HORSESHOES: Local pitcher Dale competes at world tournament next week

Laurie Dale of the Kootenai County Horseshoe Pitchers Association is competing at the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Tournament in Wausau, Wis., which began Monday and runs through July 26. 

Dale, 58, of Athol, is the five-time defending Idaho State Women’s Champion, and is ranked No. 65 among the top 100 women horseshoe pitchers in the U.S. 

A total of 16 women are competing in Dale’s “C” division. Competition in that division is scheduled to run next Monday through Wednesday.

With a ringer percentage exceeding 50 percent, “she has built a reputation for consistency, precision and sportsmanship,” a press release states. 

She is also a regular top-3 finisher in tournaments throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

Dale practices weekly with the Kootenai County Horseshoe Pitchers Association at Winton Park in Coeur d’Alene.  

“Fellow competitors know her not only for her championship performances but also for her respect for the game,” the release says. “One of her favorite sayings, ‘When in doubt, check it,’ reflects her commitment to honesty, fair play, and the traditions of horseshoe pitching.” 

The association welcomes anyone interested in learning the sport every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Winton Park, 1507 N. Melrose St. in Coeur d’Alene. Players of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend. Instruction and equipment are available. 

Information: 208-651-4600 

RECENT KOOTENAI COUNTY HORSESHOE PITCHING ASSOCIATION RESULTS 

ELMER CURRIE CLASSIC 

CLASS A — 1, Laurie Dale. 2, Trudy Oye. 3, Darla Wessel. 

CLASS B — 1, Dan Green. 2, Tom Knoll. 3, John DeMello Jr. 

CLASS C — 1, Wade DeMello. 2, James DeMello. 3, Kaden LaCaze.

    Courtesy photo Horseshoe pitcher Laurie Dale of Athol competes in a local event at Winton Park in Coeur d'Alene.