Newsline: September October 2018 Edition

World Tournament Report Available Now Online

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: REFLECTIONS OF FLORENCE

Florence SC, host site of the 2018 World Horseshoe Tournament was held indoors at the Florence Event Center July 9th - 21st, 2018. One thousand twenty-six (1026) pitchers competed for cash and prizes worth over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. We had four countries represented this year. They include South Africa, Norway, Canada and USA. The NHPA Council and Staff would like to thank the city of Florence for a fine job of hosting this event. Organizations for successfully bringing this event to Florence include the Florence Center Staff, Florence CVB, City of Florence, and the Florence County. For the record, this was the first time South Carolina hosted this event. Special thanks to Chastity Wilson and her staff for their extreme dedication and long hours over the 2.1/2 weeks of working this event.

Congratulations to all the Division and World Champions. The NHPA Council would like to recognize and congratulate Allan Francis (OH) for winning his 23rd Men's Title. The Council could not be prouder of Allan for not only his ability to pitch horseshoes but also being an outstanding role model for our sport.

At the 2018 World Tournament, we had a number of individuals who volunteered to come out early and assist the host and the NHPA staff in the setup. The Council would like to recognize and thank these folks for all their hard work. Coyce Allen, Rob and Ann Hagman, Roger Vogel, Pep Plummer, Barb and Alex Carson, Larry Purtweet, and Russ Alan. We couldn't have done it without all your help!

The 2018 Delegate meeting was held on Sunday July 15th there are some topics I would like to outline in my President's message.

This year was the year we voted on Rule proposal changes, we had thirty-two (32) different proposals. The results are outlined in this issue of Newsline.

Even though this was not the year for by-Law changes the Council felt it was necessary to announce an "emergency" by-law change. This involves the procedure for handling the selection of future W.T. sites. The Council presented to the delegates the need to have the NHPA Council control the awarding of the W.T. sites and why it was necessary to do this. After much discussion it was voted on by the delegates and approved.

This year we had two positions up for election, President, and 5th Vice President. Both positions had two candidates running. For President, it was me and Roger Vogel from Kansas. For 5th VP, it was Coyce Allen from Texas and Dalton Rackstraw from Kentucky. For President, I had won the election however I would like to thank Roger Vogel for his interest in this position and hope he continues with his efforts and ideas on how to grow our sport. For the position of 5th VP, Dalton Rackstraw won. Congratulations to Dalton, the Council is looking forward to working with you. The Council would also like to thank Coyce Allen for his efforts and hope he will consider running again in the near future.

At the Hall of Fame Banquet, two individuals were inducted into the NHPA Hall of Fame, Roy Smith (MI) (deceased) in the Historic Era player Category and Jerry LaBrosse (MN) in the Promoter/Organizer Category. The NHPA Council would like to congratulate Jerry and Roy's Smith family and friends on their induction.

The following NHPA Awards were presented at the 2018 Hall of Fame. The NHPA Council would like to congratulate these individuals.

Jerry Smith (CA) - Stokes Award

Rob Hagman (MN) - Presidential Award

Meredith Kahrig Perry (OH) - Special Award

Steve Summerlin (MI) - Special Recognition

Bill Vaughan (WV) - NHPA Achievement Award

Mark Neubauer (MO) - NHPA Achievement Award

Dave Shreve (IL) - League Director Award

One membership award was presented this year to the Charter who had the largest increase in membership. This year it went to the Texas Charter.

In closing, the Council would like to recognize and give a big "thank you" to Maxine Griffith and Marlene Ray, two Class "A" women pitchers who took time away from their busy schedule to assist the NHPA W.T. team in tearing down the courts and packing the NHPA trailer after competing in the Woman's Championship round. I personally cannot believe the Maxine Griffith after winning the Women's World Championship took time to help us. ----THANK YOU BOTH---

The NHPA would also like to thank the NHPA Directors, NHPA W.T. staff, and all the volunteers for their many long hours of working the World Tournament over the 2 1/2 weeks. Not many people know what goes on behind the scenes, but I want to make sure their work does not go unnoticed.

Last but not least I need to recognize and thank the NHPA Council, Gary Roberts, Laurie Lampkin, Jerry Smith, Rob Hagman and Coyce Allen for an outstanding job of running this year's World Tournament. This team displayed great teamwork working together throughout the two weeks. ----THANK YOU----

Looking forward to Wichita Falls, TX in 2019.

