IHMSA Internationals 2008 at Tusco

In the Ready Shed Friday

2008-08-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Gettin Down (on the Line)

2008-08-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

John Weaver, Ted Zysk, Steve Martens, Carroll Pilant and Eliza Farmer on the line and ready Friday AM.

Waiting and Working on Friday

2008-08-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Ronan Niemi, Ontario waits and plays outside the Stat House with Ohio friend Carol Urbank while his Mom Lorena Niemi reads a book under the big shade tent and waits for shoot-offs to begin. Ronan's grandfather Peter Durrant, Ontario finishes the set-up for the long distance shoot-off banks.

Friday AM Shoot-Off Day

2008-08-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Mike Stimson resting after helping set up the Air shoot-off targets and Warren Alkire just finished calling the Air shoot-off line.

Waiting in the 'ready shed' for shoot-offs were Joe Cullison, OR; Ted Zysk, IN; Charles Iftiger CA and standing Buddy Rhoads, TX.

Jim Tolbert, Wyoming was one of several line judges for the Friday shoot-offs.

How many shoot-off targets did you hit Chris? Darice Rhoads, TX doing the honors as spotter for fellow Region IV shooter Chris Dunlap, KS.

Friday Shoot-Offs

2008-08-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

They had hoped to start shoot offs by 8:30 but it took until closer to 9:00 to get the shoot off banks in place. It was close to 3:30 ET before the last relay was finished. The addition of a shoot-off bank of targets for all 80's shot during the match was discussed as a possible way to speed up this process. Anyone shooting an 80 would go directly to the shoot off bank and record those target results on his original score card.

In the following photos Larry Harris and Ted Zysk are the shoot-off participants. Every shooter's goal is to get 5 of 5 targets on the first bank and therefore be pretty much assured of 1st place. Easier said, then done.

A Look at the Awards Presentation Process

2008-08-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

The much treasured piece of wood that was awarded during the awards presentation ceremony on Friday looked a lot like the shooter participation plaques with the exception of the word "Champion." Chris didn't win a big bore championship this year, so I took this photo for him to look at as he prepares for next year's International.

There were also non-traditional non-sanctioned awards presented in the spirit of fun. Buddy Rhoads gets fitted with the 'order of the garter' for his score in the Bordello Field Pistol Class. This class was started in Ft. Stockton last year by some Texas shooters using their concealed-carry gun in the traditional Field Pistol category.

Nancy LaCroix new IHMSA president getting ready to present the PC sponsored Sportsman trophy. They were still waiting for one more member for the presentation. He was in the last photo shown below as volunteers tear down and put up of the shade tents and general 'clean up' after the match.

Thanks All Around

2008-08-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

The PC sponsored Sportsman Trophy was presented as was the Iron Man Trophy and it was time for Thank You's all around to the volunteers who made this year's match a resounding success. Entry numbers were down from Tusco 2006 but numbers were up from Ft. Stockton 2007.

Warren Alkire ran the line for the shoot-offs and presided over the trophy presentations.

Warren Alkire getting ready to present the last award of the 2008 IHMSA Internationals.

Nancy thanks hubby, Ken LaCroix who spent many hours manning the computer, entering scores and making the numbers available in the form of match standing sheets.

Lorene Thompson UT getting thanks for her hours spent behind the entry desk in the Stat House. She found time to shoot some entries as well.

Russell Mowles Queensland Australia expressing his thanks to the Ohio volunteers and all those that contributed time and energy to putting on this 2008 International. "It was a well-done blokes aka atta boy, thank you."

Good-by Until 2009 in Ft. Stockton

2008-08-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Departing (camera) shots from Midvale Ohio.

Ted Zysk taking shots in the back of his truck, probably of trophy plaques, he won a bunch.

Oklahoma and TX shooters bid farewell to Iron Man Joe Cullison, OR in the parking lot.

Joe Cullison OR and Steve Martens MN with their trophy 'wood.' Quite a stack for Steve, but then he had those additional Air class entries. Everyone took home a plaque with individual match results to be sent later in the form of a metal add-on plate.

Trophy presentation photos will be added to this blog after they appear in the IHMSA News. Until then good-by till next July.

John Anderson OK, Jim Fields OK, Joe Cullison OR with Robin & John Weaver TX.

Joe Cullison OR with Ken LaCroix MN.

Steve Martens MN with his haul. (note to Iron Man Cullison, 'I had to use two hands to carry my plaques.')

