By Prudence Shagwell

Pembroke, MA

On Sunday June 11th, Steve Baglione raced down the driveway at the Old Colony Sportsman's Association with the same intensity that Josey Wales rode his horse at breakneck speed into the Union camp with pistols blazing. On this day Old Colony was holding the 11th annual Al Kelly Trophy Shoot, and Baglione was determined that no quarter be given to anyone that stood in his way of the championship.

The Al Kelly fund was established eleven years ago by the Old Colony Skeet Committee to honor a true gentleman of skeet: Al Kelly of Marshfield, MA. Al was a past MSSA President as well as Chief Referee in the state. He dedicated much of his shooting career to supporting small clubs which he felt fostered the spirit of the game into the hearts of so many participants. "Al shot many registered targets at the smaller two and three field clubs throughout his native Massachusetts and the rest of New England," said long time friend Fred Briggs. "Al felt very strongly that the smaller clubs were the true cradle of the sport, without which the game would eventually fade away."

Over 30 shooters from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts competed to get their name on the coveted Al Kelly Trophy which is on permanent display in the skeet house. 2008 HOA Champion Tank Campedelli was out of town on business during the event but had this to say over the phone. "Every shooter dreams about the winning the Al Kelly shoot; but few ever achieve it. "

The purpose of the tournament is to raise money through HOA entries to provide the Al Kelly Fund with sufficient means to support the 'smaller clubs' as they endeavor to host registered NSSA events. "Al Kelly learned through experience that small clubs looking to host modest 2-gun events would frequently encounter speed bumps such as electrical problems, failed traps or general club improvements", stated Dave Winkley. "The Al Kelly Fund, upon application, can often provide the necessary funds to remove those roadblocks to insure the shooting event gets off the ground."

Of course, none of this would be possible without the invaluable support of long time Kelly friend and fellow shooter, Jim Dow. Since the first year in 1998, Jim has donated HOA prizes such as antique blue cobalt glass target balls, to handmade Nantucket style baskets. "The baskets are beautiful," exclaimed Maureen Siemen. "The effort and detail are absolutely amazing. Jim Dow is a true artisan."

Baglione's shooting on this day was superior to the field. His lone 197 took the HOA uncontested. Goose Kanavos AA1, newly elected ASSA president Jack Makiver A1, who demonstrated to the field that it is possible to not physically miss a target and still score a 99, Ed Sawyer of Portland, ME B1, Cue Moschella C1 and Bob Weiss D1. The Old Colony Sportsman's Association thanks all participants and referees for their continued support.

End.