Gold Tip’s Levi Morgan Scrambles to Victory at IBO, in Erie, Pennsylvania
OutdoorHub 06.20.13
Levi Morgan’s most recent win proved to be a rollercoaster ride, complete with stomach-churning ups and downs, during the second leg of the IBO Triple Crown, held in Erie, PA June 14-16. Morgan came out blazing on the opening day’s round of 20 targets and he found himself with a firm hold of the lead by the end of his first day, finishing with a score of 212. Day two was a different story, however; Morgan started off with a five on his opening target, which dropped him from the lead position and forced him to scramble his way back, target by target, the rest of the way. At the end of the second round, Morgan finished on top with a 412/21, with fellow Gold Tip shooter, Tommy Gomez, placing third with a 410/18. Both Morgan and Gomez were shooting Gold Tip X-Cutters and Bee Stinger stabilizer systems.
“This is a tough course and we all had our highs and lows, but that first target of the second round really bit me, “ said Morgan. “From there I knew I had to stay aggressive and focused to have any chance to battle back. It just goes to show you never give up and good things happen.”
The recent event, hosted by the Gem City Outdoorsman, presented a tough challenge for the entire field. The Pro Division of the IBO sanctioned 3-D event features a total of 20 unmarked targets shot on Friday and 20 unmarked targets shot on Saturday, a change from previous years’ configuration of 30 targets on day one and 10 targets on day two. Contestants shoot each target twice per day, scored as 5 (non-vital body), 8, 10, and 11-point rings per target, thus a perfect possible score of 440. Target distances varied in range out to a maximum of approximately 50 yards. No range finding equipment is allowed at the IBO unmarked event, putting additional pressure on shooters to accurately judge distances.
In most of the major classes, Gold Tip shooters left their mark. The Semi-Pro class saw a clean sweep by Gold Tip Pro Staff, while fellow staffers took 1st and 3rd in the MBO class, 1st and 2nd in the MBR, and 1st and 2nd spots in the Senior Men’s class.
“Given the terrain and conditions, this was absolutely one of the toughest 3D courses our Gold Tip shooters will face this year,” said Gold Tip’s National Pro Staff Director, Tim Gillingham. “But despite the challenge our shooting staff found success across the board, in nearly every class. Again, it’s a testament to the strength and quality of the Gold Tip arrows they shoot.”