PS (maybe note from Cullison) 'Iron Men can carry large heavy loads with one hand.'

Big Bore Results 3 of 5 Sheets

2008-07-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

Match results were posted Thursday evening at Headquarters, The Schoenbrunn Inn's Delaware Room. Apologies for the hand held camera results, it was late and the tripod was packed under several boxes of guns in the trunk. Hope this is legible enough to read. Remember to click on photos to enlarge.

Hopefully results will soon be on line at IHMSA.org

This has been a fun learning experience, hope you have enjoyed the photos and jawing.

Michele Dunlap

Sometimes KS shooter and always Chris' spotter

Last Two Sheet of Big Bore

2008-07-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

End of Small Bore and UASHS

2008-07-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

Small Bore Results

2008-07-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Aggregates Final Sheets

2008-07-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

2008 Iron Man

2008-07-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Match Results Posted Schoenbrunn Inn Headquarters Thurs Evening

2008-07-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

Field Pistol Results

Apologies for the hand held camera and funky color too late for Photoshop-would rather post now.

Saved the Best (Weather) for the Last Day

2008-07-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Perfect temperatures, perfect weather, bright constant light for Tusco on Thursday, the last regular day to shoot an entry. Hope to see everyone tomorrow for the shoot-offs. Thanks to all the volunteers and thanks to the members of the Tusco Range for hosting the 2008 Internationals!

Post Note: I left the range at noon and was just informed later in the afternoon the clouds and dark background returned for some challenging relays.

Happy Birthday Ken LaCroix. This is Ken's one year anniversary since joining us Seniors. Pastries and donuts were set out at the records center for all to sample. It's 8 PM Thursday right now and Ken should be getting ready to saddle up at the Texas Road House so all can wish him a Happy Birthday while he rides the horse-less saddle. Yippee!

Resting and Working Behind the Lines

2008-07-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

More Shooters On Line Thurs AM

2008-07-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

On the Line Thursday AM

2008-07-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Moving Techniques and Shooting Positions

2008-07-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Steve Martens took some ribbing about his shooting stand that looked like it doubled as an ironing board.

A minimalist shooter subscribes to the KISS principal.
Keep It Simple Stupid. If its working don't mess with it.

Lorena, How does your ankle bend that way? Is is a yoga position, it seems to work very well!

Bill Stark has an Anaconda style twist to his legs that resulted in a UASHS 80 Thur morning!

Range Preparation and Repairs

2008-07-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Mark and Bill Urbank keeping the auto resets resetting properly.

M

Parking Lot Graphics

2008-07-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Car tags of Note:
The KY tag was added to the blog Thurs via an email Dean Grua sent. Dean got to Tusco Sunday about the same time as the big storm and planned to shoot 8 guns. He got in 2 on Monday, the first gun broke on rams and then had to return home because of an illness there.

Pete Durrant's truck with topper has IHMSA tags both front and rear.

Carroll Pilant's Sierra car. If you can't find Carroll to answer a load question, then call the 1-800 number and talk to the Missouri headquarter of Sierra.

This IHMSA plate was new in April of 2008. "Did you know?" IHMSA rules of incorporation were originally written and submitted with a Salina Kansas address, the address was then updated to an address in Lawrence, KS. 'Home on the Range' is the official KS state song and where you most likely will find the plates owner, Chris.

Melvin and Roberts vehicle and its contents have been the victim of various practical Jokes this week.

Thurs Scores as of 11:20 ET

2008-07-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Scores Compliments of Ken LaCroix Statistics Operations. Scores updated to Thurs 11:20 AM. Click on photo to enlarge. Thanks Ken!

Thurs Scores Pt. 2

2008-07-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Thurs AM Scores Pt. 3

2008-07-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

End of Thur AM Scores

2008-07-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Match Day at Tusco

2008-07-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was the best day so far temperature wise. The Buick's outside thermometer read 75 at noon and another 75 at 5:00 PM. The light conditions were another matter altogether, with light going from deep shade to bright sunshine. Winds were breezy to an infrequent stillness. Sweatshirts were evident on several of the ladies.

The business mtg was held at 8:00 and next year's International match dates at Ft. Stockton were announced: July 25th to July 31st.

I'll Borrow Yours and You can Borrow Mine

2008-07-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Following photos: John Anderson, Oklahoma shooting his Anschutz with peep sights in the prone or Okie Flop position. John got a 77 in fifth scale that resulted in an automatic bump up to AAA. John Weaver borrowed the Anschutz to shoot fifth scale for an Unlimited Fifth Scale score of 75. Jim Fields and John Anderson are also doing some gun swapping and shooting and spotting for each other.

