May 20, 2026
By Lane Kimble
CASCADE, Wis. — There are few guarantees in life:
- Death
- Taxes
- Dick Palecek winning a WTBA sporting clays tournament.
Palecek didn’t just win best overall individual score Thursday with a 48 out of 50 at the Spring Sporting Clays Tournament.
He helped guide a strong team including Chad Johnson, JR Reesman, and Chris Larson to a resounding 1st place score of 180.
Plus, their score of 49 out of 50 on the flurry station was good enough for second place (and, really, what can we say? He’s a heck of a shot and a good sport about a little friendly ribbing…)
Even with some not-so-surprising dominance atop the leaderboard, more than 150 WTBA members found plenty to enjoy during a beautiful spring day at The Highlands in Cascade.
Temperatures in the upper-60s with a light breeze and plenty of sun created the perfect atmosphere for competition and good spirits.
Click HERE to view the full 2026 WTBA Spring Sporting Clays Photo Gallery!
The event sold out quickly, as it always does, with some new faces joining rosters this year. There were 20 total stations with varying clay targets, including the always entertaining flurry station.
WTBA extends a sincere thank you to all who joined us on a marvelous day! Please view the list of winners below.
And, if you enjoyed the atmosphere around The Highlands or are bummed you missed out, there’s a special offer now available. WTBA members who are not currently Highlands members can register for an annual membership at a discounted price.
Registrants can receive either 50% off your first year of membership OR receive two years for the price of one. Perks include complimentary guest passes to introduce clients, friends or family to The Highlands plus 10 complimentary passes to SoLu Winery concerts on the Sommer’s Automotive Stage.
Already an existing Highlands member? You can receive 5 free birds for your next hunt.
Click HERE for details!
2026 WTBA Spring Sporting Clays Tournament Winners
BEST TEAM SCORE
- Dick Palecek, Chad Johnson, JR Reesman, Chris Larson (180)
- Michael Gallitz, Travis Schreiner, Steven Firari, Jeff Steinman (166)
BEST INDIVIDUAL MALE
- Dick Palecek (50)
- John Devine (47)
BEST INDIVIDUAL FEMALE
- Samantha Austin (37)
- Mandy Witt (29)
BEST FLURRY STATION
- Matt Kupper, J Rindahl, Cade Shinkus, Boyd Thew (50)
- Dick Palecek, Chad Johnson, JR Reesman, Chris Larson (49 – tiebreaker)
