With the traps loaded, teams of deadeye shooters took aim during the association’s clay shoot at Powder Creek on June 3. Nearly four dozen WEDA members and event sponsors gathered at the Lenexa, Kansas, shooting park. Pull!
The day-long event was a first-of-its-kind fundraiser for the Western Equipment Dealers Foundation.
Powder Creek officials discuss safety with clay shoot participants before the event begins.
The misses were hits
No one counted the misses, but misses weren’t part of the program. Every shot was a hit for the Foundation, which provides funding to support WEDA’s Industrial and Farm Equipment Technician Program at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Students enrolled in the program can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree with a major in Industrial and Farm Equipment Technology.
The program also provides scholarships for students pursuing a career within the equipment industry. “Technical education keeps the equipment industry strong,” said John Schmeiser, CEO, WEDA.
According to Schmeiser, the clay shoot added $8,000 to the Foundation coffers. That’s a bull’s eye for an inaugural event.
Winning young guns
The winning group represented AgDirect. The group’s members were all smiles after taking top honors. AgDirec Group 2.
John Schmeiser (left) is flanked by the winning group members – Mark Smith, Scott Winter, Matthew Armata, Robert Smith, and Lucas Maddy.
Top gun
The top gun was Tim Smith from the Tax Favored Benefits’ group. In an unexpected surprise, Smith donated his prize, which was auctioned off for $200. WEDA matched the sale price, which added $400 to the fundraising total.
From left to right are Ty Rankin, Gordon Thorn, Bill Male, and Tim Smith, the event’s top shooter.
“Shot” out to sponsors
There is no question all participants had a great time on a perfect day to shoot clay pigeons… a little bull… or both. But days like this aren’t possible without the support of WEDA sponsors, which included dealerships and providers of dealership programs, products, and services. Here is a list of the sponsors and additional photos of the shooters.
Coleman Equipment Group – From left to right are Jason Coleman, Kevin Embrey, Aaron Skaggs, Chris Coleman, and Kirk Talpers.
Federated Insurance & WEDA Group – From left to right are Nate Stroup, Jerry Leemkuil, Eric Wareham, and Larry Hertz.
Vermeer Great Plains Group – From left to right are JC Corneliusen, Luke Sosaya, Rob Sosaya, Mike Gardner
Case-IH Group – Nate Nelson takes aim as Ryan Kau, Martin Dulohery, Garrett Derr, and Cutler Derr look on
AgDirect Group 1
Note: The Western Equipment Dealers Foundation accepts donations – large or small – at any time. Gifts are tax-deductible as charitable contributions. For information, contact WEDA at 800-762-5616 or visit www.westernequipfoundation.org.
More Clay Shoot events are to be announced for 2022 in Oklahoma and Texas.
