Wayne Decker, senior vice president of Big Rock Sports, recently cited DeWitt’s as one of the reasons he chose to build his company’s 310,000 square foot East Coast distribution center in Richmond County.
“I got into it because I love the sport,” said owner Chris DeWitt, who has been in the business since 2001. “I thoroughly enjoy the sport, and I hope to maybe make some money out of (the business).”
Shooters at this weekend’s competition will be competing based on their class within the North Carolina Sporting Clay Association, which means multiple competitions will be going on at the same time. This will be the fourth time that association has chosen DeWitt’s to host the state shoot.
“Because of the size of the course, we are able to host all these different events simultaneously,” said Dewitt.
He advertises the tournament in national publications, and said local tourism development liaisons have helped facilitate options for food and lodging within the county.
“So I advertised only Ellerbe and Rockingham hotels,” he said. “They’re all staying in our local hotels. Ellerbe Springs is slam full for that weekend.”
By DeWitt’s estimate, it will cost him around $35,000 to put on the 2009 State Shoot, which currently has 135 registered participants. At least $17,000 of that amount goes toward prize money and trophies. The best overall shooter takes home a $1,000 prize.
Sponsorship is a way for him to balance out expenses. For $150, a business can get its sign displayed on one of the facility’s 14 shooting stations, and its name or logo on the website.
“It’s like sponsoring a hole in a golf tournament,” said DeWitt.
Entry fees range from $48 to $175, depending on the event. Anyone can participate, but only NCSCA members are qualified to place.
For more information visit www.dewittsgamefarm.com or call 652-2926.
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