PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS

Hello everyone! What an organization we have. I want to personally thank everyone that attended the State Tournament this year whether you were pitching, keeping score or just watching. I cannot say enough about the Bradenton Horseshoe Club, what a show they put on. I am not sure how Lois kept the rain at bay but Tim said she is a miracle worker. Guess that is how she did it. Congratulations to the champions of each class and especially to the special award winners, David Jagers, Gary Roberts, Walter Ray Williams, and Shalee Cason. Congratulations to Ron Deckard who was the Triple Crown Champion, which I forgot to mention at the banquet and Frank Cweklinski Triple Crown Winner.

I would like to thank the members of our Executive Council for their hard work and dedication. We are so fortunate to have Marcy, Janet, Peggy, and Vicki as our council members, I wish I could do more than just say thank you to them. Not only did they keep everything on track and running smoothly they pitched pretty well too. I pitched like and old tired… sorry Mark and Vicki, they had to suffer through watching me as their partners, maybe next year. My hat is off to you Bob H. past President and pitching at the same time all those years.

Well the dog days of summer are upon us and the pitching season has come to a close. Vicki and I will not be able to attend this year’s World Tournament unfortunately because I have to be back to work 1 August when we would be pitching. Next year God willing we will be in Utah and I will be retired once and for all. Look out Alan Kasch I am coming for your record, probably not 40 tournaments, how do you do that? Thanks for attending so many tournaments I wish we all could attend that many.

In closing I would like to wish everyone a great summer hopefully everyone can take a nice vacation or just relax under a shade tree with a beverage of your choice. Hope to see some of you this summer until then, God Bless.

Dale Marteney

President FSHPA

2nd VP Comments

We had an outstanding State Closed Tournament this year at Bradenton Horseshoe Club. The club had their members and friends help to supply the labor before, during and after the tournament. They were very organized so it was a very successful event. I'm sure they were very tired at the end. We had a very nice banquet at the Peridia Golf & Country Club. The EC is brainstorming different scenarios to maximize attendance for all pitchers- possibly by having a less formal meal on Friday evening combining the cocktail party with it. If anyone has alternate ideas we on the EC would appreciate your thoughts on it.

For those of you who will be able to attend the World Tournament in Montgomery, remember that Janet McFarland has FSHPA pins you can purchase to share with your opponents. One of my opponents gave me homemade relish. Others gave me pins from their state or town.

The NHPA has new RGS books out since the changes that were voted on at last years meeting. It sometimes helps to review the rules once in a while to refresh your memory. I still consider myself 'new' to horseshoes since I didn't grow up in the sport. And only so much sinks in at a time! And sticks!! You can read the RGS on horseshoepitching.com.

Dale and I have our summer pretty well planned and the new season for us pitchers will arrive before we know it in September. Good health to all and good pitching.

Vicki Marteney, 2nd VP