View full article PDF here.Recap: 2024 Western Grand – Vernal, Utah
The 2024 Western Grand American was held May 28 – June 2 at the Vernal Rod & Gun Club in Vernal, Utah. While attendance dipped about 5%, the event was a huge success thanks to great weather, strong scores, and Vernal’s signature fun. Known for its party-like atmosphere, this year featured a cornhole tournament, Annie Oakley/Claybot shoots, a Black Light Shoot Out, fireworks, a seafood boil, and even a live band in the lodge—all alongside world-class trapshooting.
Early Week Highlights
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Welcoming Singles: Four 100s, with Jack Knaus, Wyatt Debrie, Katie Jones, and Joe Baker all claiming category wins.
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Uintah County Handicap: Jack Knaus led with a 98 to win Junior Gold, while his younger brother Barrett Debrie won short yardage with a 93.
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Dalton Van Memorial Doubles: Richard Marshall Jr. and Jack Knaus topped the board with 99s.
Midweek Action
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Craig & Sharon Hart Doubles: Ryan Glow (AAA) and Wyatt Debrie (Sub Junior) each broke 100.
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Rho Rho Rally Doubles: Glow again on top with 99.
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Friends of VRGC Handicap: High winds tested shooters, but Wyatt Debrie still managed the top score with 95.
Championship Events
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Singles Class (Thursday): Richard Marshall Jr. (AAA) led a strong field with a carryover win after shooting 100.
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Krieghoff Handicap: Richard Marshall Jr. topped Cody Eye and Gavin Kuck after all posted 97s.
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Doubles Class (Friday): Richard Marshall Jr. and Cody Eye both broke 100, while Wyatt Debrie won Sub Junior with a 99.
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Western Grand Doubles Championship: Wyatt Debrie claimed the title with the lone 100, marking his second win in three years.
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Browning Singles Championship (Saturday): Scott Obenchain shot the only 200 straight to earn Champion.
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Winchester Handicap Championship (Sunday): Jack Knaus broke his first-ever 100 from the back fence to win the title.
Top Awards
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High All Around (HAA): Wyatt Debrie – 396×400.
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High Over All (HOA): Wyatt Debrie – 1075×1100, edging Richard Marshall Jr. by just one target.
Final Take
The Western Grand once again lived up to its reputation as one of the most fun and competitive stops on the ATA calendar. With family names like Debrie, Knaus, and Marshall filling the scoreboards, and extras like fireworks and live music lighting up the evenings, the 2024 edition proved why Vernal is such a special host.
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