Dan McKim/Sean Betz Pro Demo

I had Dan McKim and Sean Betz over for a Pro Demo at the Kirksville Games.  I didn't have enough Pro's to make it a "legit" pro class and I didn't want cut corners on the rules.  However, their throws were legit in that all the equipment was weighed and throws were judged by a qualified judge.  It is especially noteworthy that Dan got 17'9" standing with a Milo Weight that had been modified with a "D" handle instead of a "ring" handle. The local TV station was there and filmed it and I'm hoping to get a copy so Dan can put it on his website as in all the excitement we forgot to film it ourselves!  It was an amazing series as cleared 17ft, 17ft 3in, 17ft 6in, then 17'9".  He took shots at 18ft, but none were close.  The 17'9" was judged by myself with Kevin Rogers and Chad Ullom's assistance.  It was over a fixed bar and while the 17'6" was clean would have likely cleared a knock off bar the 17'9" pulled the bar down as the weight rolled over.  I say that because I know some guys would want to know that info.   

Braemar Stone 1st Dan 40'.25" 2nd Sean 38'8.5"

LWFD 1st Sean 86'7" 2nd Dan 79'5.25"

HWFD 1st Sean 44'8" 2nd Dan 36'5"

Heavy Hammer 1st Sean 114'8.25" Dan 109'11.75" (Dan's still bitter I wouldn't give him 110'....I just call'em like I see'em)

Light Hammer 1st Sean 136'1" Dan 122' 10.25"

Caber Dan 1st Sean 2nd

Weight Over Bar 1st Sean 18' (spinning) Dan 2nd 17'9" (standing) 

Sheaf toss(16lb sheaf) 1st Dan 36'  2nd Sean 24'

Took the Sheaf standards up to 40' and let them throw some bombs with the 16lb sheaf.  Sean was spinning and Dan was standing, both managed to hit the crossbar....that's right, hit the crossbar.  They each took about 7 or 8 attempts, it was just for fun at that point as the event was over.  I have some amazing pictures taken from the top of the hill level with the crossbar. 

I want to thank them for coming to the Kirksville Games/ HASA Championships.  They are both first class athletes AND men.   They were fun to watch and fun to hang out with and a real credit to this sport and everything that is right with highland games.  I count them as good friends and I am proud they represent HASA (Heart of America Scottish Athletes: Both have been voted the top athlete in HASA as amateurs before going pro).  It was a close contest with Sean winning 4 events and Dan 3 (the light hammer was an extra event). Thanks, Guys.