Kansas pitcher Kyle Bidwell
The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of its World Horseshoe Pitching Championships July 27 through August 8, 2009.
Kyle Bidwell of Kansas had his first experience with NHPA World Horseshoe Tournaments when he attended one with his grandfather, Les Bartels, in 2003. Though he didn’t participate, he loved the experience so much he decided to pitch in the next event in Pocatello, Idaho – He’s been coming back ever since.
Kyle just turned nineteen and is pitching his first year in the Open Men’s division. As a junior pitcher, he was a contender for the World title, throwing games with 80-plus ringer percentages. He finished third at the 2008 event, providing the only loss to the championship winner. His new average is in the 45% range and will likely increase as he becomes accustomed to the new distance.
He practices just about every day from May until the World Tournament – sometimes on raised pits as are used at the event, but usually on ground level outdoor pits.
While he is competitive and likes the competition, Kyle also enjoys traveling and catching up with all the friends he has made while pitching in World Tournaments.
Kyle and his family like to see the sites during the week they are in town for the championships. They also spend a lot of time at the courts visiting and watching other people pitch.
The love of the game, traveling and the people of the horseshoe world are what keeps Kyle coming back to NHPA World Championships. He plans to attend this summer at Springfield, Illinois and for years to come.
This year, families will be visiting the Land of Lincoln, as the event will be held in Springfield, Illinois. Many will stay the full two weeks of the tournament, giving time for tourism as well as competition.
The two-week tournament is held once each summer to crown a World Champion horseshoe pitcher in each of eight divisions – Open Men, Open Women, Senior Men, Senior Women, Short-Distance Men, Junior Boys, Junior Girls and Junior Cadets (9-years old and under).
Pitchers are competing for approximately $170,000 in prize money, trophies and scholarships, as well as the right to call themselves “World Champion.” Over 1200 participants are expected at this year’s event.
The competition is open to all members of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association who have competed in at least four NHPA sanctioned events in the twelve months prior to the May 14th entry deadline. Spectators are welcome for all levels of competition.
If you would like to become a member of the NHPA and try to qualify for this event, visit www.horseshoepitching.com to find contact information for a club near you. For more information on the NHPA World Horseshoe Pitching Championships contact Tina Hawkins, NHPA 2nd Vice President and Publicity/Promotions Director at 580-658-3923 or email tinahawk@msn.com.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
