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It was quite a ‘Kickapoo Valley Open’ horseshoe tournament
Russ and Jeff all smiles
KICKAPOO VALLEY OPEN horseshoe tournament organizer Russ Brockway, left, takes a minute to talk with Gays Mills expatriate and Class D competitor Jeff Gus-tafson. “I live in Lake Geneva now, but I miss being here. I used to play horseshoes down behind Robert E’s, and it was sure nice to see him today.”

GAYS MILLS - So many things seem topsy-turvy in this new COVID age we’re all living through, but summer and horseshoe pitching, it seems, are things that just can’t be stopped.

The ‘Kickapoo Valley Open’ horseshoe pitching tournament took place on Saturday, July 25, at the Kickapoo Ringers competition horseshoe pitching facility in the Log Cabin Park in Gays Mills.

The Beloit club once again brought their digital score boards to the event. Among the 37 participants were two state champions as well as last years tournament champion Ken Heinritz.

Once again, Harry and Marla Heisz grilled up tasty lunchtime treats. As with last year, when about $100 was raised to benefit the Gays Mills Swimming Pool, all proceeds went to the pool.


Bun Carley wins
BUN CARLEY had his year to win the Kickapoo Valley Open horseshoe tournament this year. The event was held at the Kickapoo Ringer’s competition horseshoe pitching facility near the Gays Mills Log Cabin Village. Last year’s winner Ken Heinritz took third this year. Ken Heinritz is pictured just in back of Carley, who is pitching.

In Class A competition there were several upsets. Every year Bun Carley and Ken Heinritz battle it out for first place. This year was Carley’s year to win the class, and Heinritz took third.


Newark takes second
IT WAS THE LADIES YEAR to stage an upset at the 2020 Kickapoo Valley Open horseshoe tournament. Laura Newkirk outpitched last year’s champion Ken Heinritz to take second place in the Class A division.

Defeating Henritz to take second place in Class A, Laura Newkirk showed that the lady ringers can get it done.

Kickapoo Valley Open 2020 results