Stu

MOVING FORWARD

by Gary Roberts

Now that the 2018 World Tournament is complete, it is time to move forward and learn from our mistakes. There were several problem areas this year to include the condition of the clay during the first week, the practice court issue, the photography issue, and the problem with the cameras. However, there were also many positives. As we contemplate next year's tournament in Texas, it is essential that we learn from the Florence experience.

Many new rules were approved at the 2018 Convention. One of the most important is establishing the ability to entertain bylaw and rule proposals on an annual basis. Although this will create extra work for the Rules Committee, I feel that we should not have to wait three years to implement new ideas that may come forward. This year proposals can still be presented until November 30, 2018. However, I would be appreciative if they were submitted as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to analyze each proposal. I will be posting each rule or bylaw proposal on social media to allow for input from members. This should lessen the amount of debate required at the Convention. In subsequent years, proposals must be submitted no later than September 30th.

Another important change was the decision to allow the NHPA Officers to select the site for the World Tournament. As you are aware, we have only been getting one bid the last couple of years. In past years, bidders have had to spend several thousand dollars to travel to the World Tournament site and have had to have staff present for several days. There was no guarantee that this effort would be fruitful. Since cities will no longer have this large upfront expense, it is our expectation that there will be multiple bidders. In depth site visits by experienced persons will be required to assure the site is adequate. Site visit expenses will be borne by the bidders. Stu Sipma and Laurie Lampkin will be working hard to secure bids.

Another important change was the establishment of a Provisional Membership category whereby one could pay a first year fee of $10.00 that would allow such a member to participate in NHPA sanctioned tournaments (upon payment of appropriate entry fees) during the first year. This person could upgrade to full membership any time during the year and would be required to pay full membership after the provisional year. A provisional member cannot have ever been a NHPA member. It is hoped that this effort will help with recruiting new members.

Another change that is worthy of mention concerns the ability of junior pitchers to receive awards of monetary value. After many years of debate and much research, most feel that accepting such awards will not affect one's amateur status relevant to participating in college or high school athletics. If a parent feels that accepting such awards is problematic, the parent can choose not to allow the junior pitcher to accept it.

All rule changes will be effective January 1, 2019.

I am an optimist by nature. Although it appears that our sport is facing serious challenges and a continuous decline in membership, I, for one, am willing to do everything possible to change this decline. If I can contribute in some small way to resurgence of our sport, I will be happy. I will look forward to receiving your bylaw and rules proposals.

Are the Social Media Outlets a Problem for the NHPA?

by Laurie Lampkin, 2nd VP Publicity and Promotion Director

During the World Tournament this year in Florence, SC, we were experiencing several technical issues that were beyond our control. We posted this information on the NHPA Facebook page and the NHPA website in order to update everyone as we were informed of the issues. We all know that as members of the NHPA, we want the best possible outcome for our sport, whether it is using various outlets such as social media, promotion, publicizing, etc. Regardless of the various ways we choose to get the word out there about Horseshoes, social media can be a serious challenge.

Society has adapted to the various avenues of Social Media, even though we are not always face to face, we are still able to get our messages and thoughts out for the world to see regardless if those messages or feelings are positive or negative. We should always try our best to be a good role model no matter how old we are, we never know who is watching us, from the younger generation, our very own family members and friends, to our church family, co-workers, bosses, the NHPA membership, and these are people that we come in contact with on a daily basis.

It's been said that one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch and more often than not, that applies to the Horseshoe environment as well. It's usually easy to identify that Negative Nellie or a Doubting Debbie who wreak havoc on morale. The bad attitudes, catastrophic thinking, and fatalistic outlooks can infiltrate the ranks and spread like an epidemic or plague.

Perhaps it's that person who causes you to grit your teeth, or maybe it's another person whom you avoid at all costs. It's important to recognize when these individuals make such statements in an unwelcome manner, they do not always speak for everyone else.

Sometimes, we unknowingly give toxic individuals influence over our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. Whether you spend two hours complaining about the policies and procedures of how the NHPA operates that you don't like, it's important to remember that we all have a stake in our sport if we want to succeed.

