Innisfail horseshoe superstar pitcher Myrna Kissick is going to Canadian Nationals one more time but she's not going alone.
The 77-year-old horseshoe champion is back to familiar territory after placing second in the recent provincial women's championship group.
“This year, the National Horseshoe Pitch Association Canadians will be in Calgary at the Calgary Horseshoe Club from August 12 to 16,” said Kissick. “I have been Canadian champion five times. This year, I'm going to have more fun than to just go out to win. Other members of the Innisfail Horseshoe Club are also going to Calgary.”
“Charlie Whatley placed second in the B group for provincials, and he will be competing in Calgary along with Colin Taks,” said Kissick. “We are very excited that two of our three peewee players will be going to nationals for the first time, including 11-year-old Jase Nelson, and 10-year-old Kade Nelson who both will be going to Calgary.”
Innisfail-area resident Maggie Hewett is grandmother to the Nelson children who have been playing horseshoes for one year.
“Last year, my husband and I took the kids to watch the STARS air ambulance land at the Innisfail hospital and while we waited, they saw the horseshoe pits. Myrna and the club were playing so we walked over,” said Hewett. “My husband is an avid thrower, and he knows Myrna. The kids asked if they could throw shoes. They haven't stopped. Our granddaughter, Jimi, broke her leg and arm recently, so she will not be competing but will return to play once she is healed.”
The Innisfail resident would like to see more kids involved with the horseshoe club, noting the game is free and that anyone can throw any time at the 12 pits beside the Spray Park. “Besides, the seniors love playing with the kids and the kids love playing with the seniors. It really is a win-win for everyone,” said Hewett.
Kissick noted that the peewees throw from a 20-foot line as opposed to the longer pits experienced players use.
Jase Nelson, a first-time Canadian pitcher, is looking forward to having fun at the competition.
“I want to see if I can get a higher score than my brother Kade,” said Jase, who will also be attending a singing camp in Calgary the same week. “I'm thankful that the club taught me how to play horseshoes. Grandpa and I now have a game that we share.”
While the peewees are just starting their horseshoes careers, Kissick said she no longer plays with the killer instinct she once had.
“When I was younger, I played to win and I did,” said the veteran horseshoer. “Now I focus on helping other players get better and pass on my experience. I also volunteer to help other clubs organize their events. If I win it's a bonus.”
The Innisfail Horseshoe Club plays every Wednesday at 6 p.m. beside the Innisfail Health Centre on the 12 courts the club maintains.
Members of the Innisfail club will be playing in Bentley on August 9 and 10 while Western Regionals will be going on in Calgary the same weekend. Provincials will run from August 12 to 16 at the Calgary Horseshoe Club.
“Our club has been in existence since 1987 and presently sits at around 25 members, with memberships costing $15 to allow players to compete in events around the province. An Alberta membership grants membership in the Canadian association as well,” added Kissick.
Anyone wanting further information on the Innisfail Horseshoe Club can contact Kissick at 403-227-6507 or Charlie Whatley at 403-227-3939.
