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 Russ and Keith

Winners of Smash Saturday 2022

The 2023 Tournament will be held on August 5. Hope to See You There.

Tournament Winners

2022 – Russ Goss / Keith Thistle Tournament Results
2021 – Austin Viola / John Beck – Tournament Results
2020 – Steve Slivka / Jim Buchanan – Tournament Results
2019 – Chad Ivory / Rich Bennett – Tournament Results
2018 – Brian Kajkowski / Steve Devine – Tournament Results
2017 – Dan Wasco / George Olesh – Tournament Results
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, Steve Slivka, Jim Buchanan

Summer League Winners

Using a team approach and operating under non-sanctioned league rules, the Smash Saturday Summer League held its inaugural season in 2017.

2022 – God Bless Shoe

Tim Clark, Jim Cross, Matty Oestreich. Shawn McNamee

2021 – I’d Hit That

Shaun Profy, Mike Lager, Dave Mrozowicz, Bruce Kutz

2020 – Aces in the Hole

Tom Ace, Gunner, Dave Simone, Tim Clark, Jim Cross

2019 – High Rollers

Jack Coffman, Jim Cross, Dave Simone, Willy Wilson

2018 – Dusters

Jim Buchanan, Tim Clark, Jim Crawford, Jason Lawson

2017 – GZAs

Jim Buchanan, Andy Grosse, Gunner, Jeff Wicker