Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Adam Turner gives the horseshoe a toss during the Washakie County Fair horseshoe pitching tournament on July 29 at Washakie County Fairgrounds.
WORLAND - It is Worland's turn to host the 87th Wyoming State Horseshoe Pitching Tournament happening August 26-27 at the Washakie County Fairgrounds. On a rotation with other sanctioned horseshoe pitching leagues like Lovell, Rock Springs and Gillette, Worland will have the best pitchers in the state competing for state titles.
"We have 46 people signed up so far and we're happy to take on more if they're interested," said Sandy Richard.
Worland last hosted in 2014 and with 46 competitors signed up, as of writing, Richard had to divide the pitchers into two shifts.
"We only have 12 pits so there will be two shifts, one shift will throw in the morning on Saturday and the second shift will follow them," said Richard.
There will be class distinctions to balance out the competition, there is an elder class for those over 50 years of age and a junior class for pitchers who are still in school.
Classes will also be broken into the skill level of a pitcher which is determined by how many ringers one would get out of 100 tosses.
"We have a gal from Newcastle who throws at 52 percent, so she gets 52 ringers out of 100 tosses. And like Joyce Desmond, who is here in Worland, she throws at about 46 percent ringers and when it's scored it is done on their percentage of ringers out of 100," said Richard.
The quality of pitchers coming to Worland is what Richard will look forward to the most. It brings out the best in everyone as they all try to one up their opponent.
"We'll have good pitchers here, and going against people like that pushes people to be better. It's a lot of fun to watch and sets a goal for everyone to get better," said Richard.
The entry deadline for the 87th Wyoming State Horseshoe Pitching Tournament is August 23 and those who are interested should contact Richard at 431-226. The entry fee is $30 per pitcher.
For those interested in joining or have questions about the Worland horseshoe pitching league contact Richard or Craig Smith (388-2009) for details.
