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Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
January xxxx, 2008
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association
2008 VaHPA Schedule is POSTED

2008 Snow Shoe Festival
January 12, 2008

OK! I was accused of having an insider’s connection with Mother Nature on January 12! The past month’s weather reached daily temps of 16 degrees, and next week is scheduled for more of the same. But today? The best we’ve had in a long time, and everyone loved it!

Creaky muscles and rusty joints limbered up, while all of the pitchers caught up with each other about happenings since fall. Edward Thompson arrived with a splint on his arm, and amazed all of us with his story about an accident with a mirror in his house. New member to the VaHPA, Stanley Friend arrived, and seemed impressed – even in January – with the abilities of the other players. He’s looking forward to visiting other courts as the season gets rolling.

By 11am, we had 24 pitchers signed up, and we were raring to go! The big grill was lit, heated up well, and by noontime, some of the pitchers were stripped down to (continued on the next page with photos)

Hs Master Training Classes

From the Presidents desk

I want to thank all of you that supported me in my new position as President, 2008 will be an exciting year for all of us!!

With the new slate of officers, our goal is a “Team Effort” going forward. I met with them in early January to discuss things. It was a very productive meeting in which we all left with action items to do. Reviewing and re writing our bylaws was at the top of the list of action items. Renee Cowan accepted the Chair of the Ringer Review and Chuck Duymich accepted the Chair for the State Committee.

With the World Tournament only hours away from all our doorsteps, I predict that our representation from Virginia will be the largest contingency we have ever had at the World event –which has averaged at 8 participant’s year over year.

I would encourage all of you to make your plans now. Check out the lodging, carpooling etc and most importantly: If you know you will have the tournament requirement for four events, send in your pre-registration application to National. Their goal is to have 2008 pitchers attend the world in 2008. I think we can help them achieve that. In 2007, we had 244 VaHPA members . Will 1/3 of us take part in this unique experience? I think we can beat 81 (the 1/3), can we beat 122 (1/2)?.

Supporting the World Tournament and working together as a team, all of us will help make our organization stronger.

I look forward seeing each of you on the courts.

Kevin

Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
December 10, 2007
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association
2008 VaHPA Schedule is POSTED

The Frost Bite Classic results click here

The 2007 Suffolk Peanut fest horseshoe tournament singles and doubles was a great success. This was the fourth season that the Portsmouth Horseshoe Club has hosted this tournament, (continued on the next page)

Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
November 25, 2007
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association
2008 VaHPA Schedule is waiting for a few final approvals before its posted
keep checking in!.

From Ricky Hall President of the Virginia Horseshoe Pitchers Association

To all VaPHA members,

I’d like you to know that the past eight years, as President of the VaHPA, have been very enjoyable and rewarding. Serving you and the Association has been a true learning experience which I appreciated and welcomed. I took on the position during troubled times in the Association, knowing that I’d have challenges ahead. As these opportunities for improvement came up, I called on my fellow Officers to assist me in my leadership efforts, and have never regretted my decision to hold the position.

At times I was overwhelmed, at times frustrated. But most of the time, pleased.

Pleased that the membership welcomed me – you wanted leadership – I filled that need.
Pleased that you wanted my interaction and opinion – all of you need confirmation that your individual efforts are appreciated – they are. One and all.
Pleased that you desired my participation at your events – I found out immediately that it’s important to you to be able to say “The President is attending”. I tried to be there for you.
Pleased with our membership growth and the resurge of interest on the eastern shore. Keep ‘em coming !!
Pleased with the participation of the Executive Council, their assistance in running this organization cannot be taken for granted – the President is only one person. The rest of the Council is vital to a well run organization, and I thank all of the Officers that held positions over the years for their support.

When I took the position of President, I thought I could take it on, square things away and then give it up within a few years. What I found was that the position’s challenges are ever evolving. It’s a never-ending upward spiral of new ideas and people. It’s a very rewarding experience to keep pace with developments as they occur, and I did my best for all of you.

