View full article PDF here.Recap: 2023 Grand American Week – Sparta, Illinois
The 2023 Grand American brought shooters from all 50 states, 5 Canadian provinces, and countries as far as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Brazil. With nearly 85 Brazilian competitors and thousands more filling the Sparta, Illinois grounds, the World Shooting and Recreational Complex once again lived up to its reputation as the world’s biggest trapshooting stage. The weather threw everything—wind, rain, and heavy heat—but competitors battled through it all for a shot at ATA rings and trophies.
Monday – Singles Class Championship
Strong winds made for tough conditions, but 11 shooters still ran 200 straight, including Richard Marshall Jr., Zach Nannini, and Peter Walker. Brandon Deal (PA) emerged AAA Champion, while Michael Kempel (ND) took Sub Veteran.
Tuesday – President’s Handicap & Doubles
Thomas Stoe (ND) outlasted Dagen Voigtman, Hunter Strong, and Steven Margherio after all broke 100 in the President’s Handicap. Later, Matthew Bartholow (SD) and Jack Knaus (MN) were among the 24 perfect scores in the Wenig Doubles.
Wednesday – Champion of Champions & Challenger Handicap
The Champion of Champions drew 209 state and provincial winners, with Jonathan Baker (MS) claiming the open crown and Brianna Thompson (WI) topping Lady I. In the Challenger Handicap, David Shaeffer Jr. (MD) ran 100 from the 27-yard line for the title.
Thursday – ATA World Clay Target Championship
A staggering 58 perfect 200s and 116 199s filled the boards. After three nights of marathon shootoffs, Dagen Voigtman (NE) emerged Champion over Brandon Deal and Robert Nihtila Jr., marking one of the longest shootoffs in ATA history (32 rounds, 800 targets).
Friday – ATA World Doubles Championship
Matt Bartholow (SD) won his third consecutive Doubles crown, edging Zeke Yeager (MS) in the 10th round of a shoot-off. Anna Rawe (MO) claimed Lady I with the only perfect 100 in her category.
Saturday – Grand American Handicap
Two shooters—Ricky Merriman (IL) and Wesley Beaver (PA)—ran 100 straights in the prestigious Grand American Handicap. Merriman was crowned Champion, while Beaver earned Junior Gold. Levi Hines (KY) shot 99 to claim Runner-up.
Top Awards
High All Around (HAA): Patrick Lamont (MB) – 397×400, after a shoot-off with Austin Jacob (OH).
High Over All (HOA): Junior shooter Landon Sievers (IL) – 988×1000, winning by one bird over Michael Fontello (DE).
Final Take
The 2023 Grand American lived up to its billing as the Super Bowl of Trapshooting. From Voigtman’s marathon Clay Target shoot-off, to Bartholow’s Doubles dynasty, to Merriman’s Handicap crown, Sparta delivered unforgettable moments on the sport’s grandest stage.
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