The Santiago Horseshoe Club held their final meet of the season last Saturday in Becker.

On a cool, August day, the pitchers and their wives enjoyed a potluck picnic before starting the double-elimination tournament. There were four teams remaining out of the nine that pitched in the event and in the first round, the two teams playing on Court 5 were 2-1.

Paul Secord of rural Foley and Dave Henne of Duelm defeated George Peterson and Dennis Barutt — both of Becker. With the loss, Peterson and Barutt were eliminated, finishing in the fourth spot.

On Court 3, Don Claseman of St. Cloud and Russ Girtz of rural Big Lake defeated Rich Alickson and his grandson, Cody — both of Santiago. The win put Claseman and Girtz at 4-0 while Rich and Cody finished at 2-1.

Secord and Henne went on to defeat the Alicksons to capture third place.

That left Claseman and Girtz at 4-0 against Secord and Henne with Claseman and Girtz winning 117-103 in the “count all” match. The win also meant Russ and Don became  only the fourth team to accomplish this feat in the 36-year history of the league.

Al Bloomer of Princeton and Mike Hoffman of Becker were second. In third place were Cam Lheurevy and Reid St. George. Peterson and Barutt rounded out the money winners in the league, finishing fourth.

It appears the club will be continuing to play despite some doubts over the years as to who would take the reins. President Brian Wipper, Secretary/Treasurer Don Claseman and MN State President Russ Girtz have dedicated their services to keep it running.

Ten club members will be pitching in the annual state tournament over Labor Day weekend in Genola, MN,