Match report for Bell City, CT score match

S

savet06

Mike Suhie
After all the prep work and anticipation we finally had our first match at Bell City. It was a hot, humid, hot (did I mention hot), day with most relays finding themselves dealing with mild to no wind and a mirage that made yours truly consider turning in his rifle for scrap. We had shooters from Pennsylvania, Vermont, CT, and New York come out for the match, and I am not sure I could convey how much it meant to have them there. Couldn't have been a nicer bunch of guys for this our first match, and once we got the swing of things the relays went off without a hitch. A big thank you needs to go out to Bill Sargent who came down and brought his 4 wheeler, called the first relay, and acted as a general guide as we felt our way through match day. I actually rangled my mom into scoring for us, and once she got the hang of it she was making every "X" a hard earned score. My dad helped out in changing the targets, Mike Sobotkin and Jim Brooks helped as referees and all made my day that much easier.

We are hoping that we will have as good a turnout next month when we do it all over again. There were many recommendations for group shoots, and for next year we will make plans to get a moving backer system if the interest is there. I was hoping that aside from the match going smoothly that every competitor felt comfortable and had a good time during the shoot. I think we accomplished that well.
I learned a lot about the mirage today, but more importantly I realized how much fun this sport can be, and how great the competitors are as a group. I don't think I saw a single competitor with a frown on his/her face for more than a second (you know that second after you look back in the scope after you touched off your shot and realize that you missed the letup...).

Thanks again to all who came down and shared the afternoon. I had a great time, and can't wait to do it again.
Mike Suhie
Match results here will be sent to IBS as soon as I complete the equipment list in excel.

VFS 100yds
Clark Shen 250 21x
Joe Hecht 250 18x
Joe Petrikonis 250 16x
Jim Brooks 250 15x
Rich Suhie 250 14x
Jim Brooks 250 13x
Joe Petrikonis 250 13x
George Boyle 250 12x
Walt Smith 250 9x
Bill Sargent 249 17x
Ron Mattson 249 13x
Mike Sobotkin 249 11x
Mike Suhie 247 11x
Sarah Shen 212 0x

Hunter
Bill Sargent 250 9x
Factory
Joseph Waller 249 6x
Jeff Garlick 237 3x
Charles Costa 234 3x

Semi -custom
Ron Mattson 249 14x
Joseph Collin 245 10x
 
Mike

I'm betting you sleep all day Sunday:D
Folks its not often you see a person so determined to make everything go just right. Mike pulled it off without a hitch. Ran himself ragged doing it but he definately aced the test.
Brand new venue, first time match director. I would'nt envy that job for a moment. Nor would I dream I'm capable. He had some great help. His Dad and Mom both stepped up and performed their roles admirably. I have no idea how things would have gone without their assistance. I learned scoring targets is a full time job. Bless his Mom for doing it and doing it well.
Dr Bill sure helped too with both equipment and expierience. Just his presence there helped relieve Mike of a ton of worry. Bill contributed much more than his presence though.

I'd like to Thank Mike and his family and everyone else who made this possible. All the shooters who showed up also. The sport of Benchrest just grew larger. Thats always a good thing.

Mike, though I'm greener than grass I would have considered myself a group shooter. This score shooting game is darn fun. I'm already thinking my gun needs a bigger hole in the business end of it.:D

Joe Hecht
 
Joe,
Thanks for the kind words, and the way you shot having a larger hole might be an unfair advantage!
After the first three full relays were done I started to relax and was really able to enjoy myself. Just knowing that I had some help from my folks made things go so much more smoothly. As much as I tried to anticipate every detail there were some small things that will make the next one that much better.
I will be using the downloadable spreadsheet for one, and have the targets set earlier so we can start right at 10a.m.. If Bill isn't able to make it down for the next one I figure that we can get a car with a crew to drive down there...that is unless someone else wants to volunteer their 4-wheeler!
I am hoping that some of the dedicated following will offer their help where needed if my folks aren't able to make it.
I just hope everyone had a good time, and would feel good about coming back again. I am totally hooked now, and can't wait for the next one.
Mike
 
Way to go Mike!

I am so pleased that the match went well for you. I was quite sure once you got INTO it you would succeed. I am sorry I was not able to attend but will try to be at a future event. I think your next match conflicts with my trip to Iowa for the Nationals but will look forward to a future shoot.

Best wishes,

Pete Wass
 
Thanks, Pete. No worries on not making it down. As I mentioned before there are some things that are more important...not many, but they do exist!:D I am sure that when you are able you will make it down. Conversely, I have told my wife that I plan on making it to several matches a year outside of CT. Running that match made me appreciate the effort that is put into each event, and I want to show my support to the other clubs. Of course, getting to shoot is also a great thing, and so is meeting all the great competitors that attend.
All I can think about is getting back out to the range to try new loads, work on my technique, and figure out ways to make the matches as enjoyable as possible. The next match may prove more of a challenge in the help category. My sister is due with her very anticipated first child right around match time, and my folks will not be in town if she goes into labor. I am very close to getting my wife to score...she would be excellent IMHO.
We shall see. Can't wait to get back out there, and hopefully next season I will have my BAT to campaign.
Mike
 
Good job

Thanks, Mike.

You ran a quality shoot and everyone had a good time.

I'll see you for the next shoot on Sept 19th.

Regards, Ron
 
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