Trap Talk From The Back Fence

Episode 168 – Spring Grand 2026 Was BIG in Tucson

Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard “Ricky” Marshall Jr.
Date: March 20, 2026

Overview

In this high-energy episode, Zach and Ricky deliver a comprehensive, inside look at the 2026 Spring Grand in Tucson, Arizona. Drawing on their own attendance and participation, the co-hosts break down all aspects of the event—from improved attendance and weather to detailed shooting results, standout performances, infrastructure changes, and plenty of banter. The discussion is packed with both technical insights into trapshooting and lighthearted, candid moments from two of the sport’s recognized voices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Perfect Weather and Optimized Schedule

• Tucson nailed it this year:
  • Both hosts rave about the “freaking perfect” weather, noting it’s some of the nicest they’ve experienced in Tucson in years (01:10–01:33).
  • Moving the shoot a week later improved conditions, with less risk of poor weather (01:33–02:00).
  • Quote: “I think moving it helped tremendously…everything went well. I mean, the targets were good.” – Ricky (02:00)

Target Setup & Club Management

• Switch back to bands from springs:
  • Shooters preferred the switch, which led to more consistent targets and higher scores (02:00–02:43).
  • Praise for target setters Britt and Cory Dalton, whose efforts contributed to the shoot’s success.
• Camping changes:
  • Management’s switch to weekly (not full-month) camping fees increased attendance and filled RV spots (03:35–05:27).
  • Quote: “When I pulled in there the first day I said, holy crap, I've never seen so many campers...Back in the day when they just built the line.” – Zach (04:24)
• Recommendation: Clubs should remain flexible with camping to encourage more shooters.

Luck of the Draw: Bank Rotations & Squad Assignments

• Discuss the merits of rotational banks and consistent squad assignments for fairness (06:05–08:17).
• Quote: “I like rotational banks. I like not knowing what you're going to get because...it's going to make you shoot a little bit better…” – Zach (06:05)
• Light is noted as the single most important factor over bank assignments (08:27–09:34).
  • Quote: “Listen, you can have the best bank, but if you got the worst light, what's it matter?” – Ricky (09:12)

Attendance Highlights

• The shoot saw 1,466 championship event entries—114 more than the previous year—bucking national trends of declining participation (02:43–03:35).
• Quote: “There’s not a lot of shoots in, across the country where you’re seeing any increased attendance, much less 100 people.” – Zach (02:43)

Social & Community Vibe

• Packed clubhouses, lively bars, and special steak dinners all point to a vibrant on-site scene (12:20–12:44).
• The RV lot was as full as it’s been in over a decade.

Big Wins & Notable Results

Doubles Championship (First Major Event)

• Three shooters ran 100s: Harlan Campbell, Colton Thompson, and Ricky Marshall Jr. (13:10–14:32).
  • Ricky won in the shoot-off, breaking the first 20, with Harlan at 19 and Colton at 18.
  • Banters: Zach admits missing the shoot-off, prompting playful ribbing.
    • Quote: "My host doesn't even show up. No support." – Ricky (13:36)
• Category/Other Notables:
  • AAA 99s: Sherrod Oaks, John Kelly, Britt Dalton, Freddie Nagel, Brad Johnson.
  • Ladies: Alexis Fernan won a shoot-off; Lady II winner Jerry Webb.
  • Junior Gold: Colton Thompson (100); Sub-Junior: Chase Dobrinsky (99).

Singles Championship

• 12 perfect 200s, including several first-time accomplishments:
  • First 200s for: Edwin Johnson, Alexis Vernon, and Kimberly Aideen, among others (22:32–22:51).
  • Noted as an unusually strong field compared to prior years.
• Shoot-off nerves and learning moments discussed, with Ricky offering advice for shoot-off rookies (23:55–25:17).
  • Quote: “The nerves come and part of it is controlling it… just breathe.” – Ricky (23:55)
• Championship Shoot-off: Weston Anderson (champion) edged Kyle Perry after an 11-round shoot-off (26:38–27:23).
• Several category standouts, including Shelby with a perfect shoot-off 25, Kane Packer for juniors, and Ziggy in wheelchair.

Handicap Championship

• Britt Dalton ran 101 from the 27-yard line to win, his fourth such achievement (33:32–34:03).
• Runners-up: Kelly Dwyer, Barry Johnson (99s). Several with 98s including Jason Fullback, Bill Andrews, Robert Schlitma, and Aaron Willoughby.
• Impressive category performances, e.g., Marshall Patrick (Junior), Tyranno Nuncamp (Sub-Junior).

High All Around (HAA) and High Overall (HOA)

• High All Around: Britt Dalton (397), a rare score, with honors for various classes and categories.
• HOA: Ricky Marshall Jr. took top honors (40:47).
  • Quote: “HOA was good, like I said at the beginning of the show, Ricky won, which we're proud of him.” – Zach (40:47)
• Juniors: Weston Anderson (1071/1100), Alexis Vernon (Lady 1), Chase Dobrinsky (Juniors), Colton Thompson (Junior Gold), Ziggy (Wheelchair).

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On nerves in shoot-offs:
  • “When you're in a shoot off, the nerves come… just breathe.” – Ricky (23:55)
• On light vs bank:
  • “If you can't see what you're shooting at, how you can be able to break it.” – Ricky (10:13)
• Ricky’s “full circle moment:”
  • Noted that his first satellite grand championship was the Spring Grand doubles in 1996, making his 2026 win his 30th anniversary (28:44–29:20).
• On rising youth talent:
  • “I'm seeing so many people get excited about it. […] It's anybody's game at any one of these shoots.” – Zach (50:09)

Timestamps – Key Segments & Themes

• [01:10] - Hosts’ reflections on Tucson's weather and why it was a standout year.
• [02:43] - Attendance data and club management insights.
• [06:05] - Fairness in bank and squad assignment.
• [08:27] - Lighting’s primacy over bank selection.
• [12:20] - Clubhouse social life and energy.
• [13:10–14:32] - Doubles Championship and shoot-off drama.
• [16:51–18:18] - Class and preliminary events’ rising scores and youth breakouts (e.g., Chase Dobrinsky's lone hundred).
• [22:32–25:17] - Emotional first 200s, shoot-off nerves & learning curves.
• [33:32–34:03] - Handicap Championship highlights and flying targets in windy conditions.
• [40:47–42:07] - High Overall achievements across classes and categories.
• [43:04–44:16] - Rarely-complaint-free event with near-flawless execution.
• [44:52–45:54] - Calls for even greater attendance (push for “Category 6” status next year).

Tone and Language

• Warm, energetic, and candid—mix of hard performance data and plenty of friendly teasing.
• Inspiring messaging about the future and youth involvement.
• Technical trapshooting knowledge is delivered with clear passion and sprinkled with unique slang and inside jokes—making it accessible and engaging to fans.

Takeaways for Listeners

• The 2026 Spring Grand in Tucson set a high bar for organization, competition, and community, making a big statement for the trapshooting scene.
• Small changes in club policy (timing, camping fees, target setup) have a sizable impact on attendance and shooter satisfaction.
• Lighting and weather continue to dominate performance factors at major shoots.
• The event saw impressive performances from both seasoned champions and emerging youth shooters.
• The future of trapshooting looks vibrant and competitive, with clubs, companies, and shooters actively supporting the scene and drawing in new talent.

Next up: Both hosts head to the Southern Grand in Florida, with more coverage and guest interviews promised.