The defending Champion/MN Hall of famer, Janet Larson, was able to claim top honors again this year in the women's Class A division, finishing with a 6-1 record averaging 57.27% for the day. Janet lost to familiar competitor, Sara Otto who finished 5-2 with highest overall average 57.83. Taking third in the class was newcomer, Minnie Fisher, with a 3-4 record and a 49.43% finish. 

Amongst the class there were four veterans; Janet Larson, Sara Otto, Helen Hawkinson, and Kayla Yaeger. In addition, there were three women that made their MN State Tournament debuts: Minnie Fischer, Jennifer O'Neil, and Melisa Wimmer. Rounding out the bunch was myself, Tina Bussey, not new to state tournaments, but new to women's Class A. Looking back now, it was a beautiful array of varied amounts of experience, which made for an eventful day. 

       For myself, getting a call saying, "You're invited to play in Class A was something I never foresaw. My initial thought (coming from Class C) was, "I'm not worthy of a spot, but how do you turn down an experience like that when it's something you had hoped for since the age of 13." For 24 years I had dreamed of making the top class, and this was it. It seemed there were a number of memory making moments throughout this tournament.  

Janet received top honors again, as she has for the past four years. It would appear Monday morning that her toughest competition was none other than the Runner-up in this division - Otto, whom now has five consecutive Runner-up titles. Janet graciously gave credit to her fellow competitors in taking home the title. She said, "The fact that Melisa and Minnie both had their best games against Sara, played a big part in my win." Minnie was seeded in Class A and was able to earn an impressive first time, 3rd place finish. Janet added, "Kayla and Melisa both had very good games against me. Luckily those were also my best games." Melisa Wimmer, finishing fourth, among the "new blood" in the bracket, said, "It was my first state tournament...other than pacing. I started in B class and didn't plan on making it into the championship It was intimidating and humbling...I'm more encouraged than ever after hanging in there." Kayla Yaeger came in with some Class A experience (finishing sixth) she offered up that there was, "some great competition this year," and added,, "it's always fun to pitch with ladies who value sportsmanship in addition to bringing their best to win." Jennifer O'neil (Class B move-up) was also among the "newbies." She was honored to be part of this group, saying "being able to make it into the top eight my first time ever at state and being voted Rookie of the Year" were highlights. Amongst the experience pitchers was Helen Hawkinson. Onlooker, scorekeeper, and former Women's Class A competitor, Rosie Leyk, noted Helen saying, "what a gal, she has the heart the size of Texas." Helen (finishing 5th) made the competition work for their wins. She finished off the day having pitched the most amount of shoes at 366.  

       Though Janet clinched the title, Sara was able to get some "redemption" in the final game of the day. After beating Janet, she offered her a great big hug. They both recalled the moment - Sara said to Janet, "Everyone said, "You have to beat Janet this year," they forgot to tell me about the rest of them." Sara won that game with a whopping 70% and finished the day with the women's high of 57.83%. 

       Janet is not only experienced, driven, and focused, she is also extremely humble in victory. In asking her for her highlights she first responded, "I have gotten plenty of attention in the past. I like to promote growth and the future of the sport." Seeing as experience edged out over the newcomers, I think some advice from our state champion is crucial. She says, "I am wise enough to know that winning requires a certain amount of skill, mixed with a fair amount of luck. I never go into any game thinking "I should be able to win this one." Everyone at this level is very capable of throwing a very good game at any time. I was impressed by how calm and relaxed all the "first time" ladies appeared." There is a little different mindset with the 40 point games, because you always have a chance to make a comeback, it's not over until someone hits 40. You just hope you don't fall into a slump and take too long to figure it out. Once someone gets to 30 points you have to be really careful to make every shoe count, because leaving an open stake can change the score in a hurry with less time to get those points back." Overall, it was a competition of experienced vs. newness and nerves. It seems the veterans edged us out this time, but there's always next year!  

       I was incredibly honored and humbled to play with such an amazing group of women. It was a childhood wish come true. I feel everyone in the class had her moment. Unfortunately for me, mine came Sunday via phone call rather than Mon. morning. The beauty of this sport is the people of the sport. Horseshoe pitchers become "family." Friendships are forged, and competition is fueled by the desire to keep coming back better. Thanks for the memories, and congratulations to all our champions!