Virginia Horseshoe Pitchers Association

HORSESHOE PITCHING FINALLY!!

6/8/2020 from the VAHPA.. all tournaments so far this year have been cancelled, so to offset this and keep folks on the move, VIRTUAL TOURNAMENTS sanctioned by the NHPA!! Various clubs / charters have been holding “virtual sanctioned tournaments”, where you can enter a tournament, pitch shoes, and keep your stats active!!

We now have tournaments being held in Virginia, and want everyone to participate. PASS THE WORD !! Do NOT have to live in Virginia to join these “virtual tournments” , can be anywhere in the World!! Let’s get going, pitch shoes and have some fun! In general the rules are:

Must be an active 2020 card holder.
This is on your merit for truthful reporting
You pitch on sanctioned courts (your local park, your backyard, if questions, contact the RD Gary Martin)
TD sets rules for number of games/shoes/points, etc
You keep track of your shoes/ringers/points and send/email your scoresheets to the TD
TD rolls up the tournament results and sends you the results
1. If you win, you will receive a Class Champion patch.
TD rolls up results and submits as per current procedure.

If questions about these events please contact Sherwood Brown (757-619-3910)

WRITE THE NAME OF THE TOURNAMENT ON THE SCORESHEET - Submit scoresheets to: [email protected]

1st. Cut off for submitting stats: June 13, LetUmRing Classic

2nd. Cut off for submitting stats: June 27, Lucky Shoe

3rd. Cut off for submitting stats: July 11, Veteran’s Memorial

Each of these tournaments calls for 5 games / 40 shoes each / COUNT ALL SCORING

*** Tournaments CANCELLED - STUARTS DRAFT MAY 30 and MAY 16 in suffolk ****

*** ATTENTION ! VETERANS MEMORIAL RESCHEDULED TO MAY 16 ** Veterans Memorial Classic, Sleepy Hole Park, Suffolk which was scheduled for June 6 will be changed to May 16th due to schedule conflicts at the park ..Keep checking back, in case it ends up being rescheduled again Sherwood Brown, TD ***

*** ATTENTION! TOURNAMENT CANCELLED = MAY 9, Apple Capital, Winchester

** ATTENTION ! TOURNAMENT RESCHEDULED = APRIL 25, Lucky Shoe, Newport News ** reschedule date to be announced later ***

*** ATTENTION! TOURNAMENT CANCELLED = APRIL 18, Carl Frye Memorial, Winchester

Kenneth Sorrells, Winchester - passed away April 14, 2020

Lifetime member of the Winchester Horseshoe Club, 36 year member of VaHPA

His friendliness and camaraderie will be sorely missed. R.I.P. Kenny

*** ATTENTION ! TOURNAMENT RESCHEDULED *** was scheduled APRIL 11, RICHMOND OPEN ***

due to the Coronavirus situation, and safety precautions, this tournament is rescheduled to a later date - that date will be announced in the future.

*** ATTENTION ! TOURNAMENT CANCELLED *** MARCH 28, SNOWDEN LET 'UM RING ***

due to the Coronavirus situation, and safety precautions, this tournament is cancelled. ALSO league play for Sleepy Hole and Portsmouth Clubs has been delayed until further notice.

FROM THE VaHPA PRESIDENT, Chuck Duymich

Welcome horseshoe pitchers to another year of fun, excitement, and challenges. This year looks like a very challenging year with the new virus in the air. The VAHPA Officers have been monitoring the current situation with the coronavirus (covid-19) and it is our responsibility to keep you informed on our current situation and ask for your help to avoid as much of a risk as we can.

In accordance with the recommendations set forth by the CDC, we implore you to honor and help by staying home if you’ve done/had/have any of the following things:

If you’ve traveled to a country that is not a permitted country in the last 28 days.
If you’ve been in close contact with or cared for a person diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 28 days
If you have had a fever, cough and difficulty breathing in the last 28 days

If you feel you’re ok to attend a tournament, then:

Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or sneeze into your elbow
Try not to touch your face.
Don’t hug or shake hands. Clang shoes or elbow bump.
Use hand sanitizers as much as possible.