Negative posts on the several Horseshoe related Facebook pages can be detrimental and bring out the worst in all of us if we are not careful. Negativity in our sport can hurt us in several ways, especially when we are seeking major and corporate sponsorships and also seeking to create or add to the overall membership. We have a moral responsibility to address such negative behavior for a few reasons:

People withdrawing or not participating in the sport any longer which can impede or hurt our overall membership recruiting.
Diminishes everyone's enjoyment and friendly competition of the sport.
Fewer people wanting to volunteer their time and resources to Horseshoes and also effects the possible sponsors and advertisers that we are constantly seeking.

These effects can be abrupt or gradual, short-term or long-lasting. Not all effects result in change. Sometimes presenting both sides of a story can help change attitudes. Words are powerful. They can encourage or destroy the innocence and confidence of a cadet or junior, any adult pitcher when read on social media.

Going forward, let's all try our best to be little more considerate, respectful and positive of what we post and remember how those post will affect our Sport overall in the end. If anyone has any serious issues or topics that need discussing, please contact any of the NHPA officers anytime. Our contact information is listed on the NHPA website for your convenience.

Takeaways from Florence

by Jerry Smith

The 2018 World Tournament (WT) is complete and as usual I found it to be an emotional roller coaster ride. We had many great successes and several glitches. The internet problems and lack of camera coverage were probably the biggest disappointment for the fans and certainly for the council. There was little we could do to solve the problem as promises were made but unfortunately were broken. I see no use in pointing fingers as it would serve no purpose. Other situations also were to be learned from including; lack of adequate practice courts, setup during a holiday week, and the lack of a horseshoe club presence in the host city. The council must learn from this experience and try to focus on the positive.

I am always amazed at the people, including: pitchers, family members, host staffers, and the community in general. It is so great to re-acquaint with friends and colleagues from around the country. I meet and talk with league pitchers and directors that I only know from stat pages and phone calls. The pitching is always fun to watch from the beginners to the last three days when World Champions are crowned. The long hours and frustrating situations melt into puddles on awards day when you present checks and trophies and the award room is filled with friends who battled it out fiercely for three days.

I was personally in the arena area almost every hour of every day and the players and fans were amazing in their actions and willingness to lend a hand when needed. Thanks to all of the judges, scorekeepers, volunteers and courteous fans.

The sport of horseshoe pitching is declining in numbers like many other sports and activities. But during the two weeks of the WT, when I see the excitement, comradery, new friendships, helpfulness and competition, it makes you wonder why. It is truly an amazing experience and one well worth the effort to attend. I challenge everyone to come and find out for yourselves by planning to attend in 2019, you won't regret it.

I enjoyed the Hall of Fame (HOF) banquet immensely and it was good to see the many excellent choices for awards and to listen to the many accomplishments of the two newest HOF inductees. It was a very deserving group. I was honored and humbled by being presented the Arch Stokes Memorial Award. That honor is incredible and serves as the highlight of my career. Like most, I just "do what I do" and what I love. The NHPA awards process each year is meaningful and it is important to our organization. There are so many hard-working people that "just do what they do" and don't care about awards or fame. The NHPA hands out these recognitions as a way of saying "thanks" and it shows others what it takes to build and maintain our organization. Here's a thought, nominate someone. The council does not know everyone out there who tirelessly works to better our sport, or increase our membership, or just does "what we do". We need nominations for all of our awards including; "Presidential", "Achievement", "Arch Stokes Memorial", League Director of the year", "Regional Director of the year", and the "Hall of Fame". Go to the NHPA website to see the list of recipients and forms to nominate deserving pitchers, promoters and/or workers. Let's show these deserving folks what we think. Send your form or letter to any NHPA Officer and they will handle getting it to the right person.

Watch for directions on handling the many rule changes that were passed this year and remember, we all need to recruit a new member or two. It can happen.

Outgoing Message

by Coyce Allen

A year has now passed since taking over for Bill as your 5th VP and somehow, I managed to survive the many duties associated with the position. To be honest, the minor headaches are buried in a mountain of memories of wonderful experiences and relationships. Old friendships have grown, and I've had the opportunity to begin new friendships throughout the year. I would like to express my appreciation to the executive Council for allowing me the opportunity to contribute in some small way and feel confident that they will do great things in the coming years for the members of the NHPA. Serving as the 5th VP has been an enjoyable experience and I leave with memories that will stay with me a lifetime.

