and guest field will come out of their bunkers and take refuge instead out here at Gig Harbor Sportsman's Club.  See ya next week.

 

     Until then, always remember the axiom:  "PRACTICE ONLY MAKES PERMANENT.  PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT".

              

Hal