GOOD LUCK: ELFRINK TO MAKE A PTICH FOR WORLD TITLE NEXT WEEK

Tyler Elfrink has already established himself as one of the top young horseshoe pitchers in the state.

In just a few days, he'll have the chance to stamp himself as one of the best in the world.

The 14-year-old Elfrink, who lives in Leopold, Mo., will compete beginning Thursday in the World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament in Hibbing, Minn. He will be the only entrant from Missouri in the Junior Class, which includes participants up to age 18.

"I'm excited, but I'll be very nervous," said Elfrink.

But if the youngster's current ranking and previous accomplishments are any indication, he should measure up quite well.

Elfrink, who is about to enter his freshman year at Leopold High School, won the state junior championship in 1999 and he finished second in both 1998 and 2000. He competes regularly against much older and more experienced players during weekly events of the SEMO Horseshoe Association and more than holds his own.

"I do pretty well sometimes," he said.

And, perhaps most impressively, Elfrink has a ringer percentage of 66.86, which means he can throw about seven ringers out of every 10 shoes. That has him seeded sixth for the Junior A Class at the world tourney. Junior A is the highest level among six junior classes that will be contested at the event.

"Tyler is an outstanding pitcher, and he's one of the few from Southeast Missouri who have competed in the World Tournament," said Pam Henderson, the publicity chairperson of the Missouri Horseshoe Pitchers Association. "He will be among the best in his class and he should do very well."

Elfrink, who also enjoys baseball and basketball -- he plans to play basketball at Leopold High School -- was introduced to horseshoes about four years ago through a friend.

"I was out at the (Leopold) Knights of Columbus Hall and one of my friends was practicing. He asked me to throw with him and I liked it right away. I've been playing ever since," he explained. "I really enjoy it. It's a fun sport and it's a good way to meet people."

Elfrink, the son of Dan and Sondra Elfrink, said he practices at least three times a week, using pits at the family home that were built after he became interested. The entire Elfrink clan, which includes Tyler's 10-year-old brother Dylan, participates in the sport and they'll all be in Minnesota to cheer him on next week.

"It started out as just something fun for the family and it's something Tyler just really got interested in," said Sondra. "We're very supportive of him and we're proud of what he's done."

When asked the key to his success, Elfrink said humbly, "I guess I got good because I practice all the time. I just practice and concentrate."

Elfrink realizes he'll be facing the best competition he's ever gone up against during the world event, and a lot of the players he'll face will be older than him, although that is often the case when he competes. He has simple goals for the biggest tournament of his young life.

"I just want to throw good," he said. "I know the players will be all be really good. I'm seeded sixth and I want to do at least that good."