I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my most sincere congratulations to Dalton on his new role. I wish him all the best upon assuming his new responsibilities as 5th VP and look forward in working closely with him to strengthen the NHPA. Please rest assured that you have my full support!

New Ideas. New Members.

by Dalton Rakestraw

I want to start off my first article by saying thank you! Thank you, to those delegates who believe in me and voted me in as the new NHPA 5th Vice President. I promise that I will do this job to the best of my ability and I am always available by phone call or text for those wanting to express concerns or chat about new ideas.

Now that the intro is over, I am excited to begin my term starting January 1, 2019. I am writing this article as for the membership committee chairman. This team consists of Debby Michaud, MA; Max Griffith, TN; Phyllis Quist, WA; and myself. We have started off a membership push for this year. A "new" members package. It includes a grocery tote bag that reads "I'd rather be pitching." It also includes a t-shirt that has the NHPA logo on it the website design. You can see from the demo below.

To obtain this membership bag, you MUST be a brand new member for 2018. It is for those who have purchased an NHPA sanction card for 2018, whether that be last year in October or just a few months ago. However, if you pitched 30 years ago and took a break and re-joined, you are not considered a new member.

Also, you must pitch in a minimum of two (2) sanctioned tournaments. Leagues do NOT count. We want pitchers to come out to weekend tournaments and familiarize themselves with game styles and new people. State secretaries just have to email myself with their new members for 2018 and their shirt size and preferred color. Laurie will mail them to the state secretary and we want them to personally give the membership bag to the pitcher. This adds an additional touch and a "reach out" to the new members. We have had much success from the following states so far: Connecticut, Kentucky, Tennessee, and New York. New York is emailing me weekly with new members!! Most people have met the requirement and have received their new bags!

As always, I am here for everyone. If anyone has any questions, please call or text me and give me at least 24 hours to respond. I also have a NEW email address for horseshoes it [email protected]

Please use this email address for all horseshoes related messages. That is all for now. I am looking forward to serving everyone starting next year. Once again thanks to all who are giving me the chance to be on the council, and as always, I wish everyone great success at their respective state tournaments and much happiness from my office to yours!

Hall of Fame

by Vicki Winston

Another World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament is now in the record books and it was my privilege to have been able to mingle in the Florence Center for a few days with other folks from many different locations. It was good to see old friends again and perhaps make a few new ones. Due to some physical disabilities, large venues like that are not user friendly for me, but I do see the necessity for them when running an event as large as the WT has become. I heard several pitchers comment that the clay was excellent this year. I played during a few decades when World Tournaments were smaller and still held outdoors. I have been affected by all of the various weather conditions that can arise when that is done. The pitchers of today would not appreciate all of the hardships and delays that were endured by the pitchers in that day and age. You had only to step outdoors this year and you immediately experienced one of the hardships that we used to endure. However, when the tournament was outdoors, there were often just 18 courts and spectators sometimes numbered into the thousands. Perhaps that was because the bleachers were close to the courts and spectators could experience watching several great games at the same time from their vantage point. Championship classes, especially the Men's, usually began in the early evening, which gave people from the local area a chance to get home from work and come out and watch the competition. Residents of the host city were often deeply interested in what was going on and had favorite pitchers they wanted to watch. How times have changed. We may have improved conditions for the pitchers, but we have pretty much ruined any chances of attracting spectators from the local area.

This year I took in the last few hours of the NHPA Convention as a spectator. It did sound like it was a fairly productive meeting and I do congratulate the people who ran and were elected to the NHPA Executive Council. I was sorry to learn after the WT was completed that Dave Sidles is stepping down as NHPA Sec/Treas. at the end of this year and will not finish his term. I believe he has done a great job, along with the help of his wife, Carla. It is not an easy job and my best wishes go to the person who is willing to step in and finish Dave's term of office.

Sunday, July 15, was a very busy day at the Florence Center. Immediately after the Convention concluded, it was time for the Chapel Service held in the same room. I don't blame the delegates for not wanting to sit there any longer, after having endured such a long meeting. I wish there could be more time between the two events, so that some of the delegates might have a chance to eat lunch and come back for the service if they are so inclined. A nice crowd did gather and we enjoyed the chance to worship with other members of our horseshoe family, enjoy some special music and hear a good message from our NHPA Chaplain.

