Shawn Stahl contest future?

[JEDJR]

Shawn,are you going to retire again from the calling contest trail or did the win with Kelley get you pumped up to stay competing? Good luck to you in whatever your future holds.

[JEDJR]

sorry, put this under wrong topic.

[Shawn Stahl]

JEDJR,

As of right now I'd say that I'm done competing in calling competitions. However, I'm not saying the word "never". For right now I'm sastified staying involved by judging and helping people out with routines and such.

I actually stayed in the game long after the desire to compete had dwindled away, staying in it at the request of others to help them out. That's where I got really burned out.

The contest trail is also expensive, it costs a ton for what personal gain and satisfaction you get beyond winning a few titles.

There also comes a time when your priorities change, things like working for Avery and a new born son that require time and effort. Time that would be taken up practicing and traveling.

When I first started out calling competitively I set goals for myself. Those goals were to be competitive with the guys I read about in the magazines. Guys like Allan McCree, Tim Grounds, Fred Zink and Sean Mann. I wanted to say that I could blow a goose call as good as those guys. Along with that goal I wanted to win a few contest.

After approximately 6 years and 60 some contests I felt I proved to myself what I set out to do. Looking back on it though it's not the 20 wins I have but the fact that in those contest I only failed to make the final round in 4 contest and I was standing there on the podium 50 some times in the top five. The consistency that's what I'm most proud of now as I look back. To me there just comes a time when a person no longer has to puff up their lungs and beat their chest to prove themselves every weekend.

I will say that along the way I've learned a bunch, met a tremendous amount of nice people and gained friendships that will last forever.

Shawn

[JEDJR]

I hear ya Shawn. I dont think there is anything left for you to prove. Your child and wife should come first. Good luck to you and your family. Jed

[gander316]

Great post, Shawn.....thats what it's all about! Wish more folks had your feelings and attitude!