Congratulations are in order to Tom Majewski for originating the concept, and to others, such as Larry Feusse in helping to implement a wonderful idea. My ear muffs are off you each of you gentlemen and to all those who have had a hand in moving it along!
I have been in contact with Tom, via phone and email, regarding this Championship Series. Although I am but one voice in the IBS (currently as Group Chairman), I believe we need to support this initiative and others like it.
For purposes of discussion, I have suggested to some of the IBS leadership that we foster state or regional championship series. The idea, however, is beyond the many "state championship" shoots now being conducted. Instead, the IBS would recognize, with a keeper or traveling trophy, a state or regional series consisting of at least four shoots conducted at a minimum of two different ranges. It would be up to the members in that locality to establish the series. This more expansive series of matches would be more meaningful than a single "championship" match. Also, Jim's idea of trophy sponsors is a good one and would ease the cost to the IBS. Based upon some information from our 2nd VP (and trophymeister) Wayne Shaw, travelers introduce many logistical problems and trophy disappearances, thus maybe we should be looking at keepers only. More to discuss...
By encouragng a series of shoots we hope to bring in more shooters-and clubs-into competitive benchrest shooting regardless of the discipline (score, group or long-range). I expect this proposal will be considered at the IBS Annual Meeting in January.
Jeff Stover