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Daniel Miller– world horseshoe champ
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Wednesday, 12 August 2009
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By Rachel Kytonen
Even though he’s only been pitching horseshoes for about one year, 9-year-old Daniel Miller can call himself a world horseshoe champion.
Miller, the son of Terry and Jennifer Miller of Bradford, competed in the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Tournament held recently in Springfield, Ill.
After finishing 7-0, Miller was crowned the junior cadet champion. He competed against horseshoe throwers from Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and North Dakota.
Miller, a member of the Isanti Horseshoe Club based at Junction Bowl in Isanti, said he’s enjoyed competing in horseshoes because he’s met a lot of new friends, and it’s a lot of fun.
His father Terry has been pitching horseshoes for about three years, and his mother Jennifer, and two sisters, Brittney and Megan, have also undertaken the sport.
Miller uses the “flip” technique for throwing horseshoes, and practices nearly every night in the horseshoe pits in his backyard.
“It was a little hard to learn at first, but I practiced a lot,” Miller said. “I encourage others to take up the sport, and it’s really fun for all ages.”
Miller, who will be a fourth-grader this fall at Isanti Intermediate School, competes year-round, and estimated he threw in over 20 matches this past year.
This past weekend, he was crowned the junior champion at a horseshoe tourney held in Rice, Minn.
The Millers are really proud of their son and what he’s been able to accomplish.
“We were really excited when we found out he had won,” Jennifer said. “We’re really proud he’s done so well with this sport. It was nice that a lot of Minnesota horseshoe throwers were able to support him at the world championships.”
Overcoming his shyness and a new-found confidence are a few of the assets Jennifer said her son has gained since joining the sport. She also added he’s thrived under the pressure of competition.
Even though the Millers weren’t able to be at the world championships, they followed updates online and got phone call updates from Terry’s cousin, who took Daniel to the tournament.
With his first place finish in the world championship, besides receiving a fairly large trophy, Daniel was awarded $300 that will be put into a trust fund he can access when he turns 18.
Up next for Daniel will be competing in the state horseshoe championships held over Labor Day weekend in Mankato.
For more information on the Isanti Horseshoe Club visit www.isantihorseshoeclub.com.
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