Thirty years ago, the World Tournament was held in Greenville, Ohio, which is still considered the
horseshoe pitching capital of the world. The Greenville Ringer Classic was first held in 1961
and quickly became known as the toughest and most prestigious tournament after the World Championships.
Always held around the 4th of July, the recent 2007 edition was won by Alan Francis and Sue Snyder.
Greenville was one of Elmer Hohl's favorite places to pitch. He won the Ringer Classic 7 times, his first in 1966 and last in 1979. He also held the record for highest overall tournament % with 88.4 set in 1968. That record was beaten by Alan Francis (88.8%) in 1999.
Elmer also won two of his six World Titles in Greenville. The picture above was taken in 1977 when he won his last World Title
(see results of the 1977 World Tournament). It shows a group of Canadians where we can identify many of our great players, volunteers and hall of fame members:
(back row) Jean Markle, Bill Vanderburg, Stan Leis, Buster Duck, Fernand Thibeault, Larry Markle, Ken Drury,
Elmer and Hilda Hohl, Harold Blackman (between Ken and Hilda).
In the front row we can identify Bud Prange, John Dooley, Steve Hohl, Willi Prange and further right Merv Lichty, Bruce Hohl and Fred McClinton.
Also pictured are Gloria Vanderburg, Fernand Thibeault's wife (Diane) and his sisters Claudette and Therese (in front of Bill Vanderburg), Mary and Cec McVey, Gil Fitzsimmons.
see the previous picture of the month.
