On Saturday, July 12, Chief Jim Meehan and Leo Stimmler defeated Paul Keller and Dennis Menger in the Garden City horseshoe championship sponsored by the American Horseshoe Federation. Meehan and Stimmler will now represent Long Island in the national championship in Las Vegas the weekend of December 13.

Meehan, two-time national Singles champ, and Stimmler, author of "Championship Horseshoes for Fun and Profit," were modest in victory. "Keller and Menger were determined," said Meehan, "but I had a great partner.:" Countered Stimmler, "When they got hot, Jim put out the fire."

Rookie Felice Rozakis was the biggest surprise to most spectators, although Meehan knew she would pose a threat. "I watched her in the warm-ups," said Meehan, "You could see she had talent," Teamed with Dave Sebring, a wily veteran, Rozakis almost made it to the finals. If she did, she would have been only the second woman, Fanny Farquardt was the first, to get a shot at Vegas. Paul Keller, participating in his first qualifier was also impressive, refusing to wilt under the pressure.

Margaret Menger and Rich "Mike" Rozakis waged the longest (and most contentious) contest against Dennis Menger and Paul Keller. Bob Mucigrosso and Mike Tighe (losers in the first round for the first time) vowed they'd get to Vegas. "There are three qualifiers left," said Tighe. Added Muccigrosso, "We're leaving for Baltimore (site of the next competition) on Friday."

Also disappointed were Steve Vasilikos and Joel Einhorn, Vasilikos, scratch golfer and former pro bowler, and Einhorn, philanthropist, promised a better showing next time. Perhaps the best athlete and most serious competitor, Bill Thornton, was injured and could not participate.

The championship will be televised on ESPN2 on December 14.