John Stephens Wins Third World Title By Bill Cooksey, Avery ® Media Relations Director December 6 , 2005

After three frustrating years of being the bride's maid by only one point at the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest John Stephens of Rich-N-Tone Duck Calls made history as only the sixth person to win three World Championships. In winning his third title, Stephens beat 66 of the world's best callers, including several past World Champions.

 

As a Stuttgart native Stephens was a crowd favorite, and when second place was announced several thousand spectators erupted in cheers, but perhaps the loudest yells of all were those of John Stephens. Numerous television cameras were on hand as he celebrated with several friends in the crowd prior to walking on stage to receive the trophy.

 

It was obvious that despite having won the World Championship twice in the past the importance of the moment was not lost on Stephens. In an interview with the local newspaper, The Stuttgart Daily Leader, Stephens said, "I'm glad we could finally bring it back to Stuttgart. Those Iowa boys were beating us up pretty bad."

Everyone at Avery joins in congratulating our long time friend John Stephens on his accomplishment, but we also congratulate all of the competitors and especially the Avery Pro-Staffers who competed in the event. Of special note are Avery Pro-Staff Members David St. John (fourth place), Allan Stanley (fifth place), Todd Copley (sixth place) and Dan Oberfoell (seventh place). Standing on the stage at Stuttgart after the final round is an accomplishment few callers ever experience, and we are proud to have these gentlemen in the Avery family.

 

Contest Results:

World's Championship Duck Calling Contest

1 st             John Stephens

2 nd             Mike Smith

3 rd             Robert Strong

4 th             David St. John (Avery Pro-Staffer)

5 th             Allan Stanley

6 th             Todd Copley

7 th             Dan Oberfoell

8 th             John David Stanley

9 th             Rob Watts

10 th             Craig Guillaume

11 th             Mike Evans

Women's World

1 st             Angela Gardner

2 nd             Heather Horton

3 rd             Hallie Horton

4 th             Priscilla Rickman

Junior World

1 st             Brady Stoppel

2 nd             Shelby Free

3 rd             Evan Sziszak

4 th             Caleb Copley   (Caleb is the son of Avery Pro-Staffer Todd Copley)

Junior Women's World

1 st             Shelby Free   (Second in Junior World)

2 nd             Lauren Engelkes

3 rd             Lauren Bonnette

4 th             Allison Stone

Intermediate World

1 st             Mitch Downs

2 nd             Jacob Stanley   (Jacob is the son of Avery Pro-Staffer Allan Stanley)

3 rd             Mac Ellis

4 th             Zach Peavy

Chick and Sophie Major Memorial

1 st             Caleb Davisson

2 nd             Jody Niccum

3 rd             Nick Brichacek

4 th             Kevin Carter

Arkansas State

1 st             Justin Hooten

2 nd             Brent Easley

3 rd             Keith Tucek

4 th             Chris Booker

Champion of Champions

Bernie Boyle