Twenty-eight pitchers are descending upon Santiago Twp. Saturday for an open horseshoe tournament.

The tournament commenced in 2008 and has run for 11 years under the lead of Jim Aleckson, who retired from directing the event in 2019. Because of Jim’s retirement, no tournament was held in 2019.

However, Brian Wipper of Palmer has taken over the director’s job this year to resurrect the event for 2020.

A number of pitchers from the Twin Cities are entered with Ray Volkers of Maplewood heading the championship class with a 60% average.

Most horseshoe tournaments have been canceled this year due to COVID-19. The most important cancellations have been the Team World event in Beloit, WI, the World Tournament in Louisiana and the Minnesota State Tournament in Hibbing.

Saturday’s Santiago Tournament begins at 9 a.m. with Classes C & D. Classes A & B will start up at 1 p.m.

The Santiago Horseshoe Club finished their 10th week of play Tuesday with Don Claseman of St. Cloud and Russ Girtz of Monticello leading the league by two games with a 20-10 record. There are two events left of league play which will then lead into a double-elimination tournament.