Gert Wilcziek
2009 WHPA Hall of Fame Inductee
WHPA Hall of Fame Nomination
It is my great pleasure to nominate Gert Wilcziek of Whitehall, WI for induction into the WHPA Hall of Fame. In her relatively short 14 years of pitching horseshoes, Gert has established herself as the dominant women's pitcher at Wisconsin State Tournaments in recent years. She has also become a strong contender in the women's championship class at World Tournaments.
Gert began pitching horseshoes in Eau Claire in 1994. In 1998 she won her first state championship, won again in 2000 and 2001 and has now strung together 5 consecutive state titles in 2003 through 2007. At the State Tournament in 2005, she set a record high average for the tournament of 81.9%. On her way to winning the tournament in 2007, Gert threw a perfect 100% game, the only time this was ever accomplished in the 85 year history of the tournament. Gert is now tied with Pat Eaton, who also pitched for the Eau Claire Club, for the most state championships (8) and the most consecutive championships (5).
In 2004, Gert and her husband, Ron, won the state walking doubles tournament. In 2005, she was on the Eau Claire Team that won its first State Club Team Tournament. Gert began pitching in World Tournaments in 1998 and has made strong upward progress in the championship class. In 1998, she claimed 1st place in Class B. In 2001, she again too 1st place in Class B and then cam in 10th in the championship class. When the world tournament was held in Eau Claire in 2003, she moved up to 5th place in the championship class. Gert slipped a bit, finishing 10th place in 2004 and 7th in 2005. At Gillette, Wyoming in 2006, she improved to finish 4th in the championship class. Most recently in 2007, she finished tied for 3rd place, awarded 4th because of lower average. Gert is now recognized as one of the leading contenders in the women's championship class at world tournaments.
In the Sanction League Top Ten List, published in Horseshoe Pitching Newsline, Gert has placed 1st or 2nd either for high average or high game or both since 2001.
Beyond her pitching accomplishments, Gert has made valuable contribution to the Eau Claire Club and to the sport of horseshoes. In 1998, she became the sanctioned league director for the Eau Claire Club and has also kept statistics for the club's A league since that time. Gert gives a boost to the club's recruiting efforts since she is interviewed regularly by the local paper which keeps the sport of horseshoes before the public. She also has a positive affect on new members when she passes on advice and suggestions. Many are pleased and surprised when she takes the time to work with them. The Eau Claire Club awarded Gert the "Member of the Year Award" in 2004 for her dedication and contributions to the club.
At the state level, I feel Gert's performance at the state tournaments in recent years has created greater interest in the sport and higher expectations for women pitchers statewide. I feel she also sets a good example with her positive attitude and good sportsmanship on and off the courts.
In conclusion, some good advice from Gert to new and experienced horseshoe pitchers alike....."take your time, you can't rush your second shoe!"
Submitted to the WHPA Hall of Fame committee by:
John Dolezel
Eau Claire Horseshoe Club, past President
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Gert Achievements
Started pitching in 1994
Won 9 Wisconsin state titles
1998: EC Club Sanction league director and also compiles Nats stats for club Class A.
Set record of highest game pitched in state -- 49 ringers in 50 shoes (98%).
World Tournament - Ainsworth, Ne Placed 1st in Class B
2001: World Tournament - Hibbing, Mn Place 1st in Class B
2003: World Tournament - Eau Claire, Wi Placed 5th in Championship Class
2004: Won State doubles with her partner and husband, Ron.
World Tournament - Pocatello, Id Placed 10th in Championship Class
2005: Member of Eau Claire team that won Club Team Tournament for first time
Set record of highest average of 81.9% in Wisconsin State Tournament
World Tournament - Bakersfield, Ca Place 7th in Championship Class
2006: Placed 3rd in class "A" at World Tournament in Gillette,Wy and then won 4th in World
2007: Placed 4th in class "A" at World Tournament in Ardmore,Ok and then won 4th in World
Pitched to only perfect game ever pitched in the 85 year sanctioned history of the Wisconsin State Tournament, 26 ringers, 26 shoes.
2008: Placed 4th in class "A" at World Tournament in York, Pa and then won 5th in World