Ian Smingler Reigns at the JTH Agency Classic
By Wes Bailey
The Victor Rod & Gun Club located in the rolling hills south of Rochester, NY was the proud host of the 21st edition of the JTH Agency Classic. This year's doubles and 4 gun event was held from June 5 -7. Under John Hessney's generous sponsorship over the past 6 years, this shoot has become known as the "Biggest Little Shoot in New York".
Forty shooters took to the skeet fields on Friday afternoon for doubles competition. The competition was spirited with Aaron Benton emerging as the doubles champion with a fine score of 98. Dave Wilke was runner up. Other winners included Scott Janowski (AA), John Scales (A), Colin Smingler (B), Victor Stirpe (C), John Yackiw (D), Ellie Hawthorne (Ladies), and Bill Bobownik (SRVET). After the clouds of target dust subsided, the shooters were treated to a delicious Italian style dinner prepared by David Dandino and the rest of the kitchen crew.
Saturday morning brought bright clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The .410 bore event featured the young guns Ian Smingler and Aaron Benton each posting scores of 98. Ian prevailed in the shoot-off to claim the title of champ with Aaron finishing as runner up. Shoot sponsor John Hessney earned AA honors followed by Scott Janowski (A), Joe Cooper (B), James Prior (C), and Wes Bailey (D).
The wind picked up Saturday afternoon for the 20 gauge event. Mike Kinsella had no problems with the conditions though as he powered his way to his first ever 100 straight in 20 gauge while earning the title of champ. Mike needed every target to beat runner up Aaron Benton's 99. Other winners included Scott Janowski (AA), Ellie Hawthorne (A, VET, Ladies), Joe Shanks (B), Bill Chapman (C), and James Prior (D).
"Jim Bob" Hunter, renowned skeet shooter and master of ceremonies extraordinaire, displayed all of his entertainment skills for the Saturday night festivities. The shooters, their family members, and VRGC neighbors were treated to a magnificent steak dinner thanks to the culinary talents of Chef Gary, Dave, Rick, Betsy, Elisha and others. Many thanks to air gun manufacturer Crosman Corporation for sponsoring the steak dinner and to Leonard's Express for sponsoring the social hour(s). We can't thank enough the kitchen personnel for putting out such great food all weekend. We also need to thank Ellie Hawthorne for bringing her home-made pies again. They were absolutely fabulous. Shoot sponsor John Hessney donated high quality prizes to all of the champs and runners up. He also donated a number of valuable prizes for the raffle. Kevin Corser was the lucky winner of a Beretta auto loader 12 gauge shotgun. A gift certificate from Briley was won by chief mechanic and 4 gun shooter John Yackiw. Crosman provided an air gun range for all to test their skills at silhouette target shooting. The range was equipped with the new Crosman Marauder air gun. All shooters at the air gun range were eligible for a drawing of two air guns donated by Crosman. The lucky winners of the air guns were Art Miller and Elisha Kasinskas.
Sunday morning brought ideal conditions for shooting and the targets were spectacular. Six shooters scored perfect 100's in the morning's 28 gauge event. It was the first 100 straight in 28 gauge for low-gun shooter Don Lewandoski as well as for up-and-coming young shooter Kevin Corser. Ian Smingler emerged from the shoot-off as the 28 gauge champ followed by runner up Don Lewandoski. Other winners included JTH stalwart Ricky Laurito (AA), Joe Cooper (A), Joe Shanks (B), Craig Halstead (C) and Wes Bailey (D).
Irrepressible Ricky Laurito claimed the afternoon's 12 gauge title by crushing 100 straight. Runner-up Dave Wilke let one slip by for a fine 99. These two were followed to the winners' circle by Ian Smingler (AA), Don Lewandoski (A), Bob Newhouse (B), Joe Shanks (C), the kid Nick Emiliano (C), and Tim Giacoman (E).
Once Andy and Keith completed tallying up the scores Ian Smingler emerged as the HOA champ with a very fine 395 x 400. Ian was followed by Aaron Benton's 393. These two young men are friends, but they fought it out for every target over the weekend. Other winners in the HOA classes were Ellie Hawthorne (AA), Joe Cooper (A), Dan Berry (B), and Joe Shanks (C/D/E).
The shooters had a great weekend. We need to recognize some special people that made this shoot so great. John Cicora and John "Kujo" Kujawski again organized a superior crew of referees. Devin and Don produced a magnificent shoot program. Shoot Chairman, Andy Nolan, and administration leaders, Keith Messinger and Darius Kasinskas, organized a near flawless shoot. John Yackiw and his crew had the machines throwing great targets. Of course we cannot thank John Hessney enough. Without his support we could not have shoot. It was also gratifying to see so many young shooters. They may be young, but they can really shoot.
You can check us out on the VRGC web site, www.victorgunclub.com, for pictures from the shoot. We promise that next year's JTH Agency Classic will be better yet.