View full article PDF here.Recap: 2023 Western Grand – Vernal, Utah
The 2023 Western Grand was hosted at the Vernal Rod & Gun Club in Vernal, Utah, from May 30 – June 4, 2023. With mild weather (mid–high 70s, little wind) and just a brief rain delay, conditions were ideal. Attendance was up over 10%, with shooters from 30 U.S. states, Canada, and even Australia. The club added $15,000 in Lewis purses and awarded 33 American Eagle gold coins for championship event winners, making the week extra special. Beyond the competition, fun extras like a cornhole tournament and nightly Claybot Annie Oakley shoots kept the energy high.
Early Week Action
Opening Singles: Seven 100 straights, with Sharred Oaks (AAA) and Dennis Johnson (Sub Vet) among the winners.
Uintah County Handicap: Nebraska’s Gavin Kuck ran 100 straight from the 27-yard line to complete his ATA Grand Slam.
Dalton Van Memorial Doubles: Cole Henning (Junior) and Wyatt Debrie (Sub Junior) each ran them all.
Midweek Highlights
Craig & Sharon Hart Doubles: Jayme Anderson, Cole Henning, and Katie Jones among the perfect-score winners.
Rho Rho Rally Doubles: Richard Marshall Jr. broke 100 straight alongside Gavin Kuck and Gerry Williams.
Friends of VRGC Handicap: Cole Henning led with 100 from the back fence.
Evening entertainment included tip-jar Annie Oakley shoots, potluck appetizers, and sponsored drinks.
Championship Events
Singles Class (Thursday): Six perfect scores; Doug Gustafson outlasted Sharred Oaks for AAA.
Krieghoff Handicap: Richard Marshall Jr. edged his son, Tyler Marshall, in a 99–99 shoot-off.
Doubles Class (Friday): Sophie Nostrom shot her first-ever 100 straight in doubles, claiming Lady I.
Western Grand Doubles Championship: Richard Marshall Jr. nailed a perfect 20 in the shoot-off to win the title and a gold coin.
Singles Championship (Saturday): Quint Sudbury broke 200 straight and won the title over Junior Gold shooter Jack Knaus.
Handicap Championship (Sunday): Colorado Sub-Junior Daniel Gomez posted a 99 to take home the crown and his first gold coin.
Top Awards
High All Around (HAA): Richard Marshall Jr. – 396×400.
High Over All (HOA): Richard Marshall Jr. – 1085×1100, nine targets clear of the field.
Final Take
The Western Grand blended top-level competition with community fun—from fierce shootoffs to cornhole, pizza parties, and even a marriage proposal (congrats Craig Schmitt and Kelly Kidd!). With excellent targets, great weather, and world-class hospitality from the VRGC crew, the Western Grand once again proved to be one of the most enjoyable stops on the ATA calendar.
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