Kevin has provided world-class tournaments for many years. In a period where interest in skeet is a bit tepid, Kevin has demonstrated that tournaments can be filled by offering a world-class experience to the competitors. For some, a world-class experience would include top-notch competition and premium prize money…GHSC offers that. For many others, a world class experience would include an accommodating staff, premium meals and entertainment, and optional recognition opportunities tailored to less-competitive shooters…GHSC offers that.

Kevin has looked for ways to bring new shooters into our game. An example would be the Buckle Race Series. This annual series of six (6) one-day events is designed to provide a venue for sporting clays shooters and recreational skeet shooters to compete in the game of registered skeet.

Most of these competitions are held during the winter months to entice shooters out of their homes, and to try something new. A competitive framework has been established to allow all competitors to have a chance at recognition, at the end of the series. A number of people who first experienced the game of registered skeet through these Buckle Races have gone on to compete on the ‘circuit’ in the standard four-gun format.

Kevin does not shy away from trying new, and different methods to attract shooters. One example would be moving the well-attended Best of Texas tournament to after the World Shoot. Conventional logic would dictate that any major tournament, after the World Shoot, would be doomed to fail…the season has basically ended, the calendar has now transitioned to ‘hunting season,’ and shooters would be taking time off to prepare for the following year. Kevin’s unconventional timing showed that several shooters enjoyed traveling to Texas when the temperature is not blistering, some shooters are ‘chasing points’ after the World Shoot, and others just do not want the season to end. There was a waiting list for the Best of Texas in 2021, up until a few days before the shoot.

Kevin has put forth significant energy to identify, train and indoctrinate referees into registered skeet. His efforts have allowed for a larger pool of qualified referees than we would otherwise not have seen. Kevin has developed a system to bring novices to the club on designed weekends, by holding a ‘referee school.’ These individuals have a chance to refine their skills ‘on the button’ and to better understand the rules of the game and the subtle skills that are required for a successful tournament referee. He further progresses the training of these individuals by allowing them to test their training in less competitive registered events, such as the Buckle Races. Some of the graduates of his ‘program’ are regular referees in Texas.

Kevin is a strong proponent and contributor toward our State Championships. Through the GHSC, Kevin has ensured generous sponsorship dollars flow into the event. He also works diligently behind the scenes, providing support for the many underappreciated tasks of the State Championship experience, such as getting programs prepared and printed, allowing staff to perform clerical tasks during their time ‘on the clock’ at GHSC, securing ammunition for our annual raffle, etc. This is done each-and-every year; including years that the event is not held at GHSC.

Kevin’s contributions to the game of skeet in Texas are many. He exemplifies what the Buck Stark Service Award is intended to recognize:

The individual selected for the Buck Stark Service Award should be selected for outstanding work in the TSSA and for unselfish service to the overall perpetuation of the sport. This individual should also exhibit a high degree of interest in competitive shooting and an outstanding degree of sportsmanship, leadership, and dedicated service to the sport.