A team of IBEW Local 1245 shooters from Bakersfield took third place in the first annual Southern California Union Sportsman’s Alliance (USA) sporting clays shoot.
Representing IBEW Local 1245 at the shoot in Corona, Ca. were, from left: Anthony Cardenas, Bill Hamilton, Grady McGinley and Mark Patt.
Local 1245 was represented by a diverse team of Bakersfield linemen, consisting of Grady McGinley, Transmission Line Crew Foreman (Midway); Mark Pratt, GC Line Crew Foreman (Arrow St.); Billy Hamilton, Distribution Line Crew Foreman (Wasco); and Anthony Cardenas, Lineman (Bakersfield) . The event was held Dec. 11 in Corona, Ca.
It was a very difficult course and our group was happy to take third,” said Local 1245 Business Rep. Bob Dean. Their goal is to come back next year and do even better.”
Bill McGinley was the team’s top shooter. Anthony Cardenas was able to fight through a last minute illness to participate. They enjoyed a day full of great shooting, good food and camaraderie with other union brothers and sisters, Dean said.
In an after-shoot lunchtime raffle, three shotguns and many other items were given away. McGinley, the only raffle winner from Local 1245, took home a range bag full of supplies. All participants received a 100 shot round of clays, including ammo, safety glasses, a Buck knife and lunch.
Eighteen teams from unions throughout southern California participated. Local 1245, with headquarters in Vacaville, was the sole representative from the north.
Union Sportsman’s Alliance
The event was put together by the Union Sportsman’s Alliance (USA).
If it is hunting or fishing, mountain biking or hiking, we want to support union members getting together and enjoying the outdoors,” said Tim Bindl, the Pacific Flyway regional coordinator for the USA.
IBEW is a charter member USA. According to Bindl, over 65 IBEW locals have participated in USA events and count themselves among USA’s 20 thousand members.
The Southern California shoot was held at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises in Corona. The host sponsor was IBEW Local 47. Several other local unions also sponsored the event: IBEW Locals 440, 477 and 569; Iron Workers Local 433; United Union Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers; and IAMAW (Machinists) San Diego Building Association District Lodge 725.
Learn more about the Union Sportsman’s Alliance at (www.unionsportsmen.org).