Raise your hand if you were not on the ATA All American Team - almost 300

There is almost 300 names on the All American Team list from 2025 - 2026. One out of every six people at the so called Grand in Sparta were on the AA Team. I would estimate one out of four could have made the team if they had shot better at Sparta.

How many were All Americans at Vandalia? I am thinking an AA spot was not at the top of our minds then. So what did we shoot for?

 

Caps for money. Singles for prestige. And doubles for fun

 

Spend all that money on targets, ammo, travel, lodging…. to receive a hat

 

What?!! They get a hat? I had no idea. That changes everything.

I am thinking All Americans may not be too bright.

 

pa BOB, in 1959 I was selected to the jr. All American 2nd team. My first time selected. no vets, no sr. vets, and 1 sub jr. Men, women, jrs, industry and sub jr a total of 87 All Americans. According to the book (All America Trapshooting Teams) the first team was selected in 1927 by Jimmy Robinson and he did this for 27 more years by himself In 1964 he formed a committee to select the team. 1964 to1974 the committee consisted of Roy Finnell, Herb Orre, an Betty Ann Foxworthy(editor of Trap & Field). In 1977 the ATA took over selecting the team and it then became the ATA All America team rather than the Sports Afield All America team. As the membership grew the numbers on the All American teams increased. In 1927 there was 10 men, 1 women, 2 jr's, and 1 Industry shooter for a total of 14 members. A long way to get to nearly 300 in 2025. In 1970 there were 2953 entries in the Grand American Handicap and in 1978 there were 4073 entries in the G A H. Just some numbers that I thought might be interesting.

Dave Berlet

 

David, I started the process on the H,O,F, mater. they said it will take six to eight weeks to complete. Roger C.
That way the ATA is guaranteed 300 shooters at the so called grand.