In the summer of 1996, good friends and horseshoe partners Derek Collins and Joe Palka were sipping lemonade under a juniper tree one afternoon wondering why there was such a long gap between July 4th and Labor Day – and what could be done about it.
“There’s no holiday for us,” the two friends proclaimed.
With that, the phrase ‘Smash Saturday’ and the excitement that surrounds this annual event, which includes a spirited Horseshoe Tournament, was born. Also, it was decided that the first Saturday of August would be the day to celebrate.
In 2004, with Joe’s departure to sunny Florida, Evan Collins graciously joined his brother in co-hosting the event.
Congratulations Chad and Rich
Winners of Smash Saturday 2019
2019 – Chad Ivory / Rich Bennett
2018 – Brian Kajkowski / Steve Devine
2017 – Dan Wasco / George Olesh
2016 – Jack Coffman / Paul Frye
2015 – Joe Tepper / Dick Ameigh
2014 – Ray Mahon / Danny Hill
2013 – Billy Machner / Danny Hernandez
2012 – Eddie Hollis / George Ely
2011 – Eddie Hollis / George Ely
2010 – Eddie Hollis / George Ely
2009 – Ray Mahon / Danny Hill
2008 – Chuck Lippincott / Dave Watson
2007 – Ray Mahon / Danny Hill
2006 – ShowStopper / Mark Termyna
2005 – Derek Collins / Pooch
2004 – Mike Palka / Evan Collins
2003 – Not Recorded
2002 – Steve Slivka / Jim Buchanan
2001 – Not Recorded
2000 – Derek Collins / Mike Palka
1999 – Evan Collins / Pooch
1998 – Uncle Harry / Uncle Rick
1997 – Hemple Brothers
1996 – Mike Palka / Matt Haines
Multiple Winners:
3: Mike Palka, Danny Hill, Ray Mahon, Eddie Hollis, George Ely
2: Derek Collins, Evan Collins, Pooch
Using a team approach and operating under non-sanctioned league rules, the Smash Saturday Summer League held its inaugural season in 2017.
Summer League Winners:
2017 – GZAs
Jim Buchanan
Andy Grosse
Gunner
Jeff Wicker
2018 – Dusters
Jim Buchanan
Tim Clark
Jim Crawford
Jason Lawson
2019 – High Rollers
Jack Coffman
Jim Cross
Dave Simone
Willy Wilson