THOUSANDS IN LEOPOLD FOR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT

LEOPOLD -- Dressed in white, a black straw hat on his head, Al Perhake was a study in concentration Sunday as he stared across 40 feet of grass at a small metal pole jutting from a dirt pit.

Perhake held a blue-tinted horseshoe in his right hand.

About 40 people lined the wire fence surrounding the pit, hands ready to throw into the air and cheers barely leashed to straining throats.

The tall, lanky Perhake took a smooth step forward and delivered the horseshoe like reaching to shake an old friend's hand. It spun twice and rattled against the pole. There was a pause as the crowd peered through the sand and then scattered cheers and groans.

Perhake and partner Gene Meyer, both of Florissant, were pitted against the Scott City team of Brian Ressel and Kenny Page in a tense match to decide the Class C runner-up in the 17th annual State Knights of Columbus Horseshoe Tournament in Leopold.

As many as 3,000 people attended the competitions and events Saturday and Sunday in the tiny, unincorporated town of Leopold. The Knights of Columbus council in Leopold had demonstrated enough enthusiasm and participation to host the horseshoe tournament for the second time in 10 years, said Del Elfrink, a tournament director.

Included in the 431 two-man teams were 64 Leopold competitors, Elfrink said. "Every man of voting age in Leopold is a member of the Knights of Columbus," he said.

In all, the tournament had 1,102 people vying for the 3-foot trophies that were awarded for first through fourth places. Elfrink said organizers sent maps to every contestant, "and as far as I know, no one got lost," he said.

Neal and Denise Ayers traveled from Dexter to compete. They spent their 22nd wedding anniversary pitching horseshoes. "It wasn't romantic but is was fun," Denise Ayers said.

Her team finished second in the women's B division. Neal wasn't as fortunate, finishing fifth in his category. But Neal said it didn't matter. "It was fun. That's why you come out, win or lose it's fun," he said.

Denise said she likes the family atmosphere and friendly competition. She said she was lucky this year to play against people who were out to enjoy themselves. "You have to have a good attitude. You've got to realize that you're not going to win every match," she said.

Gary and Mary Newsome drove from St. Peters to participate in the tournament. Even though Gary's team was eliminated early they still stuck around to watch.

Traveling to state tournaments brings them to places they wouldn't normally go, they said.

Margo Wiechens, also of St. Peters, hadn't heard much about Leopold before this weekend.

"I didn't even know it was here," Wiechens said. "But the campground we stayed at last night was so nice I might have to come back for another weekend."

Perhake's match was an example of everything the tournament stands for: tension, sportsmanship, family atmosphere and fun.

Between each round the men shook each other's hand as they switched sides. Supporters of both teams gave comfort and encouragement to their players but never displayed poor sportsmanship.

Near the end of a round, Page made a ringer and had to step off the wooden platform and take a deep breath. Despite the tension, he chuckled and reached into his pocket when one of his sons asked for a dollar. "Win or lose, he wants a dollar," Page said.