Oran Woman Wins Missouri's Horseshoe Championship

The Missouri Horseshoe Pitching Association held their State Championship Competition from August 30th to September 2nd in Lebanon. 239 pitchers signed up for the four day event with ages ranging from six year old Warren Highley of Harrisonville to 90 year old Reese Warden of Ozark. Pitching horseshoes isn't just for the men folk though. The women's championship class had eight women vying for the Missouri Women's Champion title with entry averages from 47.10% to 76.37%. They included defending champion, Rose Diekamp, O'Fallon, who was hoping for her 10th State Championship win and holds the impressive 76.37% average; second ranked was Lachelle Cook, Oran, with a ringer average of 68.38%; Gina Baker, Lawson, with 60.44%; Donra McCown, Bucyrus, with 58.87%; Cori Stoverink, Leopold, with 56.47%; Audra Craven, Liberty, with 54.15%; Karen Goldizen, Savannah, with 49.11% and Laura Johnson, Independence, with 47.10%. After six games two ladies were tied for first with six wins and no losses. Rose and Lachelle had fans sitting on the edge of their seat waiting for the first pitcher to reach 40 points. After all the shoes had landed, the new State Champion was Lachelle Cook who had an amazing seven straight wins out of seven games ending with 68.3% ringers. While the 2nd place winner, Rose Diekamp, ended with six wins, one loss and a 74.2% ringer average. The 3rd place winner was Gina Baker with five wins, two losses and a ringer percentage of 59. Lachelle had a good practice on Friday, August 30th while pitching with partner, Mel Bruemmer, Jefferson City, in the Missouri State Doubles Championship Class.

There were 80 pitchers making up 40 teams. Lachelle held a 60.8 ringer percentage and they ended up in 5th place. To learn more about the Missouri Horseshoe Pitchers Association or find a club near you visit www.mohpa.us or Missouri Horseshoe Pitchers Association (MOHPA) on facebook.