Many thanks to Joe and Jim for organizing this shoot. A great time had by all, and we are already looking forward to next year. I will begin posting results shortly, but here are some comments from our fearless leader in Mission, Jim Latham:
Inaugural Fraser Valley BRSC Group Shoot (HV) at Mission & District Rod & Gun Club. May 3, 2015 (by Jim Latham)
Some wag asked me what “Inaugural” meant (I will let you decide where that guy came from) and I responded. “That is the one where you first try things out to see what on earth you forgot to do or need to practice”. I am pleased to announce that there were not many organizational screw ups at all (in my humble opinion as chief organizer more than ably supported by Joe Mendham my Mentor). Rick started our day with an introduction to BRSC and thanks to all of the Mission gang for organizing the first event in the west in many years. Once we figured out how to speed up the backing paper change we motored along quite well, commencing at 9:05 and concluding at 5:00. We did discover though that for a one day event we max at two relays so next year we will be capped at 24 competitors once again so if you want into this be ready when we send out the info (it will be in May but we are trying to find a Sunday with a few less conflicts)
First let me thank an incredible number of folks who ensured that this event was a success. Before it all started Rick Pollock and Hugh Williamson brought us the backing system that came originally from Regina (and thank you Regina) and reduced its height so Mission berms worked. Mel McIntosh for coordinating the target change and keeping timing, the Dynamic Duo of Frank and Sonya Oblak, Mark Dumont, Greg Yeomans, Sam Parrotta, and Bob Hampton, who provided the bulk of the assistance to Mel; and a very special thanks to Bob Goehring who scored the entire match (23x10=230 targets)!! Rick kept the results coming with his computer program. Everyone else chipped in for the things always needed and that was appreciated by Joe and me, and allowed us to shoot as well. And if the Vancouver Island, Grand Forks, Calgary contingents had not appeared to join our Mission Motley Crew it would have been a very small event. Our one no show, Steve Minckler, had to deal with his mother’s sudden illness and we wish her well Steve.
Since it was Sunday, and we are in the Bible belt, Daniel Zaccanti Jr. presented me with my own bound copy of the latest NBRSA rules, AKA The Bible. Rick commented, “We have a cult/church built around the ppc, it meets on weekends and is known as the "church of the tiny group and limited following". Well that was inspirational to me and I thought a good way to chronicle this historic event would be through quotations and I would like to start with Daniel, our Washington guest upon whose shoulders an entire nation rested. The best of his quotes of the day was “We have forgotten about the War of 1812, how come you guys can’t?” (Actually we could but we won’t.) Joe noted, “I shot pretty good considering I can only see half the target”. Wally remarked when congratulated on some of his very small groups “ Yeah why can’t I do that the rest of the time”, Don Sundquist said “When I did so well at 100 I thought I should give somebody else a chance at 200”. Caroline Adam said “I was twice as good at 200 as I was at 100. What on earth is that about”. Bob Richards was hiding in his trailer so I am not sure what he said, but he parked right beside the potty so he got to see everyone, especially the old guys like me, several times. And you gotta love Greg Yeomans- all he does is smile all the time. Dan Opel, upon my remarking I was doing so well after 4 targets at 100, “Don’t worry; there is still lots of time to screw up”. Boy was he right!! Rick Pollock said, “I hope one of the Mission gang wins; it will bring out more of us next year.” You got your wish Rick! Art Harder said after target one, “My God I came 13th, what’s wrong with the gun you sold me?” at the end when he pulled off the Grand Agg, and everyone was congratulating him, he said, “It is in the equipment, that was a great gun you sold me”. Go figure. BTW if you believe any of the above, I have a gun I would like to sell you…
The results are attached, and as is always the case, consistency rules; while a really good group can sure help and a really bad group can almost wipe you out, sticking to it and improving along the way makes the difference. Art showed us that. In summary, At 100 Don Sundquist was first, Dan Opel second, and Joe Mendham third. At 200 Art Harder led, followed by Rick Pollock and Bob Richards. In the Grand Aggregate Art Harder won, Rick Pollock was second and Dan Opel was a close third. Rounding out the top ten were Bob Richards, Don Sundquist, Larry Ivany, Frank Oblak, Mark Dumont, Daniel Zaccanti Jr., and Dennis Tipper. Small group at 100 went to Joe Mendham and Small group at 200 went to Wally McDonald.
So all four zones- Mission, Calgary, Campbell River and Grand Forks were represented so being in charge I declare the zone competition a four way tie!! The tie breaker will take place next year.
Any shooting event is a chance to meet new folks and make friends. That happened. We all know we are quite weird to be playing in this fanatical and expensive game. Isn’t it great to know that we are not alone?
Until next year………….