Texas State Championship

2019 Texas State Championship will go down as the year of the youth.  There were 6 youth shooters shooting with the men, Trigger Happy, Lonestar Leadslinger, Just-in Time, Willy Hit It, Akaraka Zach, and Marshall Dylan.  These young men are all now seniors and ready to take on the challenges of the world.  What has always impressed me the most about CFDA is the kids and youth shooters.  You will not find a more disciplined, respectful, courteous group of young people.  I believe it is, in part, because they participate in a true sport that teaches discipline, responsibility, respect and courtesy.

The men's division was dominated by the youth shooters.  Quick Cal was quickly dispatched to the scorer's table by drawing three of the youth shooters. It did not matter how quick Cal was, a .375 would be matched by a .372 by Willy Hit It, or if Cal got up 2 zip as in their second meeting, Willy Hit It then put three on the plate to send him to Boot Hill.  I share Cal's pain, having drawn Willy Hit It, in my first match and being set down in three. 

Every good deed does not go unpunished.  I had the privilege of hand judging Lonestar Leadslinger early in the event. He was a bit flustered and fell behind his opponent. I spoke some words of encouragement to him and he settled down to put three on the plate to win the match.  He made the Magnificent Seven with  3 x s where I meet him on lane 3 and 4.  Three shots and I sat down in seventh place.

As in all titled events, luck of the draw is so important.  At the 2019 Texas State you did not want to draw any of the youth shooters, they have now combined enough accuracy with the blazing speed to be deadly.  None were deadlier than Trigger Happy.  Look at the x count and time out of the top seven shooters.  Trigger Happy won the event and has a time out speed of .433.  Seventh place time out was .427. In between are 3 three shooters and Gentlemen George plodding along at .501.  

Texas also shows you what a family affair this sport is.  Gentleman George (Grandpa) was the crowd favorite but Trigger Happy (Grandson) took home the buckle but not before it went two matches down to the last shot. The battle for 4th and 5th was also family tussle between father and son, if only by law, with youth, Sgt Buck, prevailing over age, the Shootist.

On a personal note, I shot up to my ability. I missed my first four shots in the category match but after that hit better than 80% ("80% is just average").  All shots were within a 40 mls range and my quickest was on the final day.  I got better and better, but that is the Alleluia system. 

Texas was a well run titled event.  Great place to shoot.  Many thanks to all who helped put this event on.