Coriolis
04-16-2005, 10:50 PM
BEAVER, Okla. - Fire Chief James Pratt returns Saturday to defend his title as champion of the World Champion Cow Chip Throwing Contest. People from across the country and from some foreign countries will be on hand for the 36th annual competition.
About 150 people usually compete in the women's, men's, VIP and team competitions. Tossing of the chips — officially recognized as "a piece of dried bovine dung" — starts at 1:30 p.m.
Contestants will choose from about 230 cow chips which are "grown locally," said Gwen Schlehofer, secretary of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce.
Each contestant gets two throws, with the longest distance winning.
Pratt, who also is the town foreman, says he doesn't practice, but does take care selecting his chips. He throws with an overhand, baseball-like motion.
"I've seen people throw like a discus and under their leg," he said. "They've tried everything."
Pratt looks for chips that are about 6 inches in diameter and about an inch thick. If the chip is too thin, it breaks in the air.
The record for the contest is 185 feet. Pratt's best is 177 feet, he said.
"I'm after the record, so I can't quit until I get it," he said. "I'm shooting for 200."
About 150 people usually compete in the women's, men's, VIP and team competitions. Tossing of the chips — officially recognized as "a piece of dried bovine dung" — starts at 1:30 p.m.
Contestants will choose from about 230 cow chips which are "grown locally," said Gwen Schlehofer, secretary of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce.
Each contestant gets two throws, with the longest distance winning.
Pratt, who also is the town foreman, says he doesn't practice, but does take care selecting his chips. He throws with an overhand, baseball-like motion.
"I've seen people throw like a discus and under their leg," he said. "They've tried everything."
Pratt looks for chips that are about 6 inches in diameter and about an inch thick. If the chip is too thin, it breaks in the air.
The record for the contest is 185 feet. Pratt's best is 177 feet, he said.
"I'm after the record, so I can't quit until I get it," he said. "I'm shooting for 200."