By Jim Newell

Review Editor

LAKE ORION – The intense focus, the unmistakable metal ping – followed by cheers from one side and groans from the other – is the sound of another ringer on the horseshoe pits.

Lake Orion hosted the Michigan Horseshoe Pitchers Association state doubles tournament on Saturday and a singles tournament on Sunday, with Lake Orion pitchers wining both days.

For Doug Bailey of Clarkston and Ron Price of Lake Orion, both of the Lake Orion Horseshoe Club, the path to winning the Class A state doubles horseshoes was a return to the top.

Last year, Bailey and Price finished second place in state doubles after winning in 2017 in a three-team playoff.

Judy Dennis and Dawn Price of Lake Orion also took first place in Class E doubles

Twenty-six two-person teams competed in the state sanctioned tournament, featuring competitors from throughout Michigan. The Lake Orion Club had 12 players participate in the tournament, which has five classes, class A through class E, based on ringer percentage, said club President Ron Price.

“Larry Linton from Lansing sang the National Anthem to kick off some of the best competition and some of the best horseshoe pitching in the State. We were honored to have the Village Manager Joe Young pitch the very first shoe,” Price said.

In doubles play, pitchers pick partners and then the teams are put into a class based on combined ringer percentage. Groups of teams compete in a round-robin format. The team in the highest class – those teams with the highest ringer percentage – that wins their group is declared the tournament champion.

In tournament singles play, J.D. Drake of Linden won Class A, but the next three top spots went to Lake Orion.

Ron Price took first place in Class B singles, Bob Blum took top honors in Class C and Cathy Ardelean won the Class D title.

“Congratulation to all the winners and to all who competed in the wonderful tournament and such a wonderful setting in the village,” Price said. “Their Awards and Recognition will be presented to them at the Michigan State Singles Tournament Aug. 25 in Jackson, Michigan.”

Whether someone is an experienced player or just wants to learn, Price said the Lake Orion Horseshoe pitchers welcome them to attend and see what the club is like.

“Our season is coming to an end for the year but if you are thinking you may want to play next year in our league, or if you need more information on the club and all its activities please give me a call at 248-909-4946, or reach out to us on Facebook at Lake Orion Horseshoe Club,” Price said.

The Lake Orion Horseshoe Club was established in 1960 and is Michigan’s oldest horseshoe club. Anyone interested in joining the Lake Orion pitchers can visit the club website at pitchwithus.com/lake_orion or email Ron Price at ronpriceorionhorseshoes@gmail.com.