Participants came from near and far – Afton, Greenfield, Mount Ayr, Tingley, Lorimor, Creston and Bridgewater, and from Lovilia, Des Moines, Slater, Omaha, Nebraska, and Pine City, Minnesota. They came as friends and family, young and old, and gathered at the High Lakes Outdoor Alliance shooting range Sept. 24 for the challenge of the shoot, the company of friends and the enjoyment of the great outdoors at the third-annual LC Open Trap shoot.
The shoot focased on trap, with a little skeet thrown in for good measure, and the hint of possibilities of a .22 caliber profile target shoot.
When it was all over, the trophies and medals awarded were not the most important thing but certainly were due recognition for the action that had taken place. Among 12 to 14-year-olds, Ethan Mitchell of Afton prevailed, missing only two targets out of 50. He was followed by Nate Purdy and Gaven Tomas.
In class 2 novice, it was Lanie Sheil of Mount Ayr taking first-place honors followed by Dakota Burgmaier and Tom Steinbach, both of Creston. Brody Grandfield of Afton topped the class 2 experienced group, with Mitchell Lutrick of Mount Ayr taking second and Huck Brace of Slater coming in third.
Class 3 novice was won by David Newton of Greenfield with Mike McCollough of Creston taking second and Khord Campbell of Pine City, Minnesota, coming in third. Experienced shooters in class 3 were led by Al Hysell of Afton, followed by Stacy Loy of Lorimor and Jeff Nace of Lovilia. Three of the categories had tied scores after the original 50 targets and were decided by “shoot-offs” from the handicap line.
In the first ever team competition at this event, it was all “Road Warriors” as they handily topped the other four teams. Scott Schultz, Wade Starlin, Harold Starlin, Al Hysell and Stacy Loy made up the team.
Members of the “Shoot for Life” committee organized and hosted this event with the help of Larry Murdock to keep tabs on squads and results and Sue McIlravy with concessions. The men of the High Lakes Outdoor Alliance provided the expertise to operate the range.
Financial supporters of the event included Dan Downing of New Horizons Counseling, Abundant Life Family Church and two anonymous donors. Items for the raffle came from Creston Farm and Home, True Value Hardware, Wal-Mart and “Shoot for Life” committee members. Darwin West provided a public address system, Fareway provided items for concessions and As You Wish Designs and Mugs to Murals donated artwork.
Proceeds from this shoot went to Life Care Centers of Creston and Stuart for their work to support the life-giving decisions of men and women who come to them for help, including their Earn While You Learn program. A similar event is planned for next year on the fourth Saturday of September.