World Horseshoe Pitching Championships to be held in Ardmore, OK The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association is proud to announce the World Horseshoe Pitching Championships to be held in Ardmore, OK July 23, through Aug. 7, 2007. It is being held in Oklahoma in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of their statehood. Pitchers will compete for $136,000 in prize money. There are 984 pitchers entered, including 6 children less than 9 years of age.
Champions will be crowned in the following Divisions; Men, Women, Senior Men, Senior Women, Elders (over 70 yrs. of age) Junior Boys, Junior Girls, and (9 and under) Junior Cadets.
Entries from 46 US states, 5 Canadian Provinces will vie for the crowns. Present Men's Champion Alan Francis of Ohio with an 89.9 ringer average will be present to defend his crown, as will Joan Elmore, of Tennessee with an 84.9% ringer average the current Women's Champion. The hosting facility will boast 50 regulation clay courts at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum, admission is free.
FACT SHEET
- The current defending champions are Alan Francis, OH in the Mens Division, Alan will be seeking his 13th World title. Joan Elmore, TN in the Womens Division, will be going after her 2nd World title
- 46 states and 2 countries are represented.
- The youngest competitor is Wyatt Bennett of Crownpoint, NM at 8 years old; the oldest is Tom Small of Wichita, KS at 87 yrs. old. This will be the 83rd year a World Championship has been conducted.
- Records to be possibly set Alan Francis' 13th title, Walter Ray Williams winning the title left handed, having 6 championship titles right-handed.
- Famous individuals entered in this event are Walter Ray Williams, leading money winner on the PBA tour.
- Dates of Championship Finals will be Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at 1PM and 6PM the titles will be determined at 9AM 8/4 for the Women and 2 PM for the Men.
- 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.
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