Volume 19, Number 5 ● September/October 2010 The Official Publication of Olympic Shooting Sports
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT
SEPT/OCT 2010 Contents VOLUME 19, NO.5 FEATURES 16 World Championship ■ Katie McGinty
21 Paralympic World Championship Update ■ Katie McGinty
23 Nationals 2010 ■ Calah Duryea
27 Athlete of the Month ■ Katie McGinty
DISCIPLINES 11 Pistol ■ Eric Pueppke
12 Rifle ■ Marcus Raab
14 Shotgun ■ Anonymous
COLUMNS 4 From the Editor ■ Katie McGinty
6 Aim with AMU ■ SFC Theresa DeWitt
8 On the Firing Line ■ J.P. O’Connor
10 Coaches’ Corner ■ National Rifle Coach, Major Dave Johnson
ON THE COMPLEX 29 Thoughts from: The Executive Director Operations Marketing Competitions 24 John Mullins
www.usashooting.org 3 From the Editor
USA Shooting 1 Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Five Minutes with Cathy Arnot Phone: 719-866-4670 Administration Fax: 719-635-7989 Competitions Fax: 719-866-4884
uring my time at the World Shooting Championships, I had the pleasure of rooming Lindsay Brooke Competitions Manager with Cathy Arnot, one of the very talented physiotherapists for the USA Shooting 719-866-4885 [email protected] Team and a Physical Therapy Professor at the University of South Carolina. Cathy Calah Duryea and the Team’s other physio, Nick Potter, work around the clock to keep our team Coaches’ Assistant/Team Manager 719-866-4611 stretched, warm, and physically healthy. As a huge proponent of the benefits of [email protected] physical fitness, I invited a professional to discuss how to stay healthy in preparation for, or during a Buddy DuVall Dmajor competition and throughout your shooting career. Director of Marketing 719-866-4880 [email protected]
Q: What is the most important component of exercise that a shooter should employ in his or her Bret Erickson National Shotgun Coach fitness regimen? 719-866-4682 A: Core strength is essential for providing a stable base of support for the shooting athlete. Rifle [email protected] Lisa Erickson shooters should also focus on flexibility, whereas shotgun and pistol athletes also need flexibility but Operation and Administrative Assistant 719-866-4682 should place an emphasis on strength—especially shoulders, arm, and core endurance. Their bod- [email protected] ies have to be equipped to not only support their guns, but also endure and absorb the recoil of the Bob Foth guns. Also, whether beginning from scratch or changing your routine, please be sure to consult with National Paralympic Coach 719-866-4881 a fitness professional or physical therapist prior to beginning a new exercise regimen. [email protected]
David Johnson National Rifle Coach Q: What particular flexibility exercises would benefit rifle shooters? 719-866-4630 A: There was a study conducted on rifle and pistol shooters investigating the correlation between [email protected] flexibility and lower back pain. Low back pain is common among rifle shooters and can become Nicole Levine Competitions Assistant so severe that many either leave the sport or choose to shoot the prone position only.The research 719-866-4882 [email protected] findings indicated that there is a positive correlation between back pain and IT band and hamstring Sergey Luzov tightness. Increased flexibility in both may help prevent low back pain. Thus, either a general flex- National Pistol Coach 719-866-4615 ibility program (with focus on the IT band and hamstrings) or most forms of yoga are acceptable, as [email protected] long as the neck is in a safe position. Katie McGinty Media & Public Relations Manager 719-866-4896 Q: Why are working out and stretching an important part of shooting? [email protected] A: Both are essential to injury prevention and the ability of assuming one’s shooting position that Robert Mitchell Chief Executive Officer is necessary for better stability. The most common flexibility problems across all disciplines are tight 719-866-4899 upper trapezius, hamstrings, IT bands, hip flexors, and chest/pectoral muscles. On the contrary, the [email protected] Nichole Rae most common muscular weaknesses are the deep (transverse) abdominal muscles, external shoulder Membership & Merchandise Manager 719-866-4743 rotators, scapular stabilizers, and deep neck flexors. [email protected]
Bill Roy Q: What should I do if I have an injury that only flares up when shooting? Director of Operations 719-866-4890 A: First, discuss the injury with your coach and a health care professional to discover the underlying [email protected] cause. It may be a biomechanical issue such as flat feet, a leg length discrepancy, or muscle imbal- Corrie West Marketing Manager ance—tightness or weakness. Another option is a repetitive training error or incorrect form. 719-866-4616 [email protected]
Karie Wright Q: Why do I need to maintain overall fitness if I’m a shooter? Controller A: For all three disciplines, maintaining a high level of cardiovascular and overall fitness can help 719-866-4887 prevent injury, decrease the effects of jet lag, and increase your endurance. Not to mention, improve Editor: Katie McGinty Designer: Micki Benson an athlete’s scores! Printing: Sport Graphics
Cover Photo: Katie McGinty
■ Katie McGinty Contributors: SFC Theresa DeWitt Eric Pueppke Major Dave Johnson Marcus Raab Calah Duryea Corrