MINNESOTA HORSESHOE PITCHERS'

Ringer Digest

July-August-September-October 2026

A Charter of the NHPA

Official Publication of the Minnesota Gopher State Horseshoe Pitchers' Association

GOOD LUCK

TO ALL 90 Minnesota Pitchers participating in the 2026 World Tournament!

By Josh Olson

Check this out, 49 of the 90 going to Wisconsin have attended a World Tournament in the past. That means this is the very 1^st World Tournament for 41 players! That is very EXCITING!!

I went to my very first World Tournament back in 2010 when the Tournament was in Cedar Rapids Iowa, probably the closest we thought it would ever get to us Minnesota folks…I thought that was the one and only Tournament we would attend, it was close and then we could say we went to a World Horseshoe Tournament. Well, I can tell you 16 years later, I haven’t missed ONE since. Once you attend this Tournament, you will hope for the next one to get here so fast! The World Tournament is like a Big Family Reunion every year. For those that are attending the tournament for the first time, enjoy the tournament, ask questions and most importantly, HAVE FUN….and throw a few ringers if you can help it!! If you stop in the World Tournament Stat Room or walk past the NHPA Officer Room, stop on in and say Hi!! I will be in Wisconsin to see everyone pitch! Good Luck and I will see you in Wisconsin! 

MN at Team World 2026

By Janet Larson

MN was able to send four teams, seventeen pitchers, to Team World in Beloit Wi this May. Several were new to this event, Minnie Fischer, Sandy Lease and Barry Schilling. Minnie is definitely now on the radar of many. Harvey Burkman and Rich Kvamme were back for a second year and were able to find a comfort zone to make this their best year so far. Gary Boots, Jerry Werk, and Russ Girtz, attending for their third year, were also able to up their games to make this year their best to date. Mark Smith is our Team World pro, with 18 appearances. Everyone who participates in Team World quickly finds out why this unique event is a favorite, must do, tournament. Your most frequent opponents become your teammates, the camaraderie, the coin toss, the strategy, the opportunity to pitch against pitchers you otherwise would never be up against and the endurance challenge all play into the excitement. With a full roster of 24 teams from nine states and Canada, it would mean 23 games over 3 days, not counting playoff games for the seven teams on top after the initial round robin. 

MN #1 consisted of Harvey, Gary, Josh Olson and Helen Hawkinson. After 23 rounds, 92 games, with 63 wins, this team claimed the fifth spot in the playoffs. Harvey and Gary each had 19 wins, Harvey topping out with two 80% games and Gary had two at 75%. Both of these two are rising stars for MN, who has now had 70 pitchers participate in Team World. After just two years, Harvey now sits in the #9 spot for MN with an ringer average of 61.7%, while Gary is at #24 with 55.7%, having averaged 60.73% this year. Josh, MN’s Champion 40 footer, had 4 games of 52.5%. Having now pitched in this tournament twelve times, he could easily set a new MN record for participation. This was Helen’s 7th year at Team World and she had a high game of 62.5%. In the playoff round there is no coin toss, the pitchers must compete against the other team in their finishing order. MN #1 unfortunately lost all four games in their first playoff round against Michigan. Their final 6th place finish, however, was MN’s best finish since 2018. 

MN #2 nearly made the playoff, finishing #8, one spot out. Minnie quickly made herself known to the other teams, pitching 85% her second game, averaging 56.85%. To put an exclamation point on her presence, she finished the tournament by beating the 2024 Women’s World Tournament Champion, Penny Steinke from WI, with a 72.5% game. The pitchers on this team were pretty equally competitive, making it hard for the other teams to strategize against. It was hard to predict who was going to be hot on any given round. They finished the tournament with 58 wins, Janet Larson had 16 wins and a high game of 75%, MInnie had 15 wins, Mark 14 wins and a 60% high game, Tom Prokop peaked with a 62.5% game and contributed 13 wins.

MN #3 consisted of fairly new pitchers to this tournament. Rich was here for just his second time and the first time on a team of just four pitchers which would mean he would play all 23 games. He would lead the team with 13 wins, a high game of 67.5% and an average of 52.17%. Lance Van Wyhe, also participating for the second time, contributed 9 wins, with two 55% games. Jerry and Russ contributed 21 more wins, Jerry having two 60% games and Russ topping out with a 47.5% game. The team finished #13 overall.  

MN #4 had two first time pitchers, Sandy and Barry. With a fifth pitcher on this team, it would give Michelle Foard some time for documenting the tournament and would give all the pitchers a break if needed. Even with filming, Michelle managed to lead the team with 7.5 wins and four games of at least 50%. Joe Mueller had three 50%+ games, Sandy debuted a 57.5% game and Jeff Washburn had a high game of 52.5%. Barry thoroughly enjoyed his first time at Team World and would definitely recommend it to others. 

Missouri and Wisconsin have dominated this event the past few years. This year the top place would go to Missouri #1, Jenny Gegg, Virgil McCown, Lachelle Cook and Michael Bowman. Jenny and Lachelle both went undefeated with 25 wins each, averaging 84.3% and 70%, Virgle averaged 72.1%. A very tough team to beat. Let’s not forget the cheese! Every player with a 70% or better game earns a chance for everyone on their team to win a chunk of Wisconsin cheese. MN # 2 had 3 chances to win cheese, but didn’t come home with any. Between Harvey and Gary, MN #1 had eleven chances at the cheese and were lucky enough to all come home with some cheese.   

MN #1 finishes in 6th

Helen Hawkinson, Gary Boots, Josh Olson, Harvey Burkman

MN Players

L/R Harvey Burkman, Mark Smith, Michelle Foard, Joe Mueller, Russ Girtz, Helen Hawkinson, Minnie Fischer, Tom Prokop, Jeff Washburn, Janet Larson, Lance Van Wyhe, Sandy Lease, Josh Olson, Gary Boots, Rich Kvomme, Jerry Werk, Barry Schilling

From the President

By Russ Girtz

As we move through the heart of the outdoor horseshoe season, it’s great to see courts across Minnesota active with leagues, tournaments, and some new faces joining our sport. I appreciate the dedication of our clubs, volunteers, and pitchers statewide to keep the competitive spirit alive.

This year has continued a consistent theme —growth, visibility, and community. Across the state, leagues have navigated weather challenges, strong turnout at events, and continued momentum in promoting horseshoe pitching as both a competitive sport and a welcoming recreational activity.

Highlights

• Strong Summer Participation: Leagues and tournaments have seen solid involvement, even with occasional weather impacts.
• Club Engagement: Continued emphasis on sharing club activities, photos, and stories helps strengthen connections statewide and showcase the breadth of participation.
• Leadership & Growth Focus: Ongoing priorities remain introducing new pitchers, supporting local clubs, and expanding opportunities for competition and volunteering.
• Year-Round Opportunities: Indoor and winter tournaments continue to provide additional chances to pitch, build averages, and stay engaged year-round.

Good Luck to Our World Tournament Pitchers

We want to extend our full support and encouragement to all Minnesota pitchers competing at the 2026 World Horseshoe Tournament in Wausau July 13–26.

We have a strong Minnesota presence and many thanks for your commitment to qualifying, preparing, and representing MGSHPA.

Best of luck to all competitors—pitch well, travel safely, and represent Minnesota with pride!

State Tournament – Sign Up Now

Our Minnesota State Tournament will once again be held over Labor Day Weekend, bringing together pitchers from across the state for the highlight of our season.

If you haven’t already:

• ✅ Register for the State Tournament
• ✅ Encourage fellow league members to participate
• ✅ Join in the fun and comradery at the banquet

Our Challenge to You:

• Continue inviting new pitchers to leagues and events
• Take advantage of remaining sanctioned tournaments
• Begin planning for winter pitching opportunities

Growth in our sport depends on each of us—whether by mentoring a new player, volunteering at events, or simply showing up to pitch.

Thank you to all of our members, tournament directors, and volunteers who make this organization thrive. The energy across Minnesota this season has been outstanding, and we are well positioned for continued success.

See you on the courts—and at State!

From the Editor

By Jerry LaBrosse

We are fortunate to have the World Tournament so close to home this year. A large group of our MN members will experience the biggest and best tournament in the world. And congrats to the 41 first time WT players, you're going to love it. For some of you, this will become your summer vacation destination into the future. It sure did for me.

One message to everyone who attends the WT, don't be afraid to walk right up to any officer or staff member and introduce yourself and thank them for their work in putting on this awesome event. Most of our members have no idea the amount of planning and work that goes into conducting an event this large. We are lucky to have the experience available, so enjoy.

North Mankato Spring Highlights

By Brian and Linda Duenow

We started the year on February 23rd with an advisory committee meeting. They reviewed the cost of plaques, medallions & celebrity awards from our current supplier and made a suggestion to the managers to switch suppliers. They suggested to add a few more door prizes if the budget allows.

The Manager’s meeting was held on March 2nd at the North Mankato Legion. On March 21^st we had 4 members (Ron Evan, Kevin Plath, Brian & Linda Duenow) head to the West St Paul horseshoe courts and remove 28 pails of clay. The weekend before we sent 4 members (Ron Lane, Nick Lane, Cecilia Elmore & Mike Hromadko) up to the courts and the clay had refroze and no clay could be removed. A special thanks to everyone for your great efforts.

Our membership meeting was held on April 6th at the Mankato Eagles with 45 pitchers in attendance. Election of officers was held. Ken Neidecker – President, Ron Evan - Division 2 VP, Linda Duenow - Secretary, Ron Evan - Treasurer, Cecilia Elmore - Social Media Coordinator, Diann Brooks - Membership, Brian Duenow - Statistician / NHPA Contact, Brian & Linda Duenow - Tournament Directors, were elected back in to office. We had clean-up night on May 5th with 33 members present to help get the courts ready for league play. We added more clay to the pits, turned & watered the pits and blew all the sticks & leaves off the courts. Cecilia Elmore donated T-shirts to the officers and advisory committee, please see the attached pictures. A special thank you to Cecilia for her donation.

We were sadden to hear about the passing of our past member Marv Akkerman and his wife this winter. Brian & Linda talked to Mav’s daughter twice and a memorial was sent to the family from the club. 

We started the season out on May 13^th with 2 divisions and 9 teams and 62 members. We lost 16 members and 1 team (Northwest Gas) and longtime manager/member Don Landsteiner from last year but was able to find 7 new pitchers. We play on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

We will be holding our 35^th Annual Celebrity Tournament on July 10^th and the 35^th Annual North Mankato Fun Days Tournament on July 11 at Wheeler Park. The club singles & doubles tournament is scheduled for July & August.

Have a Great Summer!

Regional Director / Stats Guy

By Josh Olson

Bertha Open 2026 Recap

The annual Bertha Open horseshoe tournament happened Saturday June 13^th. We had 2 full shifts of pitchers. We even had 4 States represented! LOL Not really, but it looked cool on the schedule! Congrats to Al Blumer who won Class D after a 3-way tie. Carolyn Brigner took home C honors. Bertha League member, Lance Van Wyhe had a impressive day in Class B and took home the first-place prize and the patch. Gary Boots and I battled for 1^st place in 40 points, or 40 shoes playoff game, Gary won with a 62.50% game! Gary had lost a game early in the day against Tom Prokop, and I had gone undefeated leading up to the last game where Gary had to beat me to force a play-off and he did that. Congrats Gary on the Tournament Champion and Class A Win!

Pitcher of the Year Standings

going into the last 4 Tournaments of the season.

1-Dale Novotny with 80 Points

2/3-Harvey Burkman and Brian Wipper with 75 Points

4-Tom Prokop with 65 Points

5-Gary Boots with 61 Points

6-Al Blumer with 59 Points and perfect attendance so far for Tournament Attendance

7-Josh Olson with 54 Points

8-Michael Hoffman with 52 Points

9-Marlys Timm with 46 Points

10-Lance Van Wyhe with 45 Points

South Vice President

by Jeff Washburn

Hello to all fellow pitchers, friends, and family members. Our 2026 summer horseshoe pitching season is well underway.    Thanks to an abundance of rain so far, our trees, flowers, and lawns are nice and green, which is a good thing (except maybe for the outdoor horseshoe courts)

Summer leagues are now in full swing, as well as the completion of several of our spring MN sanctioned tournaments.  I am happy to report that the Bud Nelson and Brooklyn Park tourneys were completed without any heat or rain cancellations, as has often been the case over the past several years.

Please take a look at our MGSHPA website and give some thought to see which of the remaining tourneys in July and August might fit into your schedule.  Our State Tournament will be held again in Genola on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Labor Day weekend, with no pitching on Monday, Labor Day.  This will allow for some quality family time on Labor Day before school starts and maybe give me one more day at the State Fair.   The annual banquet during our State Tournament weekend will be in the Pierz Ballroom on Saturday, September 5^th. Tickets will need to be purchased in advance at the time of online sign up or from Janet Roubinek. The Elders will be pitching earlier on Friday again, the same as last year, so watch for that when the schedule comes out in August. Sign up information for our State Tournament should be available very shortly on our MGSHPA website.   The Forest Lake Club will be hosting the concessions at the State Tournament this year, so everyone please come hungry and thirsty. 

For those not in attendance at our Spring Member meeting in Forest Lake on May 30^th, I reported that the West St. Paul courts have now been completely taken out.  The club was formed in 1980, and many pitchers over the years enjoyed pitching under the covered courts. Back in the day, leagues took place 4 nights a week, with over 100 club members.  Tournaments were held every summer, which included participation from surrounding states and including several World Champions.  Most of the current W. St. Paul pitchers have joined other clubs including Ramsey County, Forest Lake, and Dan Patch/Savage. The W. St. Paul club also donated approximately $400 of their remaining bank account balance to the MGSHPA general fund.

Good luck to all our Minnesota pitchers who will be competing in the World Tournament in Wausau, Wisconsin in July.     I hope to see many of you this summer.   Jeff

Candidate for North vice President

  Hi this is Barry Schilling putting in my candidacy for the VP of the north. I started out throwing horseshoes at my grandpa‘s lake cabin at an early age but I didn’t start throwing professionally until I met Christy Cave ( Lu Cave‘s daughter) and got sanctioned to play at the Dakota Magic tournaments in South Dakota and then met John Bennet and Paul Anderson and started throwing league in Fargo North Dakota until three years ago when I moved down to Freeport Minnesota, I started throwing in two leagues, Rice and Alexandria. I have thrown in most Minnesota tournaments statewide and been to the MN state tournament competing and selling concessions for the Ringers of Rice and Alexandria clubs. Lu and I made a point to throw in Becker and Darwin during Winter tournaments as most people recognize me as I started out as a 5% pitcher and now I’m currently at 36%. Also help score and volunteered to turn pits that’s why I would like to run for the VP of the North to help out where I can, a friendly face that people recognize. Thanks for the opportunity to run for VP of the North

Sec/Treas Report

By Janet Roubinek

It is so exciting to know that the World Tournament is only a couple of weeks away. Good luck to everyone, have fun, meet some new people, and enjoy all of it!

Membership update since the Spring Meeting:

Cadet Boy 1, Cadet Girls 2, Elder Men 101, Elder Women 18, Junior Boys 5, Junior Girls 2, Men 94, Women 47, and Exempt 4, for a total of 274. This number is down about 30 members from 2025. Checking in eshoe, there are 73 members that played in 2025 that have not renewed for 2026.

The longevity patches that will be distributed at the State Banquet include the following members:

10 years

Dave Streit, David Losen, Zachary Fuhrman, Mandra Schroeder, Minnie Fischer, Sandy Lease, Tammy Liljedahl, Robyn Holien, Kendra Bekkus, and Wayne Syverson.