Sunday evening was the NHPA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet. I heard many comments about the good food. Some said it was the best in several years. When I am able to attend the banquet, it is always my pleasure to preside over the induction ceremony for the people who have been newly elected to the Hall of Fame. This year we inducted Roy Smith from Michigan and Jerry LaBrosse from Minnesota. Roy Smith is deceased, but it was an honor to have some of his children present and his daughter, Peggy, and son, Carl, each told some memories of their father and accepted his award. Jerry LaBrosse was present, along with several family members, and his induction speech was given by Sarah Otto. Both of our new inductees are very deserving of their award and I thank my committee for doing such a good job. The voting process is not an easy one. After the official program was concluded, those who remained were treated to one of the most hilarious auctions you will ever witness. A nice sum of money was raised for the NHPF as we enjoyed the entertainment.

Early on the morning of July 17th, I chaired a meeting of my Hall of Fame Committee. The committee consists of 14 members, plus myself. I am pleased to say that 8 committee members were able to join me for the meeting. Another was in Florence but was on the courts at that time. It was agreed that we had a very productive meeting and will be following up on some things that we discussed.

I had to start home on the morning that the Championship Finals began, so missed what I hear was some of the most exciting competition in several years. My congratulations to all of the 2018 World Champions. I also learned that my record of 10 World Women's Championships still remains untied. No one is more surprised than me that this record has stood so long. It was in 1981 that I won my 10th World Championship.

As I close I do want to encourage NHPA members or clubs to consider submitting nominations for people you think might be worthy of induction to the NHPA Hall of Fame. People can't get elected if they are not nominated. A printable Nomination Form is available on the Hall of Fame link of the NHPA website. It will give you some of the criteria that we consider as we screen nominations. When I have the opportunity, I will try and see that the list of nominees on the website is updated and then you will know the names of people who are currently being considered. The deadline for new nominations to be included in the 2019 voting is Jan. 31, 2019. Please use regular mail when submitting your nominations to me.

NHPF at the World Tournament

by Casey Sluys

The 2018 World Tournament was perhaps the most fruitful one for the NHPF. We were located in an ideal location, had plenty of room to display our nice items, and were able to operate a 50/50 drawing daily. We had wonderful donations from the following folks either for our silent auction or the live auction at the Hall of Fame Banquet.

Bob Dunn MN, multiple old horseshoes
Frank Kwiatkowski NY, a large wooden horseshoe
Ann Hagman MN, a beautiful quilt
Stasia Addison GA, a homemade wreath
Jerry Smith CA, old horseshoes
Laurie Lampkin KY, a decorative whiskey barrel top
Dave Sidles NE, a framed photo of the Keene, NH WT
Paula Jenson MN, a handwritten recipe book & a basket of homemade jams & jellies
Walter Ray Williams Jr. FL, 3 autographed bowling balls
Collin Martin CT, metal flag (a high school project)
Inge Bjorkland NOR, 2 sets of horseshoes & 2 Norwegian shirts
Casey & Gail Sluys CA, hook latch rugs, & burl clock
Stu Sipma ND, pro football QB jersey
Ron & Victoria Highly MO, laser cut replica of WT logo & handmade purse
Randy & Donna Shoemaker OH, handmade afghan & a pair of old shoes
Marcel Guilmette CT, Hand carved pick up stick
Arie Schaly ONT, chainsaw carved bear
Paul Machado CA, wooden horseshoes
Russ Brockway WI, autographed horseshoes
Jim Kinney MO, a Harley Davidson gift bag
Joe Adams, an Eddie Bauer horseshoe set

As you can see we had many donations, besides these we also received $950 worth of brick orders. The surprise came at the banquet when it was announced that Edward Elwood NE would donate $5,000.00 to the NHPF and challenges anyone else to match that amount. It was a pleasant surprise on Monday morning when Neil Hartwig KS and his son sauntered up to our table and matched the donation from the previous night. What a pair of wonderful donations these two gentlemen contributed to a great cause. We would like to continue this challenge put out by Ed, please consider a donation this year to the NHPF?

