DICK FRAKES Kalamazoo, MI Dick started playing and promoting the game of Horseshoes in 1965.Dick joined the WSHPA and the NHPA in 1966. Dick started the Kalamazoo - Area - Horseshoe - Club in 1980. The Kalamazoo Club has 18 clay courts with concrete approaches for all age brackets on all 18 courts. Dick has been the club president since the beginning and presently holds that position as well as secretary treasurer, tournament director and publicity director. Dick has served on the WSHPA grievance committee. Dick has served on Constitution and By-Laws Committee. Dick has served on the Membership committee. Dick was Assistant Regional Director under Bob Wells. Dick was the consignment assistant for game related items and horseshoes under Dewey Howard. State Titles Dick has been a competitor in classes A - B - and C during his membership. Dick was runner up in class C in 1982. Dick was State Champion in Class B in 1989 - 1990 - 1997 - and runner-up in 1991 and 1992. World Tournaments Dick has participated in six World Tournaments. Dick placed 2nd in class "E" in 1980 and 1982. Dick placed 5th in class "E" in 1990. 
Dick has been on the Michigan / Ontario friendship committee. He was instrumental in getting the Ladies names on the travel trophy plaque, and the re-designing of the trophy.Dick was instrumental in setting up the new format presently being used for the Michigan / Ontario Tournament. Dick was tournament Director at Kalamazoo for the Loaves and Fishes benefit to raise money for the elderly. Dick has given lectures to local groups wanting to know about the game of Horseshoes and what it takes to be a competitor. Dick has been a competitor in many club gatherings locally before becoming a member of the associations and has competed in many state sanctioned events as well. Kalamazoo held the first ever Tournament of Champions and Dick was instrumental in re-naming the Tournament, "Mid-Western Tournament of Champions". Mark Siebold pitched a perfect game on court #15 during that Tournament. 
Dick always puts others feelings and knowledge of the game while pitching against them or in general, ahead
of his own.During our league play the membership always comes first and Dick goes out of his way to help them try to improve their game. |