Comments -----1st V.P.------ Bob Lemon

 I said last year after attending my 1st World Tournament that all FSHPA members need to put it on your Bucket List. Well this years Tournament in St. George Utah reinforced my statement. Do your self a favor and make plans to attend 2014 tournament in Buffalo NY. ( July 14-26 ) You will not be sorry !!!!!!!

 My wife Jan and I spent the complete 2 weeks in St. George watching some our FSHPA friends and many new friends pitch. There were 9 FSHPA members at the worlds this year, which I feel was  terrific considering how far away it was to .travel. Several of us were able to pick up some of the prize money by finishing in the top part of our classes.

The big winner from our group was our friend Ron Deckard.  The week started for Ron by being installed into The National Horseshoe Hall of Fame. I am sure you will all agree that it is an acknowledgement that is will deserved by Ron, He was installed at the annual Banquet of which I was given the special honor of being the one to introduce him to the Banquet attendees  ( thanks Ron for letting me be apart of your special moment.)

Ron didn't stop there ---------- He went on to win his 5th Senior Division Championship in the past 7 years He won it 4 years in a row 2008,09,10.11  he finish 5th and 2nd the next two years. It was not easy, but like a true Champ.Ron was able to get it done. Ron had to throw a playoff game, both to win the class title and the Division title. During the finals Ron was in fourth place, with 3 very good player ahead of him going into the final 4 games. As my wife and I watch we were very concerned and thought it was going to be another almost for him. The thing in Ron's favor was he had not played those ahead of him. One by one he beat 2 of the 3 ahead with his final game was against the person that only had 1 loss while Ron had 2 losses. Ron had to beat him to force another playoff. for the title. His opponent happen to be from Canada which made it even more exciting.. Well Ron won that game and a playoff was needed. .WHAT A PLAYOFF GAME IT WAS------ They threw many 4 dead's at the start, but Ron started to pull ahead.  In the finals they throw 40 point games and was ahead 36 to 14 We all felt that the game was going to be over.soon. But Ron shoes could not hold the stake and the game went to a score of 36 to 31 before Ron was able to finish the game for his 5th National Championship. That A Boy Ron----- you make us proud  !!!!!!!

 Bob Lemon 1st. VP, FSHPA 

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St. George, Utah, 3rd vice president Tom Flaherty.

It is a very beautiful place, Zion park and is breath taken. Each mountain has its own beauty and color, it’s a hot and dry climate and the weather was in the 100 degree plus every day. If you found a shade tree and stood under it for five minutes you would cool right down but not too many trees.

Bryce park was also gorgeous, there you look down on the mountains it was awesome.    Now back to the tournament. Juniors Dylan Holmberg is an amazing young man. He came in 7th in his class and got into the championship class. He won 2 of 7 games and pitched 55 percent. This young man is going to be a great ambassador to the sport and always with a smile on his face.

FLORIDA was well represented, Bob Lemon went 9 and 3 and took 2nd place, Walt Jones went 10 and 5 and took 4th place, Ron Hoffman went 11 and 2 and took 2nd place.

  I had the pleasure of sitting at Ron Deckard’s table at the banquet when he was inducted into the hall of fame. Bob Lemon introduced him and Ron took it from there, not only did he tell of his experiences and hours of practices in getting to where he is. The day he won his division and got into the championship and came from behind and won that title to.

  I know all you guys were hoping he would go to 30 feet after getting into the hall of fame  HA HA HES BACK LOOK OUT 2013 AND 2014.

       Good luck to everyone and have a great 2013 and 2014 year.