(PADUCAH, Ky.) — Dr. Kenneth Ford of Sharpe emerged victorious at this weekend’s Kentucky Skeet Shooting Association state tournament, capturing the coveted High Over All (HOA) title at the Chief Paduke Gun Club.
Ford’s championship performance came after a competitive three-day tournament that saw multiple tie-breaker shootouts and impressive scores across all events. With a four-gun total of 394 out of 400, Ford edged out runner-up Ryan Kitchen of Sandy Hook, who won a tie-breaker against Jody Stevenson of Calvert City, both finishing with 393 out of 400.
While Ford claimed the traditional state championship with his HOA victory, Stevenson dominated the weekend by winning two individual gun titles and the High All Around (HAA) championship. Stevenson’s HAA title, which includes the doubles event added to the sport in the early 1980s, was achieved with a score of 492 out of 500.
The tournament opened Friday afternoon with the doubles event, where Jody Stevenson shot an impressive 99 out of 100 to take first place. His older brother Barry Stevenson, also of Calvert City, finished as runner-up with 98 out of 100, while Les Lala of Louisville claimed third with 97 out of 100.
Saturday morning’s 12-gauge event featured another Stevenson family battle, with Jody defeating Barry in a tie-breaker shootout after both competitors posted perfect 100s. Ryan Kitchen secured third place after winning his own tie-breaker against five other shooters who finished with 99s.
The 20-gauge competition that afternoon went to Sean Curtis of Ashland, who shot a perfect 100 out of 100. Ford finished second after winning a tie-breaker with two other competitors who shot 99s.
Sunday’s 28-gauge event saw Barkley Lister of Danville claim victory over Gavin Stevenson of Benton—nephew of Barry and Jody—in another tie-breaker between perfect scores. Ford again placed third with 99 out of 100.
The tournament concluded with Sunday afternoon’s .410 event, where Kitchen defeated Jody Stevenson in a tie-breaker shootout, both finishing with 98 out of 100. Ford rounded out the top three with 97 out of 100.
The Kentucky Skeet Shooting Association tournament showcased the high level of competition in the state, with multiple perfect scores and tie-breakers determining winners across events. The HOA title traditionally represents the state championship, recognizing overall excellence across all four gun categories.
Left to Right: Jody Stevenson, Ken Ford and Ryan Kitchen