Stubenrauch can pitch a mean shoe

Doris Stubenrauch has had a once-in-a-lifetime moment in horseshoes ... several times.

She has won the SEMO Horseshoe Association Tournament of Champions twice and teamed with Sally LeGrand to win the Knights of Columbus horseshoe state championship three straight years beginning in 1993. Each of those runs to the K of C titles required defeating nearly 120 women duos.

"That was extremely exciting," Stubenrauch said. "Doing it once -- that's awesome. But three years in a row -- that makes your day. ... Well, actually it makes more than your day."

Stubenrauch, 54, from Kelso, began competing in horseshoe events with her husband, Glenn, in 1991. The two still compete in the Missouri Knights of Columbus state tournament every August.

Doris joined the SEMO Horseshoe Association about 10 years ago. She became vice president of the group about five years ago.

The organization, including nearly 70 members, competes at locations across Southeast Missouri every weekend -- and occasionally during the week -- from mid-April to early October. Players travel to Benton, Scott City, Jackson, Oran and Leopold for competition. The league began its season Sunday and has nearly 35 events scheduled. Anyone 13 or older, male or female, is permitted to join.

"It's such a friendly, helpful environment," Stubenrauch said. "Even if you're a newcomer, everybody there is willing to help out in any way. Even players on other teams will stop and correct their opponents' mistakes. Everyone is always looking for ways to help."

She added that age doesn't play much of a factor in the league. The oldest player is 83, and he continues to be a problem for Stubenrauch.

"He still kicks my butt all the time," she said, laughing.

Each SEMO competition draws about 10 teams, each consisting of two players. Males must throw from 40 feet, while women, seniors over 65 and youths 13-17 are allowed to throw from 30 feet. Different teams are drawn randomly at each competition, with every 40-foot thrower generally paired with a 30-footer. The groups play a best-of-three series to 21 points in the double-elimination tournaments. First-place winners earn three points, second place earns two and third gets one. Overall point totals determine the league's winner at season's end.

The association also offers the Tournament of Champions in October, which includes everyone who earned at least a point throughout the season.

When the horseshoe season ends in the fall, Doris, Glenn and other Knights of Columbus members enjoy friendly matches in their back yards.

"It's pretty much a year-round thing," she said, "except when it gets too cold in the winter."

As for the future of the SEMO Horseshoe Association, Stubenrauch would like to see the league grow in popularity and eventually expand.

"It's something you can do even when you're old because it's not real heavy," she said. "It's a great sport for all ages."

Mark Unterreiner is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Notre Dame Regional High School. His Spotlight feature appears every Thursday.