As I turn over my position to the next President, I send him and all of the officers my best wishes. I hope our membership keeps growing and the enthusiasm keeps building. I’ll see you on the courts next year, and until then, wish all of you safe and happy Holidays.

Sincerely, Ricky L. Hall President, VaHPA

The VaHPA Business Meeting
October 20, 2007
By Pat Snelgrove

The meeting was held October 20, 2007 in Stuarts Draft at the Ruritan Meeting Room, Schneider Park. We were pleased with the attendance, it being the largest turn out in several years. Representatives from every club except Chesapeake were on hand, as well as an assortment of other members.

As well as general discussion, there were two goals of the meeting – determine the results of the Presidential election (Floyd Hix and Kevin Snelgrove were nominees) and set the 2008 pitching schedule.

As appointed Chairman of the Ballot Counting Committee, Donnie Snowden had received the mailed-in votes from the members. Along with his assistants – John Cummings and Tom Bunting, the counting was done, the election results announced by Ricky Hall.

Kevin Snelgrove won the majority vote for the position of President. Carl Otto was elected 3rd Vice President,
Chuck Duymich was elected 2nd Vice President,
Renee Cowan maintains the position of 1st Vice President and
Pat Snelgrove maintains the position of Sec/Treas/Statistician

Ricky extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected, and wished all of the Officers his best going forward.

When the 2008 schedule had been worked through, it looks like it’s going to be another full and active year ahead. There are 28 sanctioned events on the calendar and another 15 non-sanctioned. Tournaments start out with a February invitational and run through the first weekend in November.

I am already busy planning ahead, and hope to see you on the courts next year. Happy holidays to all of you. Pat

The Fall Finals
September 29, 2007
By Pat Snelgrove

An evening tournament to escape the worst of the September heat was the idea that surfaced for Stuarts Draft’s 2006 Fall Finals event.

Having had success in 2006, we decided to repeat in 2007 - start the event in the late afternoon, and run it until it’s done. Although the club offered the “normal” hotdogs and hamburgers this year, we invited the pitchers (continued on the next page with photos and results)

The Chesapeake Frost Bite Classic held on October 6, 2007 was not frosty by any means. The temperature was very pleasant. Coach Horace Phillips "Could do no wrong" taking the champion title for the day 6-0. Congratulations! Click here for the results

All of the turkeys that attended finished 1st and 2nd, the Biggest turkey went to Al Bowers

2007 Butterball Classic
By Sherwood Brown

The 2007 Butterball Classic was a great success. Mother Nature started out with a little wind and a mist of rain for a short time, after about 45 min Mother Nature clear the way with over cast sky and the sun came out. It turned out a great day for pitching horseshoe. There were 17 horseshoe players (continued on the next page with photos and results)

Sleepy Hole Grand Opening
September 15, 2007

One dream shared with others can build a monument!

The grand opening to the Sleep Hole complex was Grand, and fittingly so. The complex is a monument to the men and women who built it. The only thing missing was a band playing. At each end of every court an American Flag.

Mayor Linda Johnson expressed (continued on the next page with photos)

41st Raymond L. Frye Memorial Tournament
September 8, 2007
By Bobby Burke

A dry, but extremely hot and humid day. Great turn out, 92 pitchers preformed of 106 entrants in a competitive fashion. Thanks to all for making the event the success that it was. (continued on the next page with photos and results)

Hill City Fall Ringers
September 22, 2007
by Pat Snelgrove

The local Lynchburg players really turned out for the second sanctioned event at Miller Park this year. They showed up to show the rest of us how to sling ringers. (continued on the next page with results and photos)

2007 Suffolk Peanut Fest
By Sherwood Brown

Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
September 11, 2007
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association
2007 VaHPA Schedule Revision 6

The VaHPA Business Meeting
October 20, 1pm – 3pm

NEW LOCATION : Schneider Park, Stuarts Draft Meeting room, 2nd floor of ball field building.

