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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) No World titles this year but a lot of fun competing for one. Wilbur Gabel and two of his grandson’s, Cameron (13) and his brother Noah Gabel (9), all from Valley City, traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee last week to participate in this years 2012 National Horseshoe Pitching Association (NHPA) World Tournament.

Both Wilbur and Noah won World titles two years ago and Noah fell just short of defending his title with a second place finish last year.

This year, Wilbur Gabel placed third, losing only 4 matches over three days of stiff competition. Cameron who has had a lot of success at the state level failed to place in the top 3. Noah was moved up to compete against 10 to 18 year-old’s this year and while he pitched well he also failed to crack the top 3 places. All three had a great time and are already making plans to compete in next year’s World Tournament in St. George, Utah.

This years Tournament drew 1,230 competitors from California to Florida and most states in between. There also are competitors from Canada. The NHPA has charters in all 50 states and more than 10,000 members.