New Jersey State Trapshooting Association - Hall of Fame

The New Jersey Trapshooting Hall of Fame is proud to announce its newest inductee for 2025, Thomas Clarke. Born on June 24, 1964, in Providence, Rhode Island, Thomas grew up in Riverside, Rhode Island, as the youngest of five children. Introduced to shooting by his parents, Bill and Rita, at the age of seven, Thomas first excelled in small bore rifle shooting. His junior career was marked by state titles in Rhode Island and New Jersey, as well as a notable win at the National Matches at Camp Perry. In 1979, Thomas and his family relocated to Branchburg, New

Jersey, where he began shooting at the Somerset Fish and Game Club in Bridgewater. His first exposure to trapshooting came when he worked Saturdays, loading and setting targets for Ed

Yanchok, who ran the trapshooting program at the club. Thomas's personal and professional life blossomed in 1984 when he met Frances Zampella, and the two were married in 1987. Over the past 38 years, Thomas and Frances have raised four children—Justine, Michael, Allison, and Joseph—and are enjoying the joy of watching their six grandchildren grow. Thomas credits his family for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in his continued success in the

sport of trapshooting. He treasures the time spent shooting alongside his sons, Michael and Joseph, and is eager to pass the sport on to future generations. After a brief hiatus, Thomas returned to the trapshooting scene in 2004 when he joined the Bucks County Winter League, shooting alongside Kate Schmidt and Bob Malmstedt. He soon began competing at registered

shoots throughout the country in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, NewYork, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Washington, and Illinois, including at the prestigious Grand American in Sparta, Illinois. Over his impressive career, Thomas has accumulated lifetime totals of 66,050 Singles, 54,500 Handicap, and 44,250 Doubles targets. His shooting averages are equally impressive: 97.58% in Singles, 90.44% in Handicap, and 92.24% in Doubles. In 2009 he reached the “back fence”, shooting handicap from the 27-yard line.

Thomas has earned numerous New Jersey State titles, including the 2023 Singles Champion, HAA, and HOA titles, along with multiple Sub Vet and Class championships. His successes at national events are numerous, with titles from the Westy Hogans, Northeast Grand, Southern Grand, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Eastern Zone, and the Grand American in Sparta, Illinois. Among his most significant accomplishments are winning the Sub Vet Super 500 Doubles at the 2021 Grand American and placing third in Sub Vet Handicap at the same competition.

Thomas has completed the 200 straight Singles and 100 straight Doubles portions of the prestigious Grand Slam. In 2024, he was honored to be named the ATA Delegate for New Jersey, further solidifying his contributions to the sport. Thomas expressed his deep gratitude for the support and camaraderie he has experienced throughout his career. He would like to extend a special thank you to all his fellow shooters for their kindness and encouragement

over the years, making trapshooting such a rewarding experience.

The New Jersey Trapshooting Hall of Fame is honored to welcome Thomas Clarke as its newest member. His dedication, achievements, and love for the sport continue to inspire the next generation of trapshooters.

Bobby Long was born in Staten Island in 1943. Growing up he had a sister, Evelyn, and two

brothers James and Edward all of whom have predeceased him. Bob and his lovely wife Joyce

were married for 54 years and greatly enjoyed time with their two sons, Mark and Robert.

Sadly, Bob lost his wife a few years ago due to a long illness. Bob started working for the New

York City Transit Authority in 1970 where he spent 24 years. He was introduced to trapshooting

by his brother Jimmy, an ATA member, at a tournament at Pine Belt Sportsman’s Club in 1983

and joined the ATA at 40 years old in 1984. Bob’s shooting career was mostly spent shooting at

Staten Island Sportsmen’s Club during his early years. Joyce and Bob moved to Toms River, New

Jersey after he retired in 1994. By 2013 he finished the year with a 97.16 average in singles, in

2012 finished the year with a 90.03 average in handicap and in 2007 finished the year with a

90.77 doubles average. He maintained an “AA” year average in singles for 7 years starting in

2008 at age 64 shooting a Browning Citori and changing to a Krieghoff K-80 in 2011. Bob has

been a member of most of the New Jersey ATA member clubs, Staten Island, the MSSA and

PSSA. Throughout his career he shot one shell: A 7.5 shot, 1175fps reload for all three

disciplines including his time at the 25.5 yard line. Bob enjoyed traveling to most of the ATA

shoots from New York to Florida with his late good friend Charlie “B”, where he won over 100

titles including 4 rings and the coveted “Rose Bowl Ring'' at the Cavaliers. When you walk

through Bob's home it is a trip down memory lane with trophies filling every room, footlockers

full of belt buckles, and event pins spanning many states and decades. When you ask him what

his most memorable and enjoyable victory was, his response isn’t a win, rather it's watching

young and old shooters that he’s helped along the way be successful. Talking to “Poppy” about

his grandkids Rob, Katie, and Emely you can see the sparkle in his eye. He’s soon to be known

as “Big Poppy” since he is expecting his first great grandchild.