Directions: Head to the Stuarts Draft courts, use the “other” entrance to the park. Tan building in center of parking lot.

The 11th Fall Finals

The Fall Finals Pot Luck will be held at the Stuarts Draft Complex on September 29 starting at 3:00 PM. YES YOU DID READ THAT RIGHT. 3:00 PM. Entries will be limited to fit the time frame, the lights have to be off at 11:00 PM. Seven hours of pitching just enough time for 48 pitchers, two flights.

Horseshoes, food and friendship you will enjoy. The big charcoal grill will be lit 6:00 or so and will be kept lit until the event is over. The club will have the normal hamburgers and dogs available but if you want a steak, make your marinade and bring it with you. It will get cooked! If you have a favorite dish and want to share it with others bring it on and enjoy the good times.

The application is posted here!

Mountain View Singles August 4, 2007, results and photos

2007 Sweet Dreams
July 28, 2007
By Kevin Snelgrove

Heat, humidity and a thunderstorm was the scene for this year’s Sweet Dreams. The 5k race started one half hour earlier this year right at 7:30 am. The earlier start time made it difficult to get photos facing east, combined with the humidity in the air, a lot of the shots came out dark. I had a bit of help with the photos from Jeremi Skillman, he rode in the back of a pick up truck along (continued on the next page)

The Otto Classic July 21, 2007 results and photos.

Need Directions to the

GRAND OPENING of Sleepy Hole

Click the button above

2007 Va State Singles

Dave Moser proudly displays his Hall of Fame Award.

under construction, more on its way

(Continued on the next page with photos and results)

Virginia State Doubles
June 16, 2007
under construction, more on its way

(Continued on the next page with photos and results)

Chesapeake Open July 7, 2007 Results

Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
August 26, 2007
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association
2007 VaHPA Schedule Revision 6

Sleepy Hole announces its
Grand Opening!
By Donnie Snowden

September 15th starting at 10 am we will have the opening ceremony for the new Sleepy hole horseshoe courts in Suffolk, Virginia.

The 1st annual "Suffolk Open" horseshoe tournament (non-sanctioned) will begin immediately after the opening ceremonies between 11 and 11:30 am.

This will be an "open to the public" singles tournament with round robin brackets. Each bracket winner will receive a trophy and their 2008 NHPA/VAHPA dues paid. Each bracket winner will advance to a sudden death playoff for 1st and 2nd place.

Overall tournament winner. 1st place overall winner will receive $200.00 and trophy. 2nd place overall runner-up will receive $100.oo and trophy.

$15.00 entry fee (entry fee corrected from $20.00) (sign up 1hr before Tournament)

Go to www.hamptonroads.com (click on community groups then click on recreation) Sleepy hole horseshoe club's web site will be listed alphabetically in these group listings and you will be able access our web site and directions to Sleepy hole is listed on left side of home page items.

Contact: Robert (Donnie) Snowden (tele: 1-757-465-0149)

2007 Va State Singles

Will be held at the Stuarts Draft Court Complex starting Saturday morning at 9:00. If you have not received your pitching time in the mail give Pat Snelgrove a call.

Ninety-five pitchers have signed up, the state meeting will be at or about noon on Saturday followed by a full schedule of pitching well into the night. Sunday will host the Adult Championship rounds, good luck to all of you!

Under Construction

State Doubles

Chesapeake results

2007 Sweet Dreams

Mt View Single

and more to come!

2007 NCHPA Dogwood Queen

Pat Snelgrove was truly crowned on Friday evening attending the Dogwood Tournament in North Carolina. Both of us do thank our lucky stars. Blind sided by the shoe that crowned her. Had she moved one inch left right or forward it could have been a devastating disaster. (continued on the next page with photos and results)

2007 SCHPA Summer Fun Queen

What do you get when you add
horseshoes + summer + fun?
It all sums up to
Summer Fun 2007.

