Courtesy Photo: The top three finishers in the Elder Men Class D division were Cody Williams from Prescott placing 2nd, Gil Timbour from California won first place, Pete Lungwitz from Kansas placed 3rd.
The 59th annual World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament is being held in Sandy, Utah, at the Mountain America Expo Center with 665 total players, 18 of those from Arizona, but the one who rose to the top from our state was Prescott’s own Cody Williams.
Pitching on clay versus sand is much more challenging, but Williams sets his sights high and came through, nearly taking the top spot. “What a great experience. I took some extra time to practice pitching and play in another tournament on my way up here, and I would have to say that paid off,” said Williams.
There are 665 registered participants from throughout the country and Canada, with the objective to take the top spot, but more importantly have some fun in the process. Each player is placed in a group with other players with similar averages. There are multiple divisions that ranges from Cadet, Junior, Women, Men, Elder Women, and Elder Men.
Williams was entered in a division with three other Arizona players, who he knew well. “It was the luck of the computerized draw. Hal Handelman (Chino Valley), John Lincoln (Prescott), and Steve Lopez (Kingman), were all in the top ten. We, as a familiar group always have tight matches and it held true again here. In fact so true, that on my final match of the tournament, Lincoln and I tied. The tie prevented me from dropping to fourth and it moved me ahead of the third place guy Lungwitz.”
Williams continued, “This was my first World Tournament, experiencing the nuances of clay (I like it), and the camaraderie of the wide world of friendly horseshoe enthusiasts, created a super experience.”
“Watching the legend, Alan Francis, win his 28th world title was memorable. More memorable was the A Junior Champion Haisai Begaye. He has plenty of tough young opponents, but none could touch him. I watched the current legend, Francis, and Begaye both toss 92% games. I am even more inspired!”
“There happens to be a tournament in nearby Lehi this Saturday, but I’ll be back for the Prescott Valley tournament on the 8th.”
Locally, the Mile Hi Horseshoe Club will host their next tournament on August 23 at Watson Lake. Start time is 8am.
