PARKERSBURG - Donna Dodson knows she has her work cut out trying to match Tamara Burke pitch for pitch.
Regardless, Dodson will give it her best shot when the 74th annual West Virginia Horseshoe Pitchers State Tournament takes place Saturday at City Park.
Competition begins at 8 a.m. and the public is encouraged to view all different types of techniques used in tossing horseshoes. Dodson, who moved to Mineral Wells earlier this year, is competing in her first state tournament in the Mountain State.
Article Photos
Photo by Kerry Patrick
The 74th annual West virginia Horseshoe Pitchers State Tournament will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday at the City Park.
"Each person has their own style and that's what makes it so interesting," Dodson said.
Charles Bunner, who serves as president of the state association, has the field locked in at 60 competitors. This year, state membership features 139 individuals.
Numbers at the state event are down primarily because of the effect gas prices have on travel.
"Usually we hold the tournament over two days, but this year we will be able to pull it off in one day," Bunner said. "For the first time ever we will be running the tournament with a computer. That will help us quite a bit as far as keeping the paperwork."
One of the top throwers in the world, David Holmes of Charleston, is slated to compete. Other top names include Roger Carter, Jerry Wykle, Allen Withrow and Howard Barnett.
"David Holmes makes it look so easy," Dodson said. "He is a nice guy and is fun to watch. If nobody know anything about horseshoe pitching, the state tournament at City Park is a good place to get exposed."
Several individuals from Saturday's field have experience at the world competition which took place last month over a 13-day period in July.
Dodson didn't participate this year but has traveled throughout the country - as well as Canada. Her best finish was third place in her division.
"It's a whole different ballgame at the world tournament," Dodson said. "People are like machines."