Hopefully, things will get better, but we must be responsible, and we are asking for your help. We will keep you advised of as much information as we can at the start of the horseshoe season. Your safety is our main concern.

ALSO: Make sure the horseshoe event has not been canceled, before you drive there. This has happened to me this year already.

Sincerely, Chuck Duymich, President, VaHPA

January 13 - ATTENTION!! if you printed out the 2020 tournament schedule before today, please do so again. Some updates, SHERWOOD LUCKY SHOE date change from May to April, and (Winchester) Bobby Burke phone # changed.

JANUARY 18, 2020 SNOWSHOE FESTIVAL

the Stuarts Draft Club invites everyone to their annual mid-winter tournament. The hand-made championship trophy, which is different every year, and a cut of the entry fees are worth the fun and effort!!

Open to the public, non-sanctioned, just for fun. Bring your friends, neighbors, kids, come see what it's all about!!

We'll be there, hope to see you too!

UNLESS... it's raining or sleeting. Snow is fine, cold is fine, veeeery cold is fine. No wet. If any questions, call ahead. thanks.

Pat 540-569-0338 or Jeremi 540-569-0328

STATE SINGLES AUGUST 24, 2019

VIRGINIA RECOGNIZES NEW STATE CHAMPIONS !!

Men's Champion - John Coppage

Women's Champion - Kelly Campbell (defending from 2018)

Elder's Champion - Ray Barb

Sr. Men's Champion - Wayne Perkins

Cadet Champion - Parker Dean

Congratulations to all, for a long full day of pitching!!

Stuarts Draft was happy to see all the players, and welcomed several new/returning to the event. Gary Martin’s club – non sanctioned at this time – brought in some new/sanctioned players.. Great job from that club, having fun and bringing new folks to our tournaments !. Also welcomed back Doug Phillips from Roanoke, haven’t seen him in a few years, good to see him again.

The day started a little chilly, but after player warm-ups, everyone was shucking layers. It was a fine day overall. We had 58 pitchers for the Qualifying Classes, which thrilled me personally as Secretary – more than 50% of our pitchers participated!! Boiled down to Championships, we still had 22 participants!! All pitched on one day on 12 courts. LONG day for the participants, but even longer for the Stuarts Draft Club. And a hearty thanks to them for their efforts. See you all on the courts soon

Our Founding Father

Marvin B. May

June 2, 1933 – September 12, 2019

Marvin initiated the Virginia Horseshoe Pitchers Association in the fall of 1959. He was instrumental in setting up the original charter within our state, with 3 officers and 7 members. With his continued enthusiasm, the charter flourished and grew. He held State Officer positions for 15 years, and when he finally handed over all the reins, our membership had over 100 pitchers.

A lifelong enthusiast of the sport, he never ceased supporting our organization, pitching over 20 tournaments a year, he never missed a chance to play. He loved the sport and he loved his extended “horseshoe pitching family”.

We will miss him. Pat Snelgrove, Secretary, VaHPA

*******************************************

THE ORIGINS OF
THE NATIONAL HORSESHOE PITCHING ASSOCIATION
In Virginia

By Marvin May

It all began in the summer of 1957. Marvin started to attend pitching contests on Riverside Drive at Billy McCloud's house. During this time, Jack Tanner informed the group that the City Recreations Department was going to hold the first AAU State Tournament in Lynchburg in 1958. This was when Marvin's interest in horseshoe pitching commenced.

READ MARVIN'S OWN RECOLLECTION THAT HE GAVE TO THE VaHPA

*** VaHPA additional information ***

Marvin continued to practice. When he built his house in 1960, he had the foresight to build an indoor court in his basement. Many pitchers have enjoyed the benefit of this court and hours of fun and companionship with him.
Marvin attended practically every tournament around the state, earning the VaHPA award "for pitching 10 or more tournaments" (in a year)” numerous times. Even after he ceased pitching tournaments, Marvin stayed very active in the state, with Raymond Diehl by his side. Marvin and Raymond were best buddies, and their friendship endured these many years. Having been a member of the NHPA and VaHPA for more than 50 years, Marvin earned “Lifetime Membership” in the organization. His participation and enthusiasm for the sport will be sorely missed.

