Florida State Horseshoe Pitchers Assn., Inc.
Joseph Robbins
2008
Born: May 31, 1929 in Cortland, New York
Children: 1 Daughter; Sandra
Mr. Robbins retired as a Master Sargent from the U. S. Army after eight years of active duty and 16 years in the National Guard.
Mr. Robbins learned how to play horseshoes with his brother, using actual horseshoes off the horse, while growing up on a farm in New York.
Joe was very active in the NYSHPA, helping run the tournament and volunteered to work at any phase of horseshoes to keep the tournaments on a steady go.
Joe sought out the Florida State Horseshoe Pitching Assn. immediately on arriving in Florida where he found his best location to pitch in Winter Haven, Florida. Joe has been in the FSHPA for 14 years. Joe is a hard worker and very knowledgable in the operation, rules and By-Laws of NHPA & FSHPA. He is currently, and continuously, supporting the Winter Haven horseshoe pitching club in the following:
Joe is Vie President (WHHPC) and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Joe curently and for the past several years has run the WHHPC league two days (Tuesday & Thursday) of each week, year round (12 months).
Joe will be found at each WHHPC tournament, setting up, making sure the courts are in playable condition.
Joe works the statistics table during the tournament and is constantly checking the results so that the tournament is fun, runs smooth, and on time. Joe is very articulate in the sport of horseshoes.
Joe was very instrumental in getting full concrete walkways, and the installation of the current fencing around the courts.
Joe watched over the construction of the current building we use as a clubhouse. He stayed in touch with the Winter Haven City Recreation Department, the builders, and the Rotary Club that financed the project. All the above was accomplished at no cost to the club.
Joe is the current manager for the Polk County Senior Games horseshoe pitching and has been for 12 years. Joe has previously served as the event manager for the Florida Senior Games horseshoe event.
Joe is also Tournament Director for his home league in his mobile home park. Hr has been the Winter Haven C0-Host for the Tri-County camp grounds & mobile home parks yearly horseshoe finals, which are held each year in Winter Haven. This event has over 150 pitchers and several NHPA & FSHPA members involved.
Joe, after major surgery, was back to horseshoes soon after, pitching in 13 tournaments this past year.
In 2007 Joe was very instrumental in getting the WHHPC courts re-certified and sanctioned for play according to the NHPA specifications. Joe put in many hours, including week-ends for the WHHPC to make sure this project got done on time.
Joe has been an FSHPA member for 14 years and a NHPA member for approximately 27 years.
Mr. Robbins dedication to the Winter Haven Horseshoe Club and to the sport of organized horseshoe pitching in Florida makes him well deserving of this award.