Sportsman's Club Inc.

The 2025 New Jersey Skeet Championship, held from September 5th to 7th at Pine Belt Sportsman's Club Inc., proved to be an exciting—and soggy—three-day competition. Despite the unpredictable weather, shooters from all over the region gathered to showcase their skills and battle for top honors in various classes, including the prestigious title of High Overall (HOA) Champion. Ben Galioto Clinches HOA Title The standout performance of the weekend came from Ben Galioto, who took home the HOA Championship with an impressive score of 388. Galioto’s consistency across multiple gauges was key to his victory, as he topped several of the events and classes throughout the weekend. In Friday’s Doubles competition, Galioto was locked in a thrilling shoot off with Mason Palidar, both scoring 95. The intensity of the shootout only highlighted their mastery of the sport, as both shooters displayed flawless technique in the pressure-packed doubles event. HOA Class Winners Shine The Championship saw strong performances across all classes, with standout shooters emerging as leaders in A, B, C, and D categories. The class leaders throughout the weekend were:  A Class: Mason Palidar  B Class: Mike Costello  C Class: Benny Piston  D Class: Tony Viel Saturday Morning 12-Gauge: A Strong Start Saturday morning kicked off the competition with the 12-gauge event, where J Thiessen emerged as the champion with a stellar 99. The high level of competition early on set the tone for the weekend, with shooters in AA class and below striving to match Thiessen's performance. Other class leaders after Saturday morning's event included:  Ben Galioto (AA)  Dick Lukasik (B)  T Cuoco (C)  M Costello (D)  Joe DeLorenzo (E)

Saturday Afternoon 20-Gauge: Rain, Showers, and Resilience The 20-gauge competition, which started on Saturday afternoon, was accompanied by some of the heaviest rain of the weekend. Shooters endured constant downpours, yet many refused to back down, pushing through wet conditions and continuing to perform at a high level. M Costello posted the highest score of the 20-gauge event with a 97, while Ben Galioto remained dominant in the AA class. Other class leaders for the 20-gauge competition included:  Ben Galioto (AA)  J Thiessen (A)  Peter Worthman (B)  Benny Pistone (C)  M Waitroski (D) As the rain continued through the night, the weather proved to be a challenge for competitors, but many shooters showed incredible perseverance in the face of adverse conditions. Sunday Morning 28 Gauge Event Under difficult rainy conditions Ben Galioto got them all! Other class leaders in 28g included:  Robert Vrablik (A)  Mason Polidar (B)  Peter Worthman (C)  EdAmaty (D)

Sunday 410-Gauge: A Strong Finish for Galioto The final event, the 410-gauge, saw Galioto clinch the win with a strong 95. His performance here allowed him to secure his victory as the overall champion. Class leaders in the 410-gauge event included:  Mason Palidar (A)  N Alexander (B)  P Worthmann (C)  A Harman (D) With the final shot fired on Sunday afternoon, Galioto’s consistency and skill across all gauges cemented his place as the event's High Overall Champion, while competitors like Mason Palidar, J Thiessen, and Benny Pistone also took home well-earned accolades.

A Weekend of Determination and Community Though the weekend was marked by unpredictable weather, the 2025 NJ Skeet Championship proved to be a true test of skill and determination. Shooters braved downpours, puddles, and slippery conditions, but the spirit of the competition was unwavering. Special thanks go to Pine Belt Sportsman's Club Inc. and Mason Palidar for hosting the event and providing an excellent venue despite the challenges brought on by the rain. The competitors’ resilience and camaraderie made this year's championship one to remember for everyone involved. Thank you to the NJSSA Board for scheduling, planning, and working tirelessly to see that the shoot was the best it could be! As the championship wrapped up, shooters left the field eager for next year’s event, already planning their strategies and hoping to bring home the coveted HOA title. Until then, the memory of the 2025 NJ Skeet Championship will surely inspire new heights