20 years

Mark Hillegas, Robert Houfer, Al Blumer

30 years

Al Larson, Henry Brown

50 years

Linda Duenow

If I have missed someone, please let me know.

Treasurer’s Report

The MGSHPA has been the recipient of the following donations:

$1000, anonymous, to give back to National for computers. National Friends of Horseshoes has received this final check.

$374.42, West St. Paul, to the general fund

$505, Family of Daniel Girtz, to the general fund

MGSHPA Spring Meeting

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Forest Lake

MINUTES

•     Call to Order at 1:25 pm

•     The Fall Meeting Minutes were recapped. Jeff Washburn made a motion to accept the Fall Meeting Minutes, Rocky Pierce seconded motion, so moved.

•     Treasurer’s Report.

As of 5/27/2026, checking $2,877.85, savings $4,150.54.

An anonymous donation of $1,000 was given. The family asked for it to be used to give back to National Friends of Horseshoe for computer grant monies. The $3000 has now been fully given back.

Family of Daniel Girtz donated $505. This amount will be used to Friends of Horseshoe.

•     Membership.

    As of 5/27/2026, 172 renewed members: CB 1, CG 1, JrB 5, JrG 2, EM 62, EW 9, Ex 3, M 54, W 35. 75% of the members renewed online. At the Fall Meeting in 2025, there were 311 renewed members. Note that at the time of the spring meeting, there were several clubs that had not sent in their league rosters to Janet, so the number of members will be considerably higher than 172.

•     President’s Report. Discussed upcoming world tournament and the importance for finding new pitchers. 

•     North Vice-President’s Report. Nothing to report from Rocky Pierce for the 8 Clubs in the Northern section of the state.  Helen added to notes that the Forest Lake club has 26 pitchers, including 6 brand new members (all sanctioned). 

Rocky will be stepping down as NVP when his term is over. Barry Schilling is running for NVP.

•     South Vice-President’s Report.  The Litchfield club has 10 pitchers; the Montgomery club has 20 pitchers; the Mankato club is the largest with 62 pitchers (all sanctioned); the Ramsey County club has 58 pitchers (49 non-sanctioned); the Brooklyn Park club has 20 sanctioned pitchers; and the Savage club has 18 pitchers (6 non-sanctioned). The West St. Paul club has disbanded and the pitchers gone to other clubs. The money in the club was disbursed to the pitchers and $400 given to the State (MGSHPA). Discussion regarding the insurance coverage for pitchers that are sanctioned, which is very important in case of accidents.

Jeff Washburn will be stepping down as SVP when his term is over. Matt Henning is running for SVP.

•     Junior Programs Report. Not in attendance.

•     Statistician’s Report. Not in attendance. Josh’s Bertha Open is coming up on June 13th. 

•     Communications Report. Jerry said that the Ringer Digest deadine is July 1^st.

•     Webmaster’s Report. Not in attendance. Mary Lou Baier, a new member, offered to assist with the website. 

•     Nomination’s Report. Helen said that there are 2 nominations for Hall of Fame, One for Edie Holland, and one for Rookie of the Year. The Hall of Fame deadline has passed.

•     NewsMedia & Promotions Report. Nothing reported.

•     Constitution and By-Laws.

Old Business: None.

Jerry LaBrosse read through the proposed rule changes (we will have 3 delegates):

1.   Request for sleeveless shirt. Majority in attendance voted ‘yes’.

2.   Request to use chalk vs paint on stakes. Majority in attendance stated either was ok. 

3.   Request for elder men over 80 to be able to pitch from 20 foot line. Majority in attendance voted ‘no.’  Didn’t care if they did so in league.

4.   Request for term limits for Presidents (3 years) on the National level. Majority in attendance voted ‘yes.’

5.   National dues raising $10.00. Majority in attendance voted ‘yes.’

6.   Discussion about making Snyder Easy Flips illegal because of the shape/size. Majority in attendance voted ‘no’.

7.   Discussion about measuring horseshoe pits and changing the dimensions from foul line to stake. Very confusing and unnecessary. Majority in attendance voted ‘no.’

