“Heat of the Summer” – Young Shooters “Virtual” Summer Competition

[John Liles]

Great to see the enthusiasm from all the young competitors, wonderful that the PGCA is so fervently encouraging their participation, and hats off to the parents who allow themselves to be bested by the Whippersnapper Division!
I've had several occasions to shoot sporting clays with Edward Blake, and was pretty much convinced that nobody his age (and only a scant few adults) could shoot as well. Great to hear that Matt is keeping him honest! When I grow up hopefully I'll be able to shoot as well!
Nicely done Austin, and with a pump gun no less! I'd love to see the look on some of the codgers faces as they break down their high dollar O/Us and slide them into the trunks of their Beemers!
Hey Danny, nice job! Add Lizard to the list of folks who got older yesterday! She turned 21, all by herself, down in Georgia, 600 miles away from dear old Dad. I did send down a handle of North Dakota Apple Pie, hopefully she'll be able to figure out what to do with it. She was only home for a short while this past summer, and between work and a few online classes, she only had a couple of opportunities to shoot. She was bummed that she couldn't participate, but hopefully she'll be on board for the next competition. She's looking forward to seeing everyone in Georgetown.
Once again, thanks to the PGCA folks who realize that the future of our double gun enjoyment lies with the Next Generation.

[Angel Cruz Ortiz]

Congradulations to Austin, Matt, Edward and Danny!! And a happy birthday Danny!!

[Double Lab]

Who are you calling old you young whippersnapper? Congrats on your trap win and HAPPY BIRTHDAY. 22 huh? I've got hunting boots that old.

[Dean Romig]

A hearty Congratulations to each of the winners!! Great job guys!! And congratulations to everyone else who competed this time. I'm sure there will be another youth competetion next year.

And Happy Birthday Danny! You share a birthday with Austin Hogan so you're in the very best of company!

[Ed Blake]

Many thanks to John Dunkle for making this happen.

[Big D]

The gun Matt Grunzweig is shooting is really unusual. It's a Beretta UGB25. It's a single barrel, break open, two shot semi automatic. http://www.ugb25xcel.com/ . Beretta advertises it as the lowest-recoiling gun available. Good thing, 'cause Matt is about 6'1", and 120#. The torch is being passed. He's now beating me most of the time

[John D.]

Well... Finally.....

It took over a month to get these designed, made, etched and finished - but.... The Awards from our first Youth Contest are finished! I just picked them up and - they are stunning... I hope you agree....

I was going to frame some certificates, but - frankly, I wanted something that wouldn't fade or 'get lost" as the Youth Members grew older... I was going to do some "patches" - but, patches are hard to display correctly... I thought about hats for the winners - but - hats get torn and lost... I wanted something more permanent... Something that would last...

So, here is one of the Awards - custom designed - and each of the four winners will be mailed their own trophy when I have a moment to get to the UPS store or USPS...



Congratulations to all the winners - and I really hope the PGCA announces the next version of a Youth Competition soon - as I'm coaching two young shooters who would be a "natural" to enter..!

Best to all...!!!

John

[Dean Romig]

Very nice John!!

I'll include it in the "Announcements" column for the Spring 2013 issue of Parker Pages as soon as a program is decided on.

[Autumn Daze]

John, You are absolutely amazing! Danny is gonna get big kick out of this when he gets home from work....Better yet maybe I won't tell him... John,Thanks for ALL you do!

[Mills]

Another few years and my four year old would love this.