Recap: 2023 Empire Grand – Cicero, NY

The 19th Empire Satellite Grand took place May 10–14, 2023 at the New York State Homegrounds in Cicero, NY. Attendance was up an impressive 27% as shooters kicked off the Northeastern season with sunny skies, warmer weather, and strong competition.

Early Events

• Warm-Up Events: Don Neilson (Singles), Darrin Cooke (Handicap), and Don Alderson (Doubles) opened the program with wins.

• Empire Singles (Thursday): Michael Gooch (IN) claimed the championship after a 100 and carryover, while Daniel Fadden (NY) topped the day’s Handicap with a 97.

• Empire Doubles: Urban Womer (NY) was the champion with a 98.

Growing Competition

• Class Singles (Friday): Five 100s were posted. Dave Shaeffer Jr. (MD), Chad Landon (NY), and Marco Cannizzaro (QU) took top class honors.

• Caesar Guerini Preliminary Handicap: Dave Corrente (NY) won with a 98 despite blustery winds.

• Class Doubles: Herbert Lewis (KY) and Robert Nihtila Jr. (MA) led their classes with 98 and 97. Nicole Hood (PA) posted a 96 for Lady I honors.

Championship Weekend

• Empire Grand Doubles Championship: Louis Diprete (RI) won with a 97. Ben Snyder (PA) was runner-up with 96.

• Singles Championship (Saturday): Carl Chadwell (MI) led the field with a 199. Herbert Lewis (KY) finished runner-up, and Ben Snyder (PA) took AAA.

• Handicap Championship (Sunday): Edwin Johnson (NY) topped the field with a 94. Brian Luther (NY) and Thomas Kennedy (NY) followed with 91 and 90.

High Awards

• High All Around (HAA): Ben Snyder (PA) – 382×400.

• High Over All (HOA): Carl Chadwell (MI) – 943×1000.

Final Take

The 2023 Empire Grand delivered everything you’d want from a season-opener in the Northeast: strong scores, competitive shootoffs, and standout performances from names like Snyder, Chadwell, Hood, and Ferris. With rising attendance and great targets, the Empire Grand proved again why it’s one of the most anticipated spring shoots on the ATA calendar.

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