After a week spent with rainy weather there was little optimism for a dry weekend. But on May 24th, Mr. Blue Skies arrived for the competitors shooting the second half of their 50’s at Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club’s, “ Minnie Mae” in Jackson, New Jersey.

After juggling around the gauge order from the pervious three 50’s shoots, Marvin Bradford would agree that we got it right! After winning the 28 gauge shoot off with B class leader, Greg Khalaf, Bradford won his first gun title of his shooting career. Marvin has become a great staple at all New Jersey skeet shoots. We celebrated by awarding him with a Coors lunch bag donated by Shore Point Distributors. Ed Whitman was one bird behind the leaders with a 47, winning A class. Chuck Maeder was C class winner and Melvin Welch shot his way to the top of D class.

All I have to say is, I heard every 4 letter word, that can be said on a skeet field, during the .410, with the dirtiest being WIND! The day started out nice and calm, then as soon as the shooters hit the field, for the second gauge, the swirling dervishes showed up. Making the best of it was Lew Petryk leading all through the wind. John Urciuoli was B class winner and C, and D were Bradford and Carol Abernathy respectfully.

Relief from the wind and smaller gauges, was met with the arrival of the 20 gauge. Last years “Minnie Maes” 12 gauge champ, Tony Horling, won the 20 gauge title out right, with a 48. Petryk won A class and Whitman was a top of B class. Abernathy won her shoot off with Maeder for C class and Welch was again D class winner.

The 12 gauge title came down to a shoot off between Urciuoli and Khalaf. Urciuoli added a 12 gauge title to his day. Tony Horling was 1 behind taking B class and Khalaf topped C. Maeder was once again took his class, winning D and Welch rounded out the class winners, winning E class.

Another smooth 50’s shoot concluded with a shoot off for HOA Champ. Whitman met Urciuoli on station 3 to shoot off their tying 181’s. After going back and fourth Urciuoli took top honors of the day. Petryk was A1, Whitman’s his day saw him with the B class win. Bradford ended his day with an HOA C class win and Welch went 3 for 4, winning his HOA class.

We at Central Jersey, myself, Kevin and Ed would like to thank all that have helped us at every shoot, including the Minnie Mae. Thanks to Tom, Carol, Melvin and Whitman for helping smooth over any rough spots that could have come up. The only real sour spot to the day was getting home and finding an e-mail on the passing of one of New Jersey’s top gentleman and top shooters in our sport. Ron Frostick has left us with a void that could and will not ever be filled. We will miss him on and off the field.