In April 2001 the club decided to hold a monthly competition which would allow members to
judge metal detecting finds that they felt were the best for the month. Choosing a winner was
done by casting a ballot. At that time there was only one category so coins competed right
alongside jewelry and relics and everything else members dug.
A year later the club decided that there should be 2 categories, one being coins and the other
being everything else or “other.” Around that same time non-metallic finds were added so
objects spotted while in the act of detecting could also be entered.
In April 2005 a third category was added called “Jewelry” then in 2008 a 4 th category was
added originally called “Best Surprise Entry” but later changed to “mystery.” Prior to each
meeting a different themed object is pulled from a jar so no one knows beforehand what it may
be. This encourages members to bring in pretty much everything they found that month.
Points were given out as follows: 10 points for first place, 7 points for 2 nd , 5 points for 3 rd and a
single point for an entry in each category. The competition runs from April through November
but occasionally begins in March, if weather permits.
When the detecting season is over, the member with the most points is awarded Treasure
Hunter of the Year (THOTY) at our Christmas Party / Awards Ceremony in December. This
annual contest did not officially begin until 2003.
The competition rules are as follows:
The following is a list of past winners:
Year Winner Points
2025 Larry Ehlinger 196
2024 Dave Dylis 161
2023 Mike Wusik 143
2022 Mike Parker 210
2021 Lori Fealey 131
2020 COVID 19
2019 Dave Lofgren 129
2018 Tom Ferjet 110
2017 Lori Fealey 131
2016 Peter Sorrell 163
2015 Dave Lofgren 151
2014 Larry Ehlinger 130
2013 Lori Fealey 139
2012 Lori Fealey 131
2011 Dave Lofgren 113
2010 Chris Altmann 140
2009 Ed Netzband 111
2008 Dave Lofgren 141
2007 Ed Netzband 122
2006 Stu Copperwheat
2005 Stu Copperwheat 106
2004 Stu Copperwheat 92
2003 Mike Eychner
judge metal detecting finds that they felt were the best for the month. Choosing a winner was
done by casting a ballot. At that time there was only one category so coins competed right
alongside jewelry and relics and everything else members dug.
A year later the club decided that there should be 2 categories, one being coins and the other
being everything else or “other.” Around that same time non-metallic finds were added so
objects spotted while in the act of detecting could also be entered.
In April 2005 a third category was added called “Jewelry” then in 2008 a 4 th category was
added originally called “Best Surprise Entry” but later changed to “mystery.” Prior to each
meeting a different themed object is pulled from a jar so no one knows beforehand what it may
be. This encourages members to bring in pretty much everything they found that month.
Points were given out as follows: 10 points for first place, 7 points for 2 nd , 5 points for 3 rd and a
single point for an entry in each category. The competition runs from April through November
but occasionally begins in March, if weather permits.
When the detecting season is over, the member with the most points is awarded Treasure
Hunter of the Year (THOTY) at our Christmas Party / Awards Ceremony in December. This
annual contest did not officially begin until 2003.
The competition rules are as follows:
- You must find it yourself.
- You must find it with a metal detector or “eyeballed” in the act of detecting.
- A non-metallic object can be entered if found while detecting.
- Multiples, found together, can be entered as one.
- You may enter in all 4 categories but only one entry in each.
- Members as well as guests may cast a vote.
- You must enter your find at the very next meeting you will be attending, no finds from
- months or years past are allowed.
- A photo of an entry can be used only if the item had to immediately be given back to its
- owner.
- Objects found while magnet fishing may also be entered.
The following is a list of past winners:
Year Winner Points
2025 Larry Ehlinger 196
2024 Dave Dylis 161
2023 Mike Wusik 143
2022 Mike Parker 210
2021 Lori Fealey 131
2020 COVID 19
2019 Dave Lofgren 129
2018 Tom Ferjet 110
2017 Lori Fealey 131
2016 Peter Sorrell 163
2015 Dave Lofgren 151
2014 Larry Ehlinger 130
2013 Lori Fealey 139
2012 Lori Fealey 131
2011 Dave Lofgren 113
2010 Chris Altmann 140
2009 Ed Netzband 111
2008 Dave Lofgren 141
2007 Ed Netzband 122
2006 Stu Copperwheat
2005 Stu Copperwheat 106
2004 Stu Copperwheat 92
2003 Mike Eychner
