'09 Heritage Skeet Classic

Delaware, OH – Black Wing Shooting Center hosted its 6th annual Heritage Skeet Classic, May 22 – 24, 2009, Memorial Day week-end. The Heritage is one of Ohio’s oldest skeet shoots. Forty-four shooters saluted Dick Cross by participating in this year’s tournament with 19,800 targets thrown. Dick will forever be remembered for his support of skeet in Ohio and his efforts to encourage new shooters in this great sport. Dick knew no stranger.

The 2nd annual CDE Event, managed by Bryan Rogers and Roc Wilson, was an overwhelming success. Each Heritage participant received a 2009 Heritage hatpin. A true keepsake awarded to each participant from this very special Heritage Classic.

The Doubles event was contested on Friday with 31 participants. Wayne Harvey claimed the Championship with a 98. Other Doubles class winners were: AA1, Jeff Moore, A1, Jim Rogers, B1, Ron Margello, C1, Alan Leonard, and D1, Bob Hill.

The 12 Gauge Event, with 41 participants, started Saturday’s activities with 2 perfect scores recorded by Jeff Moore and Bryan Rogers. Bryan won the shoot-off and Jeff had to settle for A1. Other 12 Gauge class winners were: AA1, Wayne Harvey, B1, Ron Margello, C1, Ray Tozer, D1, Roc Wilson, and E1, Norm Day.

The 20 Gauge Event with 41 participants followed with, again, 2 perfect scores which were posted by Larry Israel and Bryan Rogers. Larry captured the Championship and Bryan settled for A1. Other class winners were: AA1, Jeff Moore, B1, Tim Bennett, C1, Steve Seggebruch, and D1, Norm Day.

Next up was the CDE Event (doubles at 3, 4, & 5, miss and out) managed by Bryan and Roc. Over 20 of our 12 Gauge CDE shooters participated in the Event. Each shooter was given a handicap based on class with a C class shooter allowed 1 lost target, a D class shooter 3 lost targets, and an E class shooter 4 lost targets. Also, Bryan and Roc had one last rule for the shooters – Anything that Bryan or Roc wanted. Norm Day, emerged victorious to claim top prize of $250 with Bob Hill settling for $150 and Alan Leonard $100. Our thanks to Bryan and Roc for managing this fun event; it was a tremendous success and enjoyed not only by the participants but by all the other shooters who did not participate and everyone else in attendance.

Saturday night’s dinner consisted of a roasted pig with all the trimmings. Our thanks to Judy Stadtlander and Suzanne Gore for making this great dinner happen. All leftovers disappeared Sunday afternoon.

After dinner, Ron Margello spoke about Dick Cross and the role Dick played in the State of Ohio skeet community. Dick was a rock for the skeet discipline and community through out the State of Ohio. His presence and wisdom is missed.

Also, over $250 in awards were given to our shooters in random drawings. A Lonesome Charlie Shooter’s pouch, a $75 Black Wing gift certificate and much more was given away. The Roger’s family donated a case of Ohio wine with a specially designed label commemorating the Heritage Skeet Classic. Six lucky shooters now have a very special memento of the 2009 Heritage.

The 28 Gauge Event, with 38 participants, started Sunday’s activities. Mike Harm took the Championship with a 99. Other class winners were: AA1, Wayne Harvey, A1, Alan Leonard, B1, Tom Wallis, C1, Sam Burton, and D1, Kevin Bradshaw.

The shoot concluded with the 410 event, which totaled 37 participants. Tom Wallis captured the Championship with a 97. Other class winners were: AA1, Wayne Harvey, A1, Joe Charles, B1, Ray Tozer, C1, Ron Margello, and D1, Lou Visco.

Our HOA Champion and Runner Up were Jeff Moore, 391, and Wayne Harvey, 391. Our HAA Champion and Runner Up were Wayne Harvey, 489, and Bryan Rogers, 487. Congratulations are a must for these fine shooters.

The Heritage cannot be closed without several special mentions. First, our thanks go to our referees, Bob, Casey, Melanie and Nate. The targets were great and your hard work was appreciated by all the shooters.

Second, a sizeable contingent from West Virginia and Kentucky made it to this year’s Heritage and should be recognized for their dedication to the sport. I believe Black Wing made your stay enjoyable and we look forward to hosting your return trip.

As always, Black Wing Shooting Center provided the shooters with great facilities and the local shooter’s hospitality added to the enjoyment of the Heritage by the shooters who made the journey to participate in this great tournament.

Our thanks to Rick Knepper and the hard working Black Wing staff who worked the shoot and dinner. Thanks to all just in case I neglected to mention anyone.