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CEDAR RAPIDS AWARDED THE WT FOR 2010
July 26-Aug 7


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The Ladies put on a pitching exhibition today with world records broken and some amazing games.
Congratulations to them all


Press Release

June 4, 2008

The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association is proud to announce the World Horseshoe Pitching Championships to be held in York, PA July 7 through July 19, 2008. We are celebrating 100 years of World Horseshoe Pitching Championships. The first one took place in Bronson, KS in 1909.

Pitchers will compete for $170,000 in prize money and trophies. There are 1,320 pitchers entered, including five Cadets less than nine years of age.

Entries from 46 US states, five Canadian Provinces, and two other countries, Japan and Norway will vie for the crowns. Present Men's Champion, Alan Francis of Ohio, with an 88.01% ringer average will be present to defend his crown, as will Joan Elmore of Tennessee with an 87.97% ringer average, the current Women's Champion. The hosting facility will boast 56 new regulation clay courts at the York Expo Center; admission is free.

Champions will be crowned in the following Divisions; Men, Women, Senior Men, Senior Women, Elder Men (over 70 yrs. of age) Junior Boys, Junior Girls, and Cadets.

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FACT SHEET

This beautiful state has a long history of horseshoe pitching. The men of George Washington's army were said to have done so for exercise. In June of 1863 Joseph T. Wagner of Spencerville, Ohio won the brigade championships prior to the battle of Gettysburg which was fought July 1st, 2nd and 3rd; the first horseshoe pitching president, Abraham Lincoln came in November to give his memorable address. The first known horseshoe club in America began in 1895 and became official in 1897 in Meadsville, PA; they kept meticulous records of their matches which still exist in the files of the NHPA. In the various championship divisions PA pitchers have a total of 11 world championships. There have been four PA NHPA members elected to the hall of fame. Dan Kuchcinski of Erie, 1976, Al Zadroga of Elizabeth, 1981, Herb Pinch of Sharon 1985 and Jim Solomon of Uniontown, 1997.

  • The current defending champions are Alan Francis, OH in the Mens Division; Alan will be seeking his 14th World title. Joan Elmore of TN in the Women's Division will be going after her 3rd World title.
  • 46 states and 4 countries are represented.
  • The youngest competitor is Matthew Trader Grand Forks, ND, 7 yrs. old; the oldest is Eino Wiitala, Baltimore, MD 91 yrs. old. Records to be possibly set Alan Francis' 14th title, Walter Ray Williams winning the title left handed, having six championship titles right-handed.
  • Key individuals entered in this event are Walter Ray Williams, leading money winner on the PBA tour.
  • Dates of Championship Finals will be July 17, 18 & 19, with the titles being determined on the 19th.
  • Most participants will play 3 consecutive days with 5 games per day. The one with the most wins is declared that class' champion.
  • Economic impact on host cities is estimated to be upwards of 5 million dollars.
* Follow the World Championships at: http://www.horseshoepitching.com/wrld_rpt_08.html

Casey Sluys
1721 San Ramon Wy
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(707) 538-3128

NHPA Publicity/Promotion Director

http://www.horseshoepitching.com


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