Pymatuning Waterfowl Expo 2007 Carving Competition Results
By Jeff Cross - Expo Carving Competition Chairman
Twenty-six wildfowl carvers entered a total of 91 carvings for the 2007 Pymatuning Waterfowl Expo Carving Competition. There were three competition categories based on carver experience: Novice, Intermediate and Open. There was also a special Junior Class competition for carvers under the age of 16. There were four Junior class entries, 26 novice entries, 26 intermediate entries and 39 Open Class entries. The number of participating carvers and entries has increased steadily over the past six years. The quality of the entries has also improved annually. If you missed the Pymatuning Expo this year, you missed some wonderful wildfowl carvings! Judging was performed in the Novice and Intermediate Classes by Norm Kanieski and Walt Thompson, Open class was judged by Vince Pagliaroli and Jeff Cross, and Overall Best of Show winner was selected by Tim Schloss and Jerry Putt. Winners received Rosettes, cash prizes , and Best of Show Plaques. The overall winner of Best of Show was Don O'Day from Saegertown with a wonderful lifesize carving of a Green Heron in a marsh habitat. This is Don's second consecutive Best of Show win. Other Winners in their respective classes were:
Junior Class (carvers under 16)
1st Luke Costilow, Amherst, OH - Bufflehead Drake
2nd Jessica Linn, Dravosburg, PA - Black Duck
3rd Luke Costilow, Amherst, OH - Red Head drake
Novice Class
Hunting Decoys
1st Bill Plantz, Duncan Falls, OH - Ringneck duck drake
2nd Jessica Linn, Dravosburg, PA - black duck
3rd Luke Costilow, Amherst, OH - Bufflehead drake
Lifesize and miniature decorative non-floating decorative carvings
1st Tony Kotz, Bethel Park, PA - Curlew
2nd Chuck Hankey, Latrobe, PA - Kestrel
3rd Ted Alatsis, Monessen, PA - Swan
Lifesize Floating decorative Carvings
1st Bob Bellino, New Middletown, OH - Gadwall Drake
Best of Show Novice Class
Bill Plantz, Duncan Falls, OH - Ringneck Duck drake
Intermediate Class
Hunting decoys
1st Bill Beal, Wickcliffe, OH - Mallard hen
2nd John Linn , Dravosburg, PA - Grebe
3rd Dennis Roberts, Mount Perry, OH - Mallard drake
Lifesize and Miniature non-floating decorative carvings
1st Joe Perez, Elizabeth, PA - miniature flying Great Blue Heron
2nd John Linn, Dravosburg, PA - Crow
3rd William Good, Smethport, PA - Golden Plover
Best of Show Intermediate Class
Joe Perez, Elizabeth, PA - miniature flying Great Blue Heron
Open Class
Hunting decoys
1st Mark Costilow, Amherst, OH - Canada Goose
2nd Gary Joe Bryan, Nashport, OH - Red Breasted Merganser drake
3rd Gary Joe Bryan, Nashport, OH - Ringneck Duck hen
Lifesize Floating decorative Carvings
1st John Lawrence, Pittsburgh, PA - Wood Duck hen
2nd Walt Thompson, Lake City, PA - Shoveler hen
3rd John Fennell, Ellwood City, PA - Gadwall hen
Lifesize and Miniature non-floating decorative carvings
1st Don O'Day, Saegertown, PA, Green Heron
2nd Don O'Day, Saegertown, PA - Bluejay
3rd Norm Kanieski, Chagrin Falls, OH - Chickadee
Best Of Show Open Class -
Don O'Day Saegertown, PA, Green Heron,
Overall Best of Show Winner
Don O'Day Saegertown, PA, Green Heron