Coupling long years of experience and skill development with advancing age creates the evolution of a wise and formidable competitor.
Forgive me but I've long been loyal, outspoken, and at times a maniac in support of the underdog. My rough count showed 21 of the 59 Master class shooters at the 2011 Turkey Shoot at the Meadows in GA - are classified as Veterans. 6 of those Veterans scored in the top half of all Master class. So much for being over the hill. And sincerest congratulations to Veteran Malcolm Parker for his Master 4th position, breaking 190X200. May you have many more like that Malcolm and you likely will.
Let it be said that we all have our moments when dropping targets. Understandably. But it can be a bit disappointing to watch an up and coming shooter get upset over a frustrating performance on one field, and then carry those visible reactions through the next station and possibly the match. Didn't say competition was easy - but somewhere along the way, it seems some have forgotten what it truly takes to build a complete sporting clays game - and then deliver a solid performance under pressure.
Building the shooting skills is first - a time consuming chapter in our development - and just the first step. Next come the scoring skills, a requisite to performing at our level best in competition. Though they go hand-in-hand - they are 2 different sets of skills - each taking commitment and sacrifice to make them dependable and trustworthy.
If I may, I'd like to respectfully remind those who are climbing the class levels - punch by punch - it takes time. And training, and effort. No one starts in the HOA circle. The climb up does take its toll. But what the journey teaches - the invaluable lessons - cannot be learned on any other path. Please remember, those ahead of you once stood where you are - making the same mistakes - persevering through rain, miserable heat and frozen fingers - doing their sometimes tired best to improve. Which they have. They got to where they are - not through entitlement - but through setbacks and letdowns, scores and performances that fell short of expectations. Never giving up - always learning - always a work in progress.
Hats off to you Wendy and all those at the Meadows and NWTF who did an outstanding job of delivering a first rate tournament - again. And to all who attended and put their best on the line - here's to you. For all this great sport gives back to us - we are truly blessed.
Be safe everyone. Thanks for visiting. Seeya'round.
