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growing up in Blythedale, Mo. (pop. 233). He began competing in tournaments at age 9 and won his first mens world championship at 19. In 1995, Francis met his wife, Amy, an accomplished horseshoe pitcher in her own right, at the world tournament in Perry, Ga. They were married a year later, and began practicing and attending tournaments together. In 2000, both placed second in their respective division during the world championships in Bismarck, N.D. "That’s when I felt I didn't need to compete with him anymore,” says Amy, 38, a three-time runner-up in the womens division. During spring and summer, the couple pitch horseshoes three or four days a week in their back yard in Defiance (pop. 16,465). They travel to 10 tournaments around the country each year with their son, Alex, 2. While Francis estimates he’s won $60,000 during his 27-year horseshoe career, it’s not money that motivates him. His constant desire is ‘ ‘, ’ VH ;mP= Winning trophies is customary for the champ. to pitch the perfect game of 100 percent ringers. “I saw a sign the other day that said ‘lf you're through improving, you’re through,”’ says Fran cis, who works as a salesman for a commercial printing company. He adds: ”1 have a God-given talent that I shouldn’t waste. I want to be as good as I can be, because I know people enjoy watching people throw ringers.’’!^ The NHPA's World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament is scheduled July 10-22. For more information, visit www.horseshoepitching.com Rate This Story How did you like this story? Log on www.americanprofik.com/rate American Profile jMptr ‘ vWat'-V ■. ,_ ■ '< POLIGRIP* FiXODENT SEA-BOND* Stronger all-day hold No ooze or mess □ & W w-v Pre-cut strips with . . . . just the right !V[ SURER amount of adhesive 1 1 1 1 1 Page 13 DOES YOUR DENTURE ADHESIVE HOLD UP TO POLIGRIP’S STRIP? BEmUbP STRONG ALL-DAY HOLD WITHOUT / the MESS > OR OOZE \ir y of creams tor UPPERS. LOWERS & PARTIALS PoliGrip Strips . A neat way to hold all day.™ Fixodent is a registered trademark of Procter & Gamble. Sea-Bond is a registered trademark of Combe Incorporated Someone finally got it right. PoliGrip Strips are thin, pre-measured adhesive strips that give you the all-day hold of a cream but without the messy ooze. There’s nothing else like it. Look for the strip that grips. JLm mW * x Jm lp