Ron Taylor, the City of Newberry and the whole crew did a wonderful job of adding those elements together. From the first event at the Opera House, snacks at the new Fire Station Convention Center, pitching, the outstanding Variety Show and the awards, they all made it look so simple. (continued on the next page with over 700 photos)

Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
June 14th, 2007
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association
2007 VaHPA Schedule Revision 6

June , 2 , 2007
Churchville Open
Non Sanctioned

June 9, 2007
X-TRIALS / Team Tournament

June 16, 2007
Virginia State Doubles

CANCELED

June 23, 2007
Earl Linkous Memorial

June , 30 , 2007
H. C Eppard Open
Non Sanctioned

John Cummings, Pres of the Big Oak Horseshoe Club has announced a cancellation of the Earl Linkous Memorial tournament that was scheduled for June 23. Their courts are under construction and won’t be ready in time for the event. They do however, look forward to catching up with everybody at the Fire Cracker Classic August 18.

Up coming events

6/16/07 Virginia State Doubles
~~6/23/07 Earl Linkous Memorial~~
6/30/07 H. C Eppard Open
7/6/07 The 7th Annual Chesapeake Open Public Pitch
7/7/07 The 7th Annual Chesapeake Open - Sanctioned
7/8/07 The 7th Annual Chesapeake Open Public Pitch
7/28/07 Sweet Dreams
7/28/07 Grottoes Classic
7/27/07 The 21st Annual International Moose Horseshoe Tournament
8/4/07 Mountain View Singles
8/11/07 Churchville Classic
8/18/07 Firecracker Classic
9/1/07 Virginia State Singles
9/2/07 Virginia State Singles, Championships
9/8/07 41st Raymond Frye Memorial
9/15/07 Dublin Fall Classic
9/22/07 Hill City Fall Ringers
9/29/07 Fall Finals
10/12/07 The Suffolk Peanut Fest
10/6/07 Frost Bite Classic

Karl William Hix, 28, passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2007. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Franklin Andrew, Alita Faye, Carroll Ray, and Floyd Eugene Hix III. He is survived by his parents, Ruth D. and Floyd E. Hix Jr.; five sisters, Renee Cowan, Sonya McDowell, Tonya Hix, Kara Vannoy, and Charlene Hix; one brother, Thomas Hix; his grandmothers, Mary Labbe and Edith Deel; eight nieces and nephews; and one great-nephew. He is also survived by his devoted girlfriend, Mary Ann Virgil. Mr. Hix was co-owner of K&T Machine & Welding of Ashland. The family will receive friends in the Nelsen Funeral Home's Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, on Friday, June 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., where funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 9, at 11 a.m., with burial at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness Cemetery, Ruther Glen, Va.
Published in the Richmond Times

The 2007 X - Trials
June 9th, 2007
By Kevin Snelgrove

A little bend by the TD’s let the defending Winchester Whompers
(continued on the next page with photos)

Marvin and Floyd
Reviewing the days gone past!
Hill City Spring Ringers
May , 05, 2007
By Pat Snelgrove
“Pitching in Miller Park” … just saying it brings back memories of (continued on the next page results and photos)

5th Annual Carl Frye
April 14, 2007

Results and Photos

42nd Annual Apple Capital
May , 19, 2007

Results and Photos

Draft Doubles
May , 12, 2007

With perfect weather for pitching, 36 pitchers in 3 classes were lined up. The Club was pleased to welcome back Bob Simmons from Fulks Run, and his partner, newcomer to the VaHPA, Dan Phillips. WL Doss brought another newcomer, RL Mattox from the Lynchburg area. These pitchers might be new faces to us, but they’ve obviously been playing and practicing for a long while.