2019 Don Masters Summer Classic

The 2019 Don Masters Summer Classic was held at Sleepy Hole Park. There were Sixteen horseshoe pitchers came out and had a wonderful time. The weather was great for pitching horseshoes. There was three classes. In Class A: Jerry Colyer took first place with a 5-0 record and a 53.50 %. Carl Otto finished 2nd with 3-2 and a 39.00%. Third Place Kenneth Henson 3-3 and a 26.50%. Class-B winner was Scott Fencil 4-1 and a 30.29%, Second Place: Sherwood Brown 3-2 and a 29.00% and Third Place: Marvin Newton 2-2 and a 31.25%. In Class-C: Mary Roundtree took 1st Place with a 30.00% Second Place: Gary Martin with a 28.13% and Third Place: Charlie Robbins with a 20.63%. Mary Roundtree Pitched 13.60% over average. What a great pitching she did. Everyone had a great time and lots of fun and food. Hope to see them back next year be a good turnout.

Sherwood R Brown

Portsmouth Club, President

2019 WORLD	VIRGINIA	PITCHERS		CONGRATS ALL !!
CLASS	POSITION	NAME	WIN	LOSS	FINAL %
WOMEN CHAMPIONSHIP	10	KELLY CAMPBELL	6	9	68
WOMEN B	1	KELLY CAMPBELL	13	2	71.83
MEN D2	9	DEAN FLEMING	7.5	7.5	29.17
MEN F1	8	MICKEY GILLESPIE	7	8	27.17
CADET B	3	DYLAN MOORE	6	3	17.78

2019 STATE DOUBLES, held June 22, Winchester VA

Pitchers Memorial Tournament, June 15 2019

2018 TOP TEN

National Honors for our Virginia pitcher in league competition. Tamara Burke placed twice!

Congratulations Tamara for earning

Individual High Ringer Game - Women

1st Place – 86% -Winchester HSC Spring

Individual High Ringer Average - Women

3rd Place - 66.33% -Winchester HSC Spring

OLD DOMINION SUMMER CLASSIC 6/1/19

Photos, credit to Scott Fencil

2019 SHERWOOD LUCKY SHOE CLASSIC

The 2019 Sherwood Lucky Shoe Classic was held at Newport News City Park, Va. There were Six horseshoe pitchers came out and had a wonderful time. The weather was great for pitching horseshoes. There was two classes. Each class pitched a double round.

In Class A: Mark Bunch took first place with a 4-0 record and a 43.75 %. Gene Eason finished 2nd with 1-3 and a 38.75%. Third Place Kenneth Henson 1-3 and a 31.26%.

Class-B winner was Gary Martin 3-1 and a 25.00%, Second Place: Sherwood Brown 2-2 and a 24.38% and Third Place: Charlie Robbins 1-3 and a 20.63%

. Everyone had a great time and lots of fun. Hope to see them back next year be a good turnout.

Sherwood R Brown

Club, President

ATTENTION!! ATTENTION! TOURNAMENT JUNE 6 CANCELLED - CHESAPEAKE SUMMER SLAM CANCELLED!

NEW TOURNAMENT ON THE SCHEDULE !! May 4

NEW TOURNAMENT

in Sleepy Hole Park

Veteran's Memorial .

All Military Branches recognized.

Had a great day!

Richmond Open – April 13, 2019 reported by Carl Otto, TD

It was a cold and rainy Friday night. The weather wizards were saying it was going to rain all night, have a brief opening Saturday morning, and rain some more in the evening. The day started with real rain; not just a drizzle.

We found that there are at least 17 hardy horseshoe players that are also optimists. We decided to proceed with the tournament hoping that the rain would be minimal.

