NEW YORK
Hello and Greetings. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the summer weather.
It is with a heavy heart that I must mention the passing of two more New York State Shooters. Jack Gullotta, husband of New York State Alternate Delegate Susan Gullotta, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2016. Jack was 72 years of age. Jack and Susan lived in Pleasantville, New York. Jack started registering targets in 2007. During his career, Jack totaled 17,525 singles, 8,400 handicap, and 8,000 ATA targets. Jack also loved to shoot handgun. Our deepest sympathies to Susan and her family on the passing of Jack.
Woodrow “Woody” Doty, Jr. of Kauneonga Lake, New York, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016. Woody was 71 years of age. Woody was a former New York State Shoot Champion and a member of the New York State ATA Hall of Fame. Woody started registering targets in 1970. During his career Woody registered 189,750 singles, 137,275 handicap and 113,600 doubles targets. Our deepest sympathies to his longtime partner, Kathleen Brandes, and the rest of his entire family on his passing. Both of these fine shooters will be missed.
The 12th annual Empire Grand American was held from Wednesday, May 18, 2016 to Sunday, May 22, 2016. The weather was beautiful and the event off very well. We did have some computer issues with the update of the 3S system that is used and we apologize for this.
During the singles championship, two 200 straights were shot by Chris Vendel and Frank Pascoe. During the shoot offs, Chris and Frank both tied with 25’s during the first round but Frank missed one on the 2nd round and Chris Vendel took the championship. Frank ended up as the Sub Veteran Champion.
Debbie Ohye-Neilson had the lone 99 and took the Doubles Championship. Three 95’s were shot in the Handicap Championship. After the Shoot Off, Thomas Brooks was the Champion, David Shaeffer, Jr. was runner-up and Christopher Vendel was Junior Gold Champion. David Shaeffer, Jr. was also the High-All-Around Champion and Clay Floyd was the High-Over-All Champion. All trophy winners can be viewed on our web page: and in Trap and Field Magazine. Congratulations to all trophy winners.
Some milestones during the event: Jim Davis, New York State ATA President shot his 25,000 singles registered target. Alex Wisniewski shot his first 100 straight on Friday, May 20, 2016, and Samantha Wagner shot her first 100 straight on Saturday, May 21, 2016. Congratulations!
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During the five days of the event, 257,900 targets were thrown, compared to 256,900 targets thrown in 2015. Overall the 2016 Empire Grand American was up 0.04% compared to 2015. Thank you to all who attended. It is much appreciated.
Next up will be the annual State Shoot at the homegrounds at Cicero. The shoot will be held from Tuesday, July 5, 2016 to Sunday, July 10, 2016. We hope that you all plan to attend.
I hope to see you all soon and good shooting.
Brian Whalen
New York State ATA Delegate