Clay shoot hits target: Cabot Fall Classic reaches School of PNG fundraising goal

In four years, the Cabot Fall Classic generated its goal of $500,000 raised for the Lackawanna College School of PNG. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

In only four years, the Cabot Fall Classic achieved its $500,000 fundraising goal to benefit the Lackawanna College School of PNG in New Milford.
Cabot Oil & Gas spokesman George Stark said it was expected to take the event five years to reach the target, but a record number of participants and sponsors for the fourth annual event pushed passed the goal with over $200,000 raised at this year’s event.
Four hundred shooters turned out Friday, Sept. 29 for the Cabot Fall Classic – a sporting clay tournament – at Hausmann’s Hidden Hollow, in Middletown Twp., raising $200,000 in three hours.
“This year is the largest with participation we have had,” Stark said. “The entire industry has come out to support the college and its students.”
“An event like this does not happen without supporters,” Stark said, announcing it would be the last Fall Classic as he thanked his team, Bill desRosiers, Brittney Ramos, and Bonnie Morris.
School of PNG students volunteer at the event cleaning and readying the guns and as guides.
“It’s exciting to see former students (from previous years) now employed in the industry and here as participants,” Stark said. “It’s important to know today’s (School of PNG) students will be tomorrow’s employees.”
School of PNG Program Director Jeannine Barrett said, “The direct impact of the Cabot Fall Classic is it allows (the School of PNG) to purchase and upgrade equipment and curriculum each and every year.”
The students at the event, Barrett said, gain exposure to not only School of PNG alumni but also executives in the oil and gas industry.
“They get an understanding of the bigger picture of the future of energy.”
And on the industry side, they get a glimpse of the individuals they are directly impacting, Barrett said.
Jason Goss, of Hallstead, is a first year School of PNG student studying measurement who volunteered at the clay shoot.
He felt it was an advantage to see what companies are out there, and to have a chance to talk with a company that might hire you.
Goss was raised in the area and works in the natural gas field. “It’s the field I want to be in,” he said. “(Lackawanna College) is the only school in the area with anything in the petroleum and natural gas field.”
Goss said he was looking to further his education to advance in the energy industry.
Erik Hayden, of Dalton, initially enrolled in a nursing program at another college. But after one year and a conversation with his father, his focused switch to the natural gas industry.
Hayden said working at the event was beneficial because he was able to socialize with people in the industry, see their interest in it, “and all the companies – upstream, midstream, downstream.”
The Remington Restaurant team had the high overall score of the day, taking top honors on Course #2; while the Williams #1 team had the high flurry score of the day.
In addition to the clay shoot, participants also heard remarks from Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Wagner; as well as Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-111th).
In addition to Cabot, primary sponsors of the event included: Baker Corp., Keane, Diaz Companies, Susquehanna Gas Field Services LLC, Kenworth, and Williams.