46th Volunteer Open Skeet Championship Enjoyed By All!Historic skeet shoot continues long tradition. Gabby Hulgan wins HOA honors.The Tennessee Clay Target Complex was host to the Forty-Sixth Annual Volunteer Open on June 4, 2004. The oldest skeet shoot in the State, the Volunteer Open has become a true Tennessee tradition within the sport of skeet shooting. Many recent improvements at the Tennessee Clay Target Complex awaited the participants. New arrivals were greeted by large directional signage on Briley Parkway, erected by the State of Tennessee. Recently installed Mattarelli traps equipped all 8 skeet fields. The new traps performed beautifully assuring tournament quality targets. A beautiful, shaded patio overlooking the Cumberland River has been constructed onto the back of the clubhouse. The 2000 sq. ft. patio provided a comfortable refuge for the participants and guests. Also, an expansive parking lot with RV connections has been added. TCTC manager, Chad Williams, had staff and facilities well prepared for the event. Sam Jennings did a masterful job of organizing the shoot and marshalling the volunteers necessary for a shoot of this size. Sam used all of his considerable influence to provide good weather for the three-day event. Chief Referee, B. J. Yates, assembled an outstanding crew for the weekend. Ed Hope and Barry Rich arrived early on Friday morning to install the computer network and begin registration. Sixty-nine shooters participated in the doubles event. After struggling with health problems for the past two years, it was a treat to see Roger Acuff return to the winner's circle. Mark Pierce captured RU in the doubles shoot-off with Roger. Marina Pakis from Memphis won the Ladies crown. Kyrk Davis won the sub-junior concurrent with a fine score of 91, while the pride of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, Charles Buist Jr., claimed the junior title. Saturday morning welcomed the start of a busy day for the registration team, as the balance of the 101 participants arrived from 9 states. Rick Moore, representing Hi-Viz, traveled from Colorado at the invitation of Gabby Hulgan to compete in his third registered competition. Rick and Hi-Viz were gracious to provide several items for the shooter drawing on Saturday night. Gabby Hulgan survived a long shoot-off to win the 12 gauge Championship, while Dave Schultz earned RU. Kyrk Davis added 12 gauge to his sub-junior wins as did Charles Buist Jr. for the junior title. Jamie Krutsinger did a masterful job winning the Ladies title. Terry Hetrick, shooting instructor at the Tennessee Clay Target Complex, took 20 gauge honors while Allan McCannon was RU. Kyrk Davis and Charles Buist Jr. continue their dominance of Sub-Junior and Junior respectively. Marina Pakis won the Ladies title. The Tennessee Clay Target Complex provided a delightful dinner for all shooters, following the shoot-offs. During the dinner a drawing was held for door prizes. The perfect weather continued into Sunday. At the end of the day, Gabby Hulgan bested Allen McCannon in a shoot-off for 28-gauge champion. James Bayless won Sub-Junior and Joseph Bayless took Junior Champion. Ronnie Tucker won the Ladies title. In the 410 gauge, Terry Hetrick shot the lone 100 after Gabby dropped the high five target in the final box.. Charles Buist Jr. was RU and Junior Champion. James Bayless won Sub-Junior. Jamie Krutsinger was the Ladies Champion. HOA honors went to Gabby Hulgan with a fine score of 398. Allan McCannon was RU with a 397. James Bayless won the Sub-Junior crown and Charles Buist Jr. was the Junior winner. The shooting wiz from Indian Mound, Tennessee Ronnie (don't call me Veronica) Tucker won the Ladies title by two birds over Marina Pakis. A word about our 2004 event champion, Gabby Hulgan. Gabby is one of the greatest skeet shooters in the world. He has been on 17 All American teams. He has had the highest average score in the world 20 times. Gabby still holds the World 12 ga. Sub-junior average record of .9920. Barbara Mandrel inducted him into the National Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame in 1997. He has eight gold medals, four silver medals and six bronze medals at the World Championships. In 1998 he won the Champion of Champions event at the World Championships. Congratulations, Gabby! The members and staff of the Tennessee Clay Target Complex wish to thank all of the participants and guests. We look forward to hosting the 47th Volunteer Open in 2005. |
|||
|