Robin Weaver borrowed Chris Dunlap's Anschutz and shot a 79 in UAS on Wednesday and is signed up to use the gun in 5th Scale on Thursday. Gun etiquette dictates you must apologise to the gun's owner if you manage to beat him with his own pistol. Robin tied the gun's owner so everything's Kosher. Chris Dunlap, KS borrowed Bob Baker's new prototype single shot Freedom and shot turkeys (8 out of 8) using the 6.5 J.D.J. interchangeable barrel. It was sweet!

Post Note: Ted Zysk shot next to us late this morning using an iron sighted XP in UAS Half Scale and shot an 80!

Senior and Juniors on Line Wednesday

2008-07-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

Don Frazier senior shooter celebrated his 72nd birthday Tuesday. He was presented with a birthday cake and card after the banquet. A more energetic shooter would be hard to find at any age!

Indiana junior shooter Liza Farmer made her mark in Tusco's 2006 International and is on her way again to a some nice scores. She shot a borrowed XP-100 in 7 BR using factory loads Wednesday morning.

More Wednesday Shots on the Line

2008-07-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yellow flags are evident both on and off the line. Every competitor received a flag in their Registration Packets.
There's not a lot of time for visiting between stages, but shooters do have a chance to stand and stretch between relays, when target painters go down range.
Entry cards must be initialed after each stage by the shooter and score verified by two other individuals, his spotter or adjacent spotters or shooters. Line judges will initial in green ink any corrections made to the score card. Participants are required to check their gun in before and after each entry with line judges who verify the gun's serial number..

IHMSA Annual Banquet Tues July 22

2008-07-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

IHMSA President Mike Stimson and President Elect Nancy LaCroix file in to the head table seating at the Annual Banquet held at the McDonald/Marlite Convention Center, Tuesday night.
Second Photo: Carroll Pilant, Sierra and Bob Baker, Freedom Arms received both verbal and written notes of thanks for their company's generous contributions to the banquet prize drawing held after the dinner. All banquet photos compliments of Robert Walker.

More Banquet Tables

2008-07-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

First table seating: The Indiana Ladies, Diana Hawkins, Elisa Farmer and Mom, Karen Farmer. Second table, Industry members from Sierra and Freedom Arms, the Australian contingent and KS Jayhawks Chris and Michele. The third table filled later with OK and TX Region shooters. At the fourth table Mark and Lynne pose for IHMSA photog Robert Walker.

Match Day at Tusco on Tuesday

2008-07-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

Bluer skies and much cooler temps greeted the IHMSA Tuesday shooters. The high temp of the day may have only been 83 and a brisk (for Ohio) breeze made for a pleasant day to shoot steel. Bob Baker gave an invitation to visitors to the Freedom display for shooters to try out the new prototype pictured below. Jim Tolbert shot an 80 round (not for score) match with it on Monday and has tentative sight settings for the 357 Magnum barrel, one of four barrels on display.

ECT. Around the Line on Tuesday

2008-07-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Tony and Sandy Standing Shooters

2008-07-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

"What's different about these shooters?" Wrong answer. Tony Willemark, Holman, WI is shooting Field Pistol and Sandy Hetherington is shooting Small Bore Standing. Both shooters also have a distinctive dress style. Sandy has sported the wide brimmed safari-style shade hat as long as we can remember. We first met Tony on Monday and he was wearing his orange striped tiger house shoes. We've been told if you show up early at his match he will cook you breakfast, if you don't mind the casual attire...house shoes and robe.

Shooter's Nap Area Compliments of Canada

2008-07-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

For those shooters who need a power nap to ease tired eyes or sore muscles a new nap area may be found under the shade trees just south of the stat house building. Bring your own carpet or blanket. Those blankets in place Monday belonged to newest junior addition to the Canadian team, Aleksi Niemi. Aleski's big brother, Ronan preferred the red and white maple leaf chairs. The boys parents are Harry and Lorena Niemi and proud grandparents are Pete and Wendy Durrant, Ontario Canada.

