Hello all,
I wanted to first introduce myself. My name is Mike Ruebhausen, your new ATA Delegate for Illinois. I am incredibly humbled to be serving in this capacity, and I will do everything I can to serve the shooters of Illinois the best I can. For those who do not know me, I have been registering targets since 2002 and am a lifelong resident of Illinois. During the hours that I am not shooting, I am a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Decatur, IL.
I want to thank Bill Duncan for his years of service to the ISTA and ATA. It is intimidating to follow in the footsteps of someone who has served so admirably, but I will do my best.
Shooting across the country is at its peak right now. This is an exciting time with many Illinois shooters performing well over many of the largest state shoots. The Ohio State Shoot was highlighted by Steven Margherio breaking all of the Doubles and winning the non-resident Doubles Champion. Garrett Helms won the out-of-state Handicap Champion as well. And Ian Lawrence has continued his shooting tear with runner-up in the Singles Championship. Mason Bartlow also broke his first ever 100 straight from the 27 during the back fence shootout, though this was not a registered event, so it unfortunately does not yet complete his Grand Slam. He's saving that for next month.
Ian Lawrence also continued his great shooting in Wisconsin, winning the Singles, Doubles and HAA and runner-up in the HOA. Coltyn Schutte, one of our outstanding Junior shooters, had a great Wisconsin shoot, breaking an incredible 1072 in the HOA, with several personal bests, including a 99 in Handicap for Champion in one event. Other notable scores included Dan Staker breaking a 98 in the Championship Handicap and Mike Dennis with a 199 in the Singles, winning Senior Vet.
Iowa and Indiana also had several shooters bringing home trophies, including Steven Margherio once again winning the Doubles championship in Iowa. There are too many other trophies to name, but Mike Dennis, Mike Hathaway and Mark Fielder all represented well in Indiana bringing home trophies. The sheer number of trophies and awards being won across large state shoots is a testament to the quality of shooters in our state.
As I write this I am about to head to the Central Zone shoot. There are numerous sites to participate, but Brittany always has a strong showing and great target presentation. It is a great place to stop on the way down to Sparta for the Grand. The Grand begins later next week, and I look forward to learning more about the current financial state and business operations with the ATA and reporting back to the shooters. It appears the organization is in a solid place financially.
Keep in mind the local clubs that are the lifeblood of this organization. Support your local clubs as much as you can, including registered shoots throughout the year. Bring a friend when you go and encourage them to join. Each club gets complimentary memberships, many of which do not get used. We all start with a first shoot, and a local club where you felt welcomed is often the ignition for the passion many of us have for trapshooting.
Shoot well and see you out there.
Michael Ruebhausen, MD
Illinois ATA Delegate