Practice, practice, practice

Bass fishing gold medalist Shaw Grigsby never really has a chance to get out of shape between outings at the Games. In addition to a full competition schedule on the CITGO Bassmaster Tour, he also hosts a television show, "One More Cast with Shaw Grigsby."

But even members of the BASS Millionaire's Club have to practice, and Grigsby — best known as a sight fisherman — is focusing on a clear-water technique that should tempt strikes from suspended bass in California's Folsom Lake.

"I have been practicing with the drop-shot rig quite a bit, playing with different things on it just to get really proficient at it," said Grigsby, describing a Western finesse technique that employs a small plastic worm or similar lure suspended above a bell-shaped weight.

"I've got a feeling I'm going to be using that a lot. I know it's going to be a necessary tool out there."

Halvorson out

Penny Halvorson, the proud owner of Great Outdoor Games medals in every color, won't be appearing in this summer's timber competitions. Halvorson, of Alma Center, Wis., suffered rotator cuff injuries to both arms that will keep her out of the fray.

A May surgery has relieved the pain in her right shoulder, but the surgery for her left shoulder will prevent her from making an appearance at the Games in Reno-Tahoe.

"There's no way I can make the trip, because I'll be going through my second surgery right about then," Halvorson said. "Not that I wouldn't like to be there."

And although fans and supporters will certainly be sending good wishes Penny's way during July, the much-decorated athlete had a few wishes of her own to send.

"Please tell the other competitors I wish them all the best and god speed," she said. "Tell them I'm sorry I can't be there and I sure plan on coming back next year."

Halvorson's women's timber endurance medals include a 2002 silver, a 2001 gold, and a 2000 bronze.

The kids are all right

Timber events and shotgun boast a lot of up-and-comers this year.

In fact, several athletes are still teen-agers, including boom runners Tanya Fischer, 18 of Hudson, Wis.; Elizabeth Hoeschler, 19, and Abigael Hoeschler, 16, of LaCrosee, Wis.; and shotgunners Jamie Riggs, 18, of Franklin, Tenn.; Travis Mears, 16, of Burleson, Texas; and Brett Dorak, 18, of Sobieski, Wis.

A fond farewell to Super Sue

One of the most decorated canine athletes ever will give her final performance this summer in Reno-Tahoe. Super Sue struck gold at the 2001 Great Outdoor Games and won a silver medal in last year's competition.

Sue, handled by Jerry Day of Noonan, Ga., will turn 12 years old this summer. Despite her age, no one is counting Sue out, least of all her owner (who, at 63, is the Games' oldest competitor and also shows no signs of slowing down).

"Sue may have arthritis, but she still has a big heart," Day said. "At 12, she's in better shape than when she 'retired' at 9."

In addition to her stunning performances at the Great Outdoor Games, Sue is a Hunting Retriever Champion, Field Champion, Master Hunter and Master Hunting Retriever, to name a few of her titles.