The power of the Chesapeake Horseshoe Club was very evident at the Richmond Open. Nine members came to pitch and that they did, taking home 7 out of 9 trophies available. This club is excited about pitching horseshoes, and from the moment a few of them arrive, you can hear the banter begin. Get a few more pitchers in the area and the excitement grows. Their spirit is what this game is about, friendship, family and fun!

“Sandamanda” is one to watch out for. At 14 years old Amanda Tolbert is learning the ropes and learning fast. Look out Amy! She’s on the way! Her style is smooth and deadly. Entering the event with a 12% average, seeded at the bottom of her class, she dominated, pitching a blazing 34.09% overall to capture the class undefeated! Most certainly a junior pitcher to watch and follow as she moves up the scale!  She is very confident “Her daddy taught her right!” was one of the comments she made.

A total of 16 pitchers showed up for the event, making class lineups very difficult. With a spread of 20%, ‘A’ class was set up pitching with a handicap. Jerry Colyer, top seed, took the heat in stride. His first tournament since last fall, and off his game for the entire day, he commented he still had fun even with the handicap. “They got me while I was off.”

Randy Rickard is a newcomer that deserves to be watched. Starting the event with 31.65% he pitched a super hot game of 62.5% against Jerry Colyer, finishing the day with a 40.85% average. He took the honors of Champion, undefeated, finishing overall 9.19% above his starting average.  Ken Henson 2nd seed, took 2nd place. His only loss was against Randy. Marvin Chessons finished 3rd.

B Class was tight starting off, with five men 19% to 26 %, Talmage Dunn (Chesapeake) was pitching really well, and ended up with 7% above his starting average. Mark Mater (King William) was also hot, pitching overall 6.03 % above his average. His only loss was to Talmage. Jack Miley (Chesapeake) finished 3rd

C Class, well Amanda was hot! Before I started my game with Amanda I said” I’m only  going to pitch first!” that only lasted 3 innings. After that she took off! I think she was toying with me. “Sandaanda” will be moving up in class, Scott Fencil took 2nd and Richard Revell took 3rd. A clean sweep of the class for Chesapeake!

Carl Otto did a fantastic job of getting the event up and running. It was unfortunate that once the tournament started, Carl got a call on his cell phone that a fire alarm had gone off at his shop! My wife Pat graciously dropped her spot in A Class to take over the tournament desk with the hopes that Carl would return quickly, with good news. It took a while and yes the good news was the fire was contained very quickly and with little damage. Carl was relieved that his livelihood was intact but disappointed he missed most of the tournament. 

Wyatt Kingston, a good friend of Carl’s, was on hand all day helping out and taking score. Wyatt is a counselor for the Hillsdale chapter of the Richmond Boy and Girls Club. He is devoted to his kids spending many hours teaching them skills and sportsmanship, and has them pitching horseshoes. However, working with only 6 pairs of horseshoes for 40 or so children is pretty tough. He has started discussions with Carl about starting a junior league, but lacks the equipment. Pat and I have agreed to sponsor his boys and girls, and we would ask that you lend a hand if you can. If you have an extra pair of horseshoes that you are willing to donate, please give them to Pat, Carl or myself for this project. If you would like to sponsor a child, $5 is all it takes to buy a Junior card. A worthy cause, can you help?

We will see you again at the Otto Classic, August 9th, bring a Frisbee and if you have time try the Frisbee golf course beside the courts.

Kevin