After some confusion ( continued on the next page with photos)

April 21, 2007 Richmond Open Results

2007 NCHPA Dogwood Queen

Photo by Steve Summerland

2007 Dogwood Queens

Pat Snelgrove (l), Elizabeth Vanoy (c) and Vickie Kunde, Md (r) pose with the Dogwoods true Crowns

Well the cold months have come and are slowly going. The Ruther Glen Horseshoe Club has wrapped up its two winter tournaments with a tremendous turnout. I personally would like to say (continued on the next page)

Results from the Ruther Glen February Invitational

Results from the Ruther Glenn March Invitational

April 28, 2007
Let un Ring!
By Sherwood Brown

The "Let um Ring Classic” was a great success. There were 27 horseshoe players participating. There were (continued on the next page with photos)

Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
April 15th, 2007
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association
2007 VaHPA Schedule Revision 6

April 21, 2007
Richmond Open

Apr , 28, 2007
"Let 'Um Ring Classic"

May , 05, 2007
Hill City Spring Ringers

Cut off date for the
42nd Apple Capitol

May , 12, 2007
Draft Doubles

May , 19, 2007
42nd Annual Apple Capital

The 5th Annual Carl Frye
April 14, 2007

Quality time together, father and son Cesar Jenkin Jr and Sr enjoy a meal together after pitching their games. Junior started pitching last year and has improved immensely. His enthusiasm got his dad hooked into the game. Jr. said they play every day if the weather is good. Both pitched in the same class, in their game together Dad took the match by one point. (Continued on next page)

Chesapeake Spring Fling

Scott Fencil puts his back to the wind as he awaits the decision on the Spring Fling. Due to the cold temperatures and the fluffy white flakes that blew in, the tournament will be reschedule.

Two courts to go!

It won't be long before the bangs, clanks and pings awaken the courts at Sleep Hole.
Sherwood Brown and the entire Portsmouth Club are looking forward to their new complex.
Click here to view the progress.

Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
February 18th, 2007
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association
2007 VaHPA Schedule Revision 6

2007 Snow Shoe Festival
January 13, 2007

The festival truly didn’t exactly hold its name this year, with the weather being so warm. Driving into the courts I had expected to see about 10 cars, what a surprise I had approaching. I did not count the cars but I knew the club would have a great event.

Mother Nature’s snow making machine was malfunctioning a bit, but (Continued on next page)

Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
January 25th, 2007
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association

The Toll of Time

Robert "Bob" Hoover, 64, of 3039 Kerns Road in Dayton, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007, at his home. He had been in failing health since June.

Mr. Hoover was born Nov. 9, 1942, and was a son of the late Beulah Hoover Fulk. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Harry and Lula Hoover.

He was employed at the Hinton Poultry Plant, now Virginia Poultry Growers Association, for 42 years. He was vice-president of the Fulks Run Horse Shoe League and was an avid outdoorsman and hunter.

On June 20, 1970, he married the former Doris Jean Hartman, who survives.

He is also survived by two daughters, Angie Hoover Harper of Dayton, and Robin Grogg Nieves of Harrisonburg; two sons, Willie Hoover of Harrisonburg, and Dean Grogg of Hinton; five brothers, Ernest "Nuncie" Fulk, Virgil Fulk, Arvil Fulk and Harry "Toby" Fulk, all of Harrisonburg, and Jerry Fulk of Edinburg; a sister, Joann "Sissy" Phillips of Harrisonburg; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

The Revs. Laney Knight and James Shoemaker will conduct the funeral 11 a.m. Saturday at McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. Burial will follow at Clover Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Winchester Flag Pole VaHPA News & Updates
December 31, 2006
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association

The Winchester Horseshoe Club is pleased to announce its sponsorship of three tournaments during 2007. The club will also host the Old Dominion Classic.
April 14th -- 5th Carl Frye Memorial
May 19th -- 42nd Apple Capital
May 26th -- Old Dominion Classic –
Sept. 8th -- 41st Raymond Frye Memorial.

Follow this link for more information