In 1945, after World War II ended, Denzel started trapshooting at the B.B. Orchards Gun Club in Wenatchee, Washington. Denzel and his wife, Letha, then moved to Lake Chelan, Washington and in 1952 they settled in Orland, California.
Along with his beloved wife, Letha, trapshooters could count on Denzel’s support and enthusiasm for trapshooting and the PITA. For years Denzel helped to organize many gun clubs. Anyone who has ever attended a shoot during that time would recognize Denzel and Letha at their vendor spot with anything trapshooters needed. He was the most familiar shooter and vendor that ever attended a trapshoot.
Denzel has many wins to his credit. The following are just a few:
· Class A Singles Champion – California
· Class A Singles Runner-up – California
· Class A Singles Champion (100) – Grand Pacific 1975
· Class AA Singles Champion – California – Twice
· Class D Doubles Champion – Nevada 1972
· Class AA Champion – California 1978
· 24-27 Runner-up – Silver State Grand 1974
· 26-27 Series Award winner – California 1989
· Doubles Class C Champion – Oregon
· Doubles Veteran Champion – California 1989
· Doubles Veteran Champion – Grand Pacific 1991
· Senior Doubles Champion – Grand Pacific 1995
· Senior Singles Champion – California 1995
· Senior Doubles Champion – Grand Pacific 1996
· Senior Singles Champion – California 1996
· Senior High Overall – California 1997
· Senior Handicap Champion – California 1997
· Senior Singles Champion – California 1997
· Senior Doubles Champion – California 1997
Denzel made the Veterans All-Star Team 10 times. Through the years, Denzel was very active in the PITA. His contributions helped to make trapshooting what it is today. Denzel is one of the most deserving inductees in the Hall of Fame.