We did not do the tents. We moved Ivan and his food providers to the computer shelter. We crossed our fingers and hoped for a miracle. After a ‘get organized” delay, we were finally underway at 11:00.

Class A Final was George Maitland and Kelly Campbell for a deciding first place finish. Neither had been defeated to that point. Both were shooting 60+ percent. In the end, George prevailed: Final score: George (27 ringers) = 30 points (67.5%); Kelly (24 ringers) = 19 points. (George did not have any open innings). Great match.

First Place: George Maitland 5-0 64.38

Second Place: Kelly Campbell 4-1 66.25

Third Place: Ronald Altizer 1-3 40%

Glen Barlow 1-3 36.25%

Carl Otto 1-3 35%

B Class: First Place: Joseph Rogers 5-0 45% / Second Place: Jack Abrams 4-1 36% / Third Place: James Otto 3-2 22%

C Class: First Place: Johnnie Hayes 5-0 33% / Second Place: Mickey Gillespie 4-1 35% / Third Place: Kevin Cassidy 2-3 16% / Charlie Robins 2-3 11.5%

Next Tournaments at Gillies Creek Park: (Check bulletin board for others)

Saturday, June 1, 2019, Old Dominion Summer Classic

Saturday, July 13, 2019 Red-White-Blue

THANK YOU TO: Gary Vosvick – Registration and Computer

Ivan Morton – Food

Russell Charity and Jim Otto - Court Preparation

1st DAY OF SPRING

MARCH 21, 2019

SLEEPY HOLE VS. STUARTS DRAFT

“ROBERT SNOWDEN” LET UM RING CLASSIC

March 23 by Sherwood Brown, Club President

The 2019 first tournament of the year kicked off at Sleepy Hole Park, Suffolk, Va. Twelve horseshoe pitchers came out to join us and had a wonderful time. The weather was great for pitching horseshoes. There were three classics. Each class pitched a double round.

In Class A: Carl Otto took first place with a 5-1 record and a 37.92%. Glenn Barlow finished 2nd with 3-3 and a 35.00%. Third Place Guy Holley 2-4 and a 35.00%.

Class-B winner was Elvis Blunt Sr 4-2 and a 39.58%, Second Place: Gene Eason 3-3 and a 32.08% and Third Place: James Otto 2-4 and a 23.75%.

In Class-C, Bill Maitland first place with a 5-1 and a 18.75%. Second Place: Kevin Cassidy 4-2 and a 19.58%, Third Place: Gary Martin 2-4 and a 15.42%.

This tournament was in the Honor of our club founder; Robert Snowden. A moment of silence before the tournament was held to honor his memory. Hope to see everyone back next year and many more pitchers also.

13th Annual SnowShoe Festival, January 26, 2018

It was a bit nippy when we got up in the morning, but by the time we got signed up to pitch, the temp was 32. NOT the coldest we’ve ever played in. The record is 14 degrees, set back in 2010. Kevin got the bon-fire going, Yogi had his HUGE propane heater running, Not much wind… definitely pitchable.

Ten enthusiasts signed up to play and since the pit covers were frozen to the clay, all decided to pitch on top of the mats. (RULE option for players). For the new-comers, this was interesting, because the closest shoe to the pin gets a point, even if it bounces off the mat and lands 4 feet away. You just step-it-off to determine the closest point! (And another RULE is that... ) The temperature when we start to play dictates how long the games will be. SO 21 point games according to our chart!

This is just-for-fun, non-sanction play with random assignment to classes. We split into 2 groups of 5. Winner of each group would compete for the Champion and Runner-Up spots. Split of entry fees, and Champ takes home the annual Champion Trophy.

In Class 1, Russ Laub was the winner, 4-0. He stayed warmed up while the play-off to determine the winner of Class 2 was decided. Class 2 ended up in a tie, based on Win/Loss. Larry Morris and Chuck Duymich played to determine the winner of the class. Larry got it.

