The first German settlers in Pennsylvania were
intrigued
by the mighty North American
Elk (Wapiti). Being logical people,
they created various contests and games
associated with the Elk.
Most of these games were highly dangerous (i.e. elk tickling)
and,
therefore,
did not stand the test of time. One of the games, however,
did
fluorish
and is still practiced today. This game, as you may have
guessed,
is
Elk Tossing. Not surprisingly, the sport has been steadily
gaining
popularity
since the reintroduction of Elk in Pennsylvania.
Scroll
Down for Elk Toss Photo Gallery.
Recent Elk Toss Semifinal Results (Northeast PA Regionals)
2001 (Photos)
(Results)
First -
Kevin
Mitchell, 23, Drums, PA 35"1"
Second - Peter
Dickinson, Watsonville, PA 32'7"
Third - Franz
Klingermann, 24, VA 32'2'
Fourth - Karl
Shellenberger, 24 Lancaster, PA 31'3"
Last - Van
Wagner,
24, Schuylkill Haven, PA 30'10"
2002 (Schedule)
(Results)
First –
Robb
Bomboy – 57’0” (new world record!!)
Second – Rick Walck – 48’8”
Third – Dave M. – 46’6”
Fourth – Karl Shellenberger – 44’2”
Fifth – Kevin Mitchell – 43’3”
2003 (Schedule)
(Results)
First - Franz Klingermann - 21' 10"
Second - Schlon
Wagner - 19' 11.5"
Sixth - Karl Shellenberger
ELK TOSS PHOTO GALLERY
Rare photo from the Elk Toss Trophy presentation 1933
From Left to Right: Schlon Wagner, Gilda Humpzier, Unknown,
Hans
Shellenberger
Photo from 2002 Elk Toss Presentation (not 2001 as shown)
From Left to Right: Karl Shellenberger, Robert Bomboy,
unknown,
Van Wagner
DISCLAIMER - If you have ever
seen
an elk, you know that "tossing"
an
elk is quite difficult.
An adult male elk can weigh 800
lb.
We do not "toss" elk without proper safety harnesses
and have never
even
touched an elk without these devises. We do not wish to
harm the
magnificent elk or ourselves in
any
way. Please do not attempt to
toss an elk at home.