Wow, this past year really has been exciting. For the year ending 2001 we had 222 members, as of today we have 305. One of which just joined today.  A whopping 37% increase., 111 new members. When I started the web page 4 years ago I never anticipated the impact it would have. Half of the new members can be directly or indirectly related to the web's existence.  The other half can be attributed to the enthusiasm, participation and promotion that a lot of fellow pitchers have shown.

This past year, 4 new sanctioned clubs have formed - Burnt Chimney, Chesapeake, Dublin and King William. The foundations of 3 more clubs have been laid - Lynchburg, Richmond and Fulks Run. Our Association is growing and it's great to see! As sponsor of the web site, my company, King Custom Storage Systems and Glass Etching presented recognition awards to those people that have been out there supporting and promoting the sport in all sorts of ways.

The first award went to Rick and Amy Hall, for forming the sanctioned Burnt Chimney Club, bringing in several new members via their club, their assistance with the Chesapeake tournaments, and promotion and enthusiasm all throughout the organization. As VaHPA President, I asked Ricky to present the rest of the awards as I called names and gave explanations. 

Talmage Dunn, from Chesapeake, was the first contact behind Kenny  Stuart and has become a leader in that club.  Kirk Adams for taking on the leadership role in the Chesapeake Club and sponsoring it's growth.

Mark Maters was surfing the web one day and found the VaHPA site. He and Tim Boggs were awarded for forming the newly sanctioned King William Club, and bringing in several members. 

Carl Otto built his "Field of Dreams" in Richmond and asked the VaHPA for help getting things running. Fred Mullinex, his right hand man, has supported both the club and Carl.

John Cummings, for taking the necessary steps and bringing his club into the NHPA Sanctioned Program, understanding just what it means to be a sanctioned club.

Randall Weakley for his efforts  - running both the Madison County Fair Tournament and the Green County Fair event, promoting the sport.

Wayne and Delissa Sturtz for their leadership in the Northern Valley Club and also for their assistance and volunteerism organizing the Chesapeake tournaments .

Debbie Barbour , a special lady, for organizing the "Children's Horseshoe Event" and her never ending help in all of the Winchester Clubs

Christa Hall, for her support and efforts on behalf of both the Grottoes and Churchville Clubs.

Glenn Rithcie and Jackie Whetzel, for reviving Fulks Run Horseshoe courts, their efforts will bring in additional members next year. 

Ray Barb, for running the Apple Valley events and also some of the local Moose events promoting horseshoes.

Marty Coleman for trying to revitalize the Lynchburg club. Foundations laid, work in progress. 

Then, a non-member of our association, but a big part of it.  Phyllis Kelly. This woman has been at her husband's side at most of the VaHPA events. Always asking  'Do you need help? What can I do?' And she does, she has kept score for countless games, helped out at the TD desk, and has been the eye behind a lot of the photos posted on the web. In general, extended herself to assist any way that was needed. 

And our fore-fathers of the sport are not forgotten. Ken Henson has been helping preserve the amazing history of his father "Boo" Henson, sending photos and news clippings and in the process, is documenting the early years of pitching in Virginia.

Marvin May has shaped the association as we know it today. Our number one fan, Raymond Deal for his never ending love of the game.

Floyd Hix Jr. for his efforts and uncanny memory of the sport in this state and his help forming our association. His daugher Tonya Hix for her efforts in the preservation of that information.

These people have all made a contribution to our organization and the sport in general. Documenting present and past events, writing them down, submitting stories, creating history of the current moment or moments past. Making others aware of what is happening! Most of all promoting.

On behalf of our Family, I salute you all - keep up the good work  We might hit 400 next year! Thank you."