Omaha RPC Holds Fine Awards Banquet

Submitted by Duane Kugler
Ldkk@msn.com

April 2026

The Omaha Racing Pigeon Association held its annual Banquet Awards on March 7th at Sean O’Casey’s Pub, with most of the club members and their wives in attendance for a very enjoyable evening of good food, fellowship, and well-deserved recognition in celebration of the 2025 old bird and young bird seasons.

As is so often the case in our sport, the banquet was about much more than trophies and race points. It was a time for friends to gather, visit over a meal, swap stories from the past season, and look ahead to the one just around the corner. Evenings like this remind us that while competition is a big part of pigeon racing, friendship and camaraderie are every bit as important.

Following the meal, the club’s awards were presented, and there were plenty of deserving winners.

Adan Saldana was recognized for winning the 150-mile Young Bird Race, while Carter Mayotte took top honors in the 200-mile Young Bird Race. Jim Stevens was the winner of the tough 600-mile Firecracker Young Bird Race, a race that always earns special respect.

Chuck Korytowski enjoyed an outstanding young bird season, winning the 150-mile Young Bird Race and taking Champion Young Bird B Series honors with AU 25 Grain 479.

Peter Tudor turned in a fine performance on both old birds and young birds, winning the 175-mile Old Bird Race, the 250-mile Old Bird Race, and the 150-mile Young Bird Race. He also earned the title of Champion Old Bird with AU 23 Grain 6562.

Eric Smeal had an excellent year as well, winning the 200-mile Old Bird Race, the 500-mile Old Bird Race, and the 300-mile Young Bird Race. In addition, he captured Overall Average Old Bird Long, a real mark of consistency over the distance events.

Greg Warren was another top winner, taking the 400-mile Old Bird Race, the 175-mile Young Bird Race, and the Grain Belt Classic.

Duane Kugler also had a banner year, winning the 100-mile Old Bird Race, the 150-mile Old Bird Race, and the 200-mile Young Bird Race. He further distinguished himself by winning Champion Old Bird Loft and Overall Average Old Bird Short.

One of the evening’s biggest winners was Austin Fuchs, who put together an impressive season from start to finish. Austin won the 150-mile Old Bird Race, the 175-mile Old Bird Race, the 250-mile Old Bird Race, the 100-mile Young Bird Race, and the 175-mile Young Bird Race. He also earned Champion Young Bird A Series with AU 25 Grain 1228, Overall Average Young Bird, Champion Young Bird Loft, and the prestigious King Cup, awarded on the combined totals of Old Birds and Young Birds.

All in all, it was a fine evening and a fitting way to close out the past season. The Omaha club has every reason to be proud of its members and the spirit of sportsmanship and fellowship shown throughout the year. Congratulations go out to all the winners, and best wishes to everyone for a successful season ahead.

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