Don't forget as the holiday season approaches and we begin our online shopping to use AmazonSmile and earmark the NHPF as the charity you wish to contribute to. It's painless and happens automatically. Up to May 2018 the NHPF has received $345.62 in donations from using the AmazonSmile site. If you've visited our website, you will notice a donate button on the front page. https://www.nhpf.info This is also a handy method of donating to a great cause. We thank everyone for their past contributions and sincerely hope we can count of you in the future.

Special Thanks to Our Donors

We express our sincere thanks to the following who have donated as reported in
the Sep/Oct 2018 issue of Newsline.

Donating $25-$99

Charles Bunner, WV

Goldendale Horseshoe Club, WI

Peggy Ogden, FL

Mona Della Santina, CA

Donating $100-$300

Sodbusters HPC, VT

Kickapoo Valley Pits, WI

Anonymous

Barry & Barb Chapelle, OR

Vicki Winston, MO

Whetstone Horseshoe Club (OH)

VT Horseshoe Pitchers Association

Donating $800-$1000

Emerald Horseshoe Pitching Assn, OR

Donating $4500-$5500

Neil R Hartwig (KS)

Edward Ellwood, (NE)

Bricks Purchased By

Horseshoe Pitching Professional Tour (SC).

Josh Olson (MN)

Thomas Dunham (SD)

Raymond D. Graham

Dobie Gutweiler (WI)

Stu Sipma (ND)

Minot Horseshoe Club (ND)

Other Income

Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club, MO $ 2500.00 Rent

Bob Dunn Book Sales, MN $ 96.00 Sales

We'll see you in Wichita Falls, 2019

by Chris Callihan Sr., THPA WT 2019 Chairman

The THPA, host charter for the 2019 WT in Wichita Falls, Texas, has formed a committee to assist the CVB in Wichita Falls. The goals of the committee are to promote the event and the sport of horseshoe pitching, gain sponsorships & donations, assist with set up & tear down of the courts, and to help ensure a first class & enjoyable experience for all of those that attend just to name a few. We also acknowledge the importance of warm up & practice time. Having said that, we will also help to ensure that 12+ indoor & covered practice courts will be available. This is just one of a few examples where your voice has been heard and past concerns are being addressed. Problem solving and implementing best practices will be key foundations for success.

We are excited to host our first WT here in Texas! We look forward to extending our Texas-sized hospitality to everyone.

World Records

by Mel Yockstick, The Statman

The 2018 NHPA World Tournament held in Florence, South Carolina was a hotly contested event. With 1,026 pitchers. I want to say "thanks" to all the World Tournament leaders and workers for making this a super event. The 2018 NHPA Hall of Fame and Awards banquet was a highlight.

The 2017 World Tournament had 11-90% games in the Championship Finals. One 2017 WT players received his first 90% patch. Seth Onan from Kentucky hit his highest game with a 90.00% in the Cadet Division.

Seven players received participation patches. Dan Watson (AL) received his "I pitched in 10 world Tournaments". The following received their 20-year patch pitching in world tournaments:

David Ackley (OH), Jerry Dugan (KS), Archie Sexton (IN), John Wemholf (NE), Ernie Ellermann (M). Stu Sipma from (ND) received his 20 years "In-A-Row WT" patch.

Four players received Perfect Game patches:

(1). Alan Francis (OH), pitched 32 out 32 shoes at the 2017 Ohio State Tournament.

(2). Kelly Campbell (VA), pitched 20 ringers out of 20 shoes at Veterans memorial tournament 2018.

(3). Dan Watson (AL), Pitched 20 ringers out of 20 shoes at Alabama State Tournament 2018.

(4). Derek Reynolds (AR), pitched 20 ringers out 20 shoes at the Arkansas State Doubles 2018.

The Florence Center courts yielded 5 first time champions along with Alan Francis (OH) with his

23rd. men's title and David Holmes (WV) with his 4th. Elder's title. (See WT championship spreadsheet)

The States winning the most 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies at this year's World Tournaments are:

1-Ohio 75 pitchers with 17 wins.

2-Georgia 57 pitchers with 10 wins.

3-Tennessee 28 pitchers with 10 wins.

4-New York 37 pitches with 10 wins.

5-Minnesota 32 pitchers with 9 wins.

Congratulation goes out NHPA Junior Coordinator Aleen Lepak (WI), 7 months pregnant with her son He became the youngest Jr. Boy pitcher at the world tournament this year. The two of them ended up with a 71.50% overall average.

