Markham Skeet Club

THIS WEB SITE: http://www.markhamskeet.org
MAIN CLUB SITE: http://www.markhamclaytargets.com

The 2008 U-Got-It Open

This was the shoot you asked for, and U-GOT-IT!

Eleven 4 (or 5) gun shooters were included in the 19 different shooters who attended the first (and probably last) U-Got-It Open. Thanks for the support. Thanks to the NSSA, the FSA and Broward County for quick approval.

THE BIG PICTURE: Todd "Wild Bill" Bowman made his promised appearance, and it was worth his time! Todd was Champ of just about everything, including 12, 28, Doubles and HOA. We should have named this shoot after him - The "I Just Came To Win All the Awards" Shoot or something like that! But seriously, a fine job by Todd put him at the top of a very competitive field. As you will see in the results of each event, there was a close race for every title this time, and many more shooters are challenging the Markham Myth (that you can't shoot a 100 at skeet at Markham). I don't recall any events in my tenure with as many 99's and we had this time.

The "Start Early for Ike" 20 Gauge

We attempted to get as many shooters out at 9:00 as we could, and planned on putting them out back-to-back to make sure that any weather influence from Hurricane Ike was minimized. We had been tipped that if there was to be a storm condition shut down, the range would have to do that Sunday afternoon, reducing our window for all the events. Andre "Deuce and a Half" Williams wasn't fazed by all the hoopla and hysteria over something as small as Category 4 Hurricane Ike, and started the shoot with the first 100 we've recorded in many months - the first at Markham this Skeet Year!. Andre is making a habit of posting 3 digit scores lately - what's your secret? What makes it especially noteworthy is that many other very good shooters were not able to post scores in line with their averages. Great going Andre. Bobby "Babyface" Vazquez posted a very nice 98 to take Runner Up, almost catching Andre. Howard Chin posted a 95 and edged out Jason Tresslar's 95 (C1) by long run to capture Third Place. Behind that were lower than normal scores for most of the Class Champions: Todd Bowman's 92 took AA1, Thomas "The Teacher" Tamayo posted a 94 for A1, Steve Sagal's 89 netted B1, and Rich Weissman took D1. Congratulations to all who participated.

The "Did I really ask for THIS?" 410 Event

In an unusual twist, many shooters actually posted higher scores in the little gun than in the 20 gauge - go figure! Not one, but two 96's were posted (from the same squad no less!). Todd Bowman and Thomas Tamayo gave a clinic to yours truly (whose score was so low I cannot publish it here) and then shot off the masterful 96's. Todd Bowman (CH), the wiley veteran that he is, won out over the rookie sensation Thomas Tamayo (RU). Taking third with a very respectable 94 was David Lee, a real player in the little gun lately. Also posting a 94 was Chuck Farnham (A1). An 88 captured the B1 title for Steve Sagal, while C1 went to Jason Tresslar and D1 to Rich Weissman. Great shooting gentlemen, and you too Chuck!

The "Did You Ever Doubt It" Doubles

Ending Saturday, 10 entries in the Doubles continued the trend of higher participation in Doubles as a 50 target event. Todd Bowman (CH) took his second event title with a 48, followed closely by Andre Williams (RU) 47. Rocky Long took Third, and David Lee, Howard Chin and Steve Sagal each captured class titles.

The "I Can See Clearly Now" 28 Gauge

Sunday had scores that belied the increased wind. The swirling hurricane to the south was beginning to move some air in our area, but the scores actually went up for most shooters. Todd Bowman (CH) and Howard Chin (RU) both posted "almost perfect" 99's, and Art Kissel's 98 took third. David Lee (A1) also posted a 98. A 95 was needed for Geoffrey Peters to grab B1, and Jason Tresslar's 93 took C1 and Rich Weissman took D1. Nice shooting and a good start to Sundays events.

The "Too Good To Be True" 12 Gauge

Starting off with a 25, Todd Bowman (CH) was again working on a three digit score at Markham.
Unfortunately, a single miss once again smudged his quest for perfection.
That missed target dropped him into a three way tie - the Gang of 99's - with Andre Williams (RU) and David Lee (3rd). The good scores continued with a Class winning 98 for Steve Haynie (AA1) in his first ever AA entry.
Also taking Class Champion honors were Art Kissel, Howard Chin, Geoff Peters, Philip Kenton and Rich Weissman.

The "All The Marbles" High Over All Event

After a slow start, Todd Bowman (CH) pulled out the stops with a pair of 99's to take the HOA Crown. Runner Up was David Lee, followed closely by Andre Williams (3rd). Class Crowns went to Chuck Farnham, Howard Chin, Jason Tresslar and Rich Weissman. Good work gentlemen, see you next month!

RESULTS OF THE 2008 U-GOT-IT-OPEN

And For Our Next Event...

Our next shoot is scheduled for October 4th and 5th, the World Famous Markham Skeet extravaganza, "The Closer". Why, just the other day I realized that some TV network actually is using our shoot name as the name of a TV show - well, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery ...

Keep up the high level of participation, and we'll keep having the shoots.

The "I'd like to Thank the Academy..." Summary

A big thank you to the Markham Target Range staff for all the help they provide in making this show go each time we ask, we couldn't have done it without you!

A HUGE thanks to Rocky Long and Glen Rieske for all the help in making this thing happen each month. It's so nice to be able to count on you guys to be there when trying to make this happen. Your commitment and devotion to your word and the sport deserves recognition. I know you have made sacrifices, even endured physical pain, to be there when you're needed, and I really appreciate it. Thank You.