Russ & Larry went to battle for the title. Russ was ahead, but Larry was giving his all. In the middle of the game, he threw down, his shoe hit the VERY TOP OF THE PIN and BROKE!! , He did get a replacement shoe, but that wasn’t much help. Russ won the game, and is the 2019 SnowShoe Champ!

As we handed out the trophy and monetary awards, Larry (runner-up) asked.. is this enough to buy another set of shoes? … I had to laugh – it’ll buy you ONE shoe. We all had fun, see you in the Spring. Pat

SNOWSHOE FESTIVAL RESCHEDULE ..

rainy weather anticipated Saturday, Jan 19..

Reschedule to January 26 .. tournament just for fun. Open to the public, everyone invited

WISHING BLESSINGS TO EVERYONE

SAFE, HAPPY, HEALTHY HOLIDAYS!

from the VAHPA OFFICERS

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR !!

Message from the President

Chuck Duymich

12/01/2018

As the 2018 pitching season comes to an end, I want to thank everyone for their support and contributions. I want to thank all the clubs for their hard work and for hosting some really great events this year. Congratulations to all the State Division Champions, Class Champions and Pat & Kevin Snelgrove, who were inducted into the Virginia Horseshoe Hall Of Fame as Promoter/Organizers. I also want to thank all the VAHPA Officers and support staff for the great job in help running the 2018 State Singles Tournament.

To the VaHPA membership – thank you for electing me as your President. I will work to better our organization, and have some points we’ll be focusing on going forward.

1. MEMBERSHIP – we ALL need to help with this. To entice new members, the NHPA has introduced “levels” of membership. This is an exciting effort, and needs everyone’s involvement.

FOR BRAND NEW PITCHERS, Trial – try it one time, and Provisional – reduced membership dues, play tourrnaments, just not State Events/Championships ,without upgrading to Full Membership*** Our state Secretary will send out more information about this *** FOR RENEWING MEMBERS : no change

2. Encourage new clubs, and try to help existing clubs. We have challenges with declining membership from the Eastern Shore to the southern end of the state. A promising presence in Northern Virginia with the New Baltimore Club, and attempts at starting clubs in various areas.

3. Communicate. I WANT to hear from our members. Good, bad or indifferent. Call me, email or text me. I believe that complaints are invitations for improvement.

4 Keep a strong team with the Executive Council, evaluate and determine what the organizations needs, make good solid decisions.

5. Maintain a balanced budget.

6. Promote the game of horseshoes - local, state and national.

I welcome feedback on bringing new ideas on how to grow our sport.

Hope to see you all back on the courts next year. Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season,

Chuck Duymich

VAHPA, President

NHPA Top 100 Listing

As of November 28, 2018

The final "cut" won't be finalized until mid January, but in the meantime, congrats to these 7 Virginia pitchers for making it this far !!

MENS TOP 100 NATIONAL

Position / Name / %

37 John Coppage 61.27

74 Paul Campbell 56.75

88 Jimmy Campbell 55.19

WOMENS TOP 100 NATIONAL

20 Kelly Campbell 66.66

61 April Campbell 54.83

ELDERS TOP 100 NATIONAL

61 Ray P Barb 65.51

89 George R Maitland 62.45

AL BOWERS BUTTERBALL CLASSIC - October 20, 2018

The 2018 Al Bowers Butter Ball Classic was a wet and rainy day. Wehad four die hard horseshoe pitchers didn’t kept them from coming out in the rain. It was a hit and miss showers on and off. We made it happen and we all enjoy pitching in the last horseshoe tournament of the 2018. The four pitchers that came out was Carl Otto, James Otto,

Gary Martin and Sherwood Brown. There were two class A and B.

The A class champion was Carl Otto came in with a 43.59% and finished the game with a 50.00% and a 3-0 record. James Otto finished second. He entry with a 32.51% and finished with 41.33%. Sherwood Brown was the Class B Champion entry with a 26.65% and finished with a 26.00% and a 3-0 record. Gary Martin finished second entry with a 19.28% and finished with 20.67%.