Be sure to review the NHPA website to view "World Tournament Stats" and to find your past World Tournaments under "Participation-red bar". If you review this file, "You will know a thing or two, cause you've seen a thing or two"

Congratulation to all open class and championship winners!

2018 World Championship By Division

Florence, South Carolina (*)		World			High %
Championship	Name	State	Titles	W-L	Avg. %	Game	Shoe Brand	Turn	Rgrs. In-A-Row
Men's	Alan Francis	OH	23rd.	14-1	85.02%	90.00%	AF-Signature	3/4 R	30
Women's	Maxine Griffith	TN	1st.	15-1	77.66%	82.60%	Elmer Hohl	Flip	12
Elder's	David Holmes	WV	4th.	15-0	85.91%	97.61%	Imperials	Flip	24
SR- Men	Gary Roberts	OH	1st.	11-1	61.97%	69.44%	Elmer Hohl	1-1/4	10
SR-Women	Barbara Taylor	SC	1st.	7-1	63.60%	76.31%	Imperials	Flip	10
Boys	Derek Reynolds	AR	1st.	7-0	73.71%	77.50%	Wave	3/4 R	12
Girls	Cameran Edwards	PA	2nd.	7-0	60.36%	83.33%	Mustang	Flip	8
Cadets	Riley Malino	CT	1st.	7-0	68.75%	73.08%	Snyder EZ Flip	Flip	10

Smith Family Thank You

submitted by Peggy Smith

"The Roy Smith family expresses its thanks to the NHPA Hall of Fame Committee and NHPA Officers for honoring our father posthumously with induction into the Hall of Fame in the "historic era pitcher" category. There were so many outstanding nominees, that it is especially cherished to have been chosen. Kudos to the NHPA for continuing to recognize pitchers from the "Golden era" of the sport. We thoroughly enjoyed the banquet ceremony in Florence and had an opportunity to reconnect with friends of old. Dad would have been so proud to be remembered for his accomplishments after all these years. He always said it would be his "crowning achievement" if he ever made it into the National Hall of Fame, and he was always glad to represent Michigan at World tourneys. We learned that the "horseshoe family" is as strong as ever and wish all current pitchers "a pretty shoe", as Dad often said to his competitors. Thanks again!"

Toll of Time: Mark Wolffradt

submitted by Ohio Chapter

Mark Wolffradt of the Michigan Horseshoe Assn. passed away on June 19 at the age of 63. Mark was an active member in the Romulus and Lincoln Park Horseshoe club. He was also tournament director and served on committees for the State Association. He was unable to pitch in his last few years, but he still stayed active and provided support for all that was ask of him. He was member of the NHPA for the last 15 years. His input, hard work, and friendship will be missed by everyone. He leaves behind his wife Marilyn and children Beth, Angela, Bryan and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Horseshoe Trivia

submitted by Gary Roberts

It is always interesting to observe the different deliveries and turns of our great pitchers. One anomaly in turns is the near disappearance of the one and three quarter turn in the Men's Championship Division. In past years, this turn was very prominent. In this year's World Tournament, Rick Howe was the only member of the Championship Division throwing this turn (part of the time).

In the 1965 World Tournament, three of the top five finishers threw the one and three quarter turn. Elmer Hohl was first, Ray Martin finished second, and Paul Focht was fifth. Fernando Isais, Ralph Maddox, Jim Solomon, Jerry Schneider, Ronnie Simmons, Buck Engle, Floyd Fowler, Pop Johnson, Bob West, and Stan Manker were all great pitchers who utilized the one and three quarter turn. It is a mystery as to why very few pitchers use it now.

The resurgence of the flip shoe is also of interest. At the 1972 World Tournament in Greenville, Ohio the great Jesse Gonzales averaged 80.84% in the Championship Division with the flip shoe against stiff competition. No other pitcher was ever able to exceed 80% with the flip shoe in World Tournament competition until this year in Florence, South Carolina. This year Gary Bearpaw averaged an amazing 81.68% to join Jesse as the only flip shoe pitchers to accomplish this fete. It seems Gary continues to improve every year. Not far behind was Dan Watson with his beautiful flip shoe averaging 79.89%. We may soon see a third pitcher enter the 80% club. If anyone tells you the flip shoe won't work from forty feet, just have them watch Gary and Dan pitch.