Robert Walker Photos Pt. 7

2008-07-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

The last of Robert Walker's photos as transferred from his memory card to the Dunlap laptop. First photo is Dave Bemis, Kentucky shooter, we met him on the small bore line today Tues the 22nd and this photo was taken at check-in on Sunday the 20th. Last photo is Ted Zysk from Indiana also from the 20th. If I had more forethought I would have posted Robert's photos from the 20th first as the blog entries move from the earliest post to the most recent and I have managed to post in reverse chronological order. A reminder: click on individual photos for a larger view.

Robert Walker Photos Pt. 6

2008-07-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

One of the earlier tables set up in the Commercial tent. Ask Carroll Pilant, Sierra rep if you have questions about the .950 J.D. Jones cartridge shown in the last two photos.

Walker Photos Pt. 5

2008-07-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Faces you might see if you wanted to purchase a Tusco match tee shirt or sit for a spell. Last photo is outside the building and shows the honey dipper truck making a scheduled run.

Walker Photos Pt. 4

2008-07-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Photos from inside the combination Stat House / Gun Certification Station / lunch room / Tee Shirt Shop / Prize and Computer station-back room / building located west of the north facing range.

Lorene Thompson, IHMSA Secretary and Larry Harris a frequent volunteer on the line and in the Stat house.

Stat House Volunteers: Glenna, Lorene, Nancy and Betty. Thanks so very much ladies!

Photos from Robert Walker Pt. 3

2008-07-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Robert got some nice photos of how the range looked to the first shooters on the opening day.
Click on a photo to enlarge it.

Walker Photos Pt. 2

2008-07-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

Robert Walker Photos Pt. 1

2008-07-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Robert Walker, Georgia is sharing some his photos from the first few days of the match. We will post them in the order they were taken; starting with the first day, Friday July 18th.

Things To Do Monday

2008-07-22T05:32:00.000-07:00

Note to Carroll Pilant: Find 32 mag bullets to shoot the non sanctioned Bordello field pistol class.

Note to Joe Cullison eat at the stat house but get plenty of liquids while on the line. RC Cola does not count as a liquid.

Note to Ken Stoggie LaCroix: Potassium, Potassium, Potassium.

Note to Jim Kesser: Train today's match director, play the morning anthems, shoot a gun, but if you try to relax at the stat house, be prepared to fill-in at gun check-in.

Region IV Day to Work the Line

2008-07-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

Chris Dunlap, Ottawa KS ran the auto-resets and Joe and Teresa Coleman, TX were line judges. Teresa took an afternoon break to deliver lunches to workers, then was hijacked by the stat house to work for them.

IHMSA 2008 Big Bore Teams

2008-07-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Team Australia
Greg Dawson, Russell Mowles, Clive Cousins and Brad Armstrong.

Team Brazil
Edwardo Snidarsis Vasconcelios / Carlos Villares / Donald Frasier / Luiz Cordon / Valmir Daltoe

Team Canada
Gord Dickie / Murray Anderson / Pete Durrant /
Lorena Niemi

Sunday PM Thunderstorm

2008-07-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

An afternoon thunderstorm caused minimal damage and an hours delay Sunday afternoon. The shade cover did cause some tense moments when the wind tumbled the cover against the pine trees south of the firing line while narrowing missing the returning target painters.

Top storm photo sent by email and photo compliments of Dean Grua, KY. Thanks Dean.

View from the large shade tent after the front moved through Sunday afternoon. Most of the rugs were kept dry despite the downpour and shooters took cover in the big shade tent, the ready shed, cars and some hardy shooters rode out the storm on the firing line.

Physics mystery: Target paint propellant caused white clouds when it came in contact with the heavy moist air. The temperature dropped 20 degrees in a short time. Temps for Friday and Saturday's matches were in the low 90's.

Friendly Faces Around the Range

2008-07-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

John and Robin Weaver, Troy TX match directors and participants in this years Internationals.

Mike Stimson, IHMSA President visits with Carroll Pilant Sierra Rep and long time IHMSA member. Bob Baker, Freedom Arms arrived in town late in the day Sunday and will be setting up in the Commercial Tent Monday.

Bill Urbank, Ohio getting his gun certified on the small bore line.
Region IV shooters Buddy and Darice Rhoads, Troy TX with Jim Fields, Oklahoma state director.

Overall Views of Tusco Range

2008-07-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Compressed range for this years IHMSA Internationals. From the left three banks of big bore targets and two banks of half scale.

View from the firing line of the Tusco range with two banks of small bore, one bank of fifth scale and one bank of field pistol.

Target Painters returning from the Field Pistol side. Targets and sighters are painted after each relay of four stages.