He covered the very first toss in ’79 — Now KCCI’s Cortney Kintzer captures his final cow chip throw

DES MOINES, Iowa —

The cow chips took flight and the crowds went wild as the Iowa State Fair’s fan-favorite fling returned on Wednesday — one toss, one chance, maximum glory. Spectators lined up shoulder to shoulder, craning for the perfect arc, the clean release, and the bragging rights that come with a truly majestic… trajectory.

Photojournalist Cortney Kintzer has been there since the very beginning when the Cow Chip Throwing Contest first debuted in 1979, and Wednesday was extra special: the long-time KCCI photojournalist captured the contest for the final time.

Cortney has covered 38 years at KCCI and retires in two weeks. Consider it the ultimate “roll credits” moment — complete with slow-motion chips and a standing ovation.

Cortney Kintzer Photojournalist Cortney Kintzer, left