In Class-a, Carl Otto had a total of 75 ringers in 3 games, James Otto had 62 ringers, In Class-B, Sherwood Brown had 39 ringers and Gary Martin had 31 ringers. Horseshoe is a fun and family sport. Hope you all have a Safe and Blessed upcoming holiday season and looking forward seeing you all next year and “LET UM RING”

Sherwood R. Brown

PHC, President

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VIRGINIA STATE SINGLES 2018 – NEW STATE CHAMPIONS !! by Pat Snelgrove

What more could you ask for … beautiful weather, beautiful courts, great camaraderie, and everyone having a good time. The State Singles ran completely through on Saturday, and for once, there were no late afternoon rain storms!

We were pleased to have two Cadets on the courts, Dylan Moore and Parker Dean. Both 10 years old, they had fun and good games (their percentages are neck-n-neck at about 5%). In the Championships, they pitched the best 2-out-of-3. Dylan won the first game,Parker won the second.It was a rubber match for that third game, which Dylan won by a hair.

Congrats to the pitchers that achieved State Champion titles

Randall Weakley, Open Men
Kelly Campbell, Women
George Maitland, Elder (defending from 2017)
Dylan Moore, Cadet

As awards were presented, the gift certificate for horseshoe equipment was issued to Dayton Campbell, for scoring 16% over his entering stat.

Pat & Kevin Snelgrove were inducted into the Hall of Fame, as Promoter/Organizers. It was a heartfelt congratulations from the membership, with Debbie Barbour reading their biography.

Pitchers were issued NHPA longevity patches & certificates: 30 years Ken Henson, 20 years Branson Miller & Terry Sparks, 10 years: Gary Martin, Jack Abrams, Mickey Gillespie, April Campbell, Jimmy Campbell, Larry Morris

The surprise award for the day, was from Chuck Duymich to Kelly Campbell. She had pitched a perfect game this spring, and was presented with a “Perfect Game Carry Bag”, full of all sorts of fun effects.

The VaHPA membership thanks the Winchester HSC for hosting ths year. Your hospitality is unsurpassed. Look forward to seeing you all back on the courts soon. Pat

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MOUNTAIN VIEW SINGLES August 11, 2018

Mountain View Singles

What a perfect day for pitching horseshoes. Comfortable temps, no rain, clay in good condition. It was fun to welcome a brand new Junior Boy, Dylan Moore. Ten years old, and full of energy and questions. He had a great day, coming in 2nd place in Class C. His uncle, Dean Fleming, came in 3rd in B Class, and Dylan couldn’t help but tease him “my trophy’s bigger than yours”. All in good fun. Looking forward to having him at the State Singles this year.

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Congratulations to all of the VA pitchers that attended the

Placed / Name / Class

3 - Dayton Campbell – Jr. A

2 – Jimmy Campbell – Men B1

1 – Randall Weakley – Men C1

11 – Ronald Altizer – Men C2

7 – Larry Morris – Men D2

2 – Jim Hartman – Men E2

6 – Chuck Duymich – Men E2

12 – Tony Presho – Men F1

14 – Donald Carver – Men F1

3 – Dean Fleming – Men G1

1 – Mickey Gillespie – Men I2

7 – Jeremi Skillman – Men J1

15 – Gary Martin – Men J2

10 – Bryan Spivey – Men K2

2018 World Tournament in Florence, SC !!

Placed / Name / Class

12 – Kelly Campbell – Women A

11 – Carrie Flowers – Women C

7 – April Campbell – Women D

14 – Donna Keefer – Women E

14 – Lynnie Wells – Women F

9 – Betty Weakley – Women H

8 – Granville Weakley – Elder F2

8 – Donald Parks – Elder H2

6 – Richard Horvath – Elder I2

1 – Bobby Evans – Sr.Men C

7 – Elvis Blunt – Sr.Men D

8 – Sherwood Brown – Sr.Men E

11 – Bobby Spencer – Sr. Men E

12 – Randy Hamm – Sr. Men E

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VIRGINIA STATE DOUBLES - June 23, 2018. New Doubles Champion Team

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