Senior receives national recognition

April 14, 2009

Senior Charlsie Bahret was recently recognized by the National Horseshoe Pitchers' Association (NHPA), ranking in the top 10 nationally last season.

This association includes those involved in horseshoe competitions throughout the United States. Bahret said organization personnel compared her statistics with other competitors to decide her ranking.

"When I first found out I was recognized, I really didn't know what to say or feel. I was more shocked than anything because I didn't think I would ever receive something like this overall. I am really happy and proud of myself to work hard to get that award and being recognized.

"I received a plaque with my name on it, a certificate, and a patch that said 'Sanctioned Club Junior National Top Ten 2008.' In the past, I have also received trophies, medals, patches, and certificates," she said.

Many people have hobbies that they love to pursue in their free time. For Bahret, horseshoes has become her passion.

"My favorite thing about horseshoes is that it is an individual sport, and it is a challenge to see how many ringers and points I get against my opponents. Also, I like meeting new people and hanging with my friends.

"My least favorite thing is that there is not enough girls my age or older that I can throw against," she said.

Bahret has participated in horseshoes for approximately five years.

(Photo provided)

Bahret has been throwing for five years.

"What made me want to be involved was going and watching my dad throw before on Wednesday nights and at tournaments. I thought it would be a good idea to try it, even though I didn't want to throw at first," she said.

Bahret practices every Wednesday night in league. She competes on the weekends, and she gets to pick and choose the tournaments in which she participates.

"The people who help me practice would be myself and the people I throw with at league. For my tournaments, I have competed in Lawrence, Bonner Springs, Ottawa, Salina, and Topeka," she said.

After Bahret graduates from high school, she plans on continuing to throw horseshoes for as long as she can.

"The thing that makes me continue competing would be the challenge of the game, my friends, and my family. Also, I am going to try and break the Junior Girls' State Record of 37 percent. It's my last year to give it a shot. I was off by two percent last year.

"I do plan to continue throwing horseshoes after I graduate. It's something that I love doing and will do for a long time. I plan on throwing as long as I can and until I get old and can't walk anymore," she said.

Over the five years Bahret has been participating in horseshoes, she has acquired many skills.

"Over the years, I have specifically improved my ringer average, and my high ringer over average went up," she said.

While throwing, Bahret has the support of her family and friends, but there is one person to whom she looks for inspiration.

"The person who inspires me the most would be my friend Kyle. The reason why is because he has worked hard and became really good at this sport. Also, he is very devoted and sets goals for himself. I hope to be as good as him someday," she said.

Bahret said that anyone can participate in horseshoes.

"Some advice I would give to people is that, yes, you may think it's a weird game to play, but come out and try it because you may enjoy it. It's a blast throwing for fun, so come out and don't hold back. We would enjoy having more pitchers."