There will be a full report on the results of the voting, both in the national monthly digest (formerly Newsline) and in the next Ringer Digest.

Sue Pierce is not going to run for re-election. 

•     New Business

1.           World Tournament. 90 pitchers from Minnesota have signed up.

2.           There was a request by a junior that the Jr Division at the State tournament be 40 shoes or 40 points, which ever comes first. The reasoning given is that other juniors don’t want to play anymore when they are beaten by such a large difference. Example, 92-0. Up to the tournament director but the majority in attendance didn’t mind the change.

•     Adjournment.  Barry Schilling made a motion to adjourn, Al Blumer seconded. Passed.

Thank you Helen Hawkinson for assisting with these minutes.

Promotion and News Media

By Michelle Foard 

  Happy Summer All,

 The World Tournament is almost here. I am so excited to see all of you. I will be there for the full 2 weeks. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. I will be posting a video on FB of where to go and what the inside of the venue looks like. Currently I am doing World Tournament photos. These are just a digital copy for you to use as you please. I put the background of your choice, a photo of you pitching, NHPA logo, World Tournament logo and the outline of the state with either the us flag or the state flag. If you would like one let me know. I am asking for donations. I plan to use the donations to go to our State Banquet. 

 State Tournament sign up is live. You can go to the MGSHPA website and sign up online or mail your entry in to Janet. Don't forget to get your banquet ticket as well. We will be doing the 3 day pitching again. Saturday night is the banquet and Sunday is the Championship round. Camping is available on site. If you have any question about state feel free to reach out to me. 

 August 22nd will be the Mn Doubles. This year we are doing it backyard style as in standing Doubles. So you and your partner must pitch the same shoes. This is in Genola. There will be concessions and music playing as well. You can sign up with me. It is a great warm up tournament prior to state. Cost is $40 per person. FYI they installed fans in the rafters. For the club tournament we turned them on and they worked great! Helps with air flow. 

 Also if you have any club photos, tournament photos or any photos horseshoe related feel to send them my way. 

 Good luck to all 90 Minnesota pitchers at the World Tournament. Safe travels!

Last Chance Qualifier Tournament

Shoebox 11

Class A

 1st Harvey Burkman 2nd Gary Boots 3rd Tom Prokop

Class B

1st Lance Van Wyhe 2nd Brian Wipper 3rd Sarah Kotila

Class C

1st Dale Novotny 2nd Al Blumer 3rd Mike Timm

Brooklyn Park Tournament

C Class

 2nd Gary Freese, 1st Michael Hoffman, 3rd Dick Dvorak(not pictured)

D Class

2nd John Hustings, 1st David Robertson, 3rd Sequoia Wiese 

E Class

 1st Al Springer, 2nd Jeff Shaw

Bud Nelson Memorial Tournament

By Helen Hawkinson

    The 2026 Bud Nelson Memorial Tournament on May 30 was a success! No rain, sloppy pits, and a working computer and printer! We had 4 Classes and Laura Zachrison placed in her first sanctioned tournament! Class D was very exciting. Glenn Skeie took first place with 5-2 wins and 14.17% which was HIS FIRST EVER 1^st in his Class and took home his first championship patch. Cheryl Beck took second with 5-2 and 12.5% and first timer Laura Zachrison took 3^rd with 4-3 and 12.08%. Class C Champion was Rocky (Rory) Pierce with 4-1 and 26%, 2^nd place was very close – came down to “over” average. Henry Brown and Mike Timm both had 3-2 but Henry’s average with 12.5% beat Mike’s 16.5% by over average, so Mike took 3rd.  Way to battle! First place in Class B was Debbie Thomsen with 5.5 – 1.5 and 38.93%. Second was David Losen with 5.5 – 1.5 and 33.21%. 3^rd Place was Brian Wipper with 5-2 and 37.86%.  Class A was a hot one – talking about the weather of course, ha. Jim Bilderback came all the way from Wisconsin to pitch and took 1^st with 6 wins and 0 losses and a 58.75% average. Way to go Jim! Helen and Janet battled and both finished with 4 wins and 2 losses but Helen squeaked out 2^nd with 50.42% to Janet’s 45.52%. What a fun day in the sun. 

