Local pitchers set to compete in World Horseshoe Championships
Ten local people are set to compete in the World Horseshoe Pitching Championships Monday through July 23 in Monroe.
Hosted at the Monroe Civic Center, the tournament's admission is free with competition beginning at 8 a.m. and ending approximately 10 p.m. daily. A total of 649 athletes will be competing in the event with entries from the United States, South Africa, Norway and Canada. Nine world champions will be determined by July 23 with over $180,000 in cash. COVID-19 protocols will be followed.
The competitors from this area are Tim Gilmore of Bayou Vista, Kevin Kinslow of Morgan City, Burnie Williams of Morgan City, Jimmy Percle of Morgan City, Clyde Landry of Pierre Part, Dwain Arceneaux of Thibodaux, Hilton Rhodes of Bayou Vista, Randy Giroir Sr. of Berwick, Al Dodson of Morgan City and Linda Dodson of Morgan City
The defending women’s champion is Joan Elmore of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, who has her goal set on adding her 11th world championship this year. She will be attempting to break the world record of total women’s national championship wins set by Vicki Winston in 1981.
Moving up into the Women's Division earlier than normal, is Sarah Chafee from Wisconsin. Sarah is just 16 years old and is the 2021 Junior Girls World Champion. Sarah entered the World Tournament this year with a ringer percentage of 88.3% and is ranked No. 11 with the highest percentage of the women's division.
Ron LeGrand of Missouri is the defending world champion for the Elder Men's Division and enters this World Tournament in ninth place. David Holmes of West Virginia enters as the No. 1 seed with an 80.7% and will try to repeat as elders champion with Russ Phillips of Washington as the No. 2 seed trying to recover the top spot.
Sheila Shepard of Colorado is the defending champion for Senior Women. She will be going for her 9th title this year. Her competition will be after her again. Last year in Winnemucca, Nevada. Shepard pitched 55.26% for the Senior Women Division and ended with a 6-1 record. Her single loss came against Diane Luiz of California.
Once again returning to defend his 2021 world title, the “Desert Cowboy,” Jacob Fimbres of Arizona, aka Mr. “No-Step,” will be looking to capture his second title win for 2022. Fimbres won the Valley of the Sun tournament early in February entering with a 66.24% and won his class with a 54.47.%. He keeps on trekking for a title. There are several newcomers in this division.