A class

3rd Janet Larson, 1st Jim Bilderback, 2nd Helen Hawkinson 

B Class

 2nd David Losen, 1st Deb Thomsen, 3rd Brian Wipper

C Class

2nd Henry Brown, 1st Rory Pierce, 3rd Mike Timm 

D Class

2nd Cheryl Beck, 1st Glen Skeie, 3rd Laura Zachrison

Minnesota Team Tournament

Team Tournament Weekend

By Carolyn Brigner

The Morrison County League hosted the 2^nd Annual MN Club Team Tournament and MN Team Tournaments on June 27-28. On Saturday, eight teams from Santiago, Bertha, Brooklyn Park, Morrison County and 2 teams from Alexandria and Rice played the handicapped round robin format.

To add some interest to the day, any pitcher throwing 3 ringers over their average in any game was entered into a drawing for Smude’s popcorn for their team. Santiago, Morrison County, and Rice # 2 teams won popcorn!   

Anyone hitting their ringer target was also entered to win Thielen’s world famous bacon to cap off the day. Dennis Barutt, Michael Huffman and Al Blumer from Santiago were happy to take home the bacon! Both contests were fun and encouraged team comradery.

Bertha’s team of Harvey Burkman, Josh Olson, Lance Van Wyhe were the champs. Pat Stumpf, Minnie Fischer, and Tim Brigner of Morrison County was a close 2^nd. Even though Alexandria Team # 2 entered with the highest team handicap they took home third place. The handicaps give everyone a chance to win!

On Sunday, four teams pitched in a double round robin tourney. Team ringer % could not exceed 200%. Opponents were chosen by coin flip, and there was no handicap. Once again, ringer contests were held for Smude’s popcorn and Theilen’s bacon. 

Josh Olson’s team of Harvey Burkman, Lance Van Wyhe, and Ringo Burkman took first with a 14-10 record. With a 13-11 record and identical head-to-head records there was a tie for second place. Al Blumer’s team of Pat Stumpf, Janet and Al Larson and Tim Brigner’s team of Minnie Fischer, Mark Smith and Sandy Lease were happy to split the prize. Gary Boots led a team of Jerry Werk, Barry Schilling, and Randy Werk that challenged each of the teams during the day. 

Brigner’s team was lucky winners of popcorn and bacon, and Olson’s team won popcorn.

All teams were enthusiastic about the opportunity to play a team tourney format.  The lucky winners of both tournaments were awarded the NHPA Team Tournament Champion Patch. This patch is a rare addition to any pitcher’s collection

Ceiling Fan’s in Genola Arena

The Morrison County Horseshoe League was gifted with a donation to purchase two large fans for the Genola Arena. This will make a cooler pitching experience at the state tournaments! 

Tournament Champions

Harvey Burkman, Josh Olson, Lance Van Wyhe,

Second Place

Pat Stumpf, Minnie Fischer, and Tim Brigner

Third Place

Steve Ziegler, Bruce Swenson, Gary Kirckof

Team captains Josh, Al Blumer, Gary Boots, and Tim Brigner check out the coin toss by Carolyn to determine opponents and courts. 

Josh Olson’s team of Harvey Burkman, Lance Van Wyhe, and Ringo Burkman took first with a 14-10 record.

There was a tie for second place. Al Blumer’s team of Pat Stumpf, Janet and Al Larson and Tim Brigner’s team of Minnie Fischer, Mark Smith and Sandy Lease were happy to split the prize.

Publishing Schedule for the MGSHPA Ringer Digest

January-February-March

April-May-June

July-August-September-October

State Tournament Issue

November-December

Send all digest materials to the Editor

Jerry LaBrosse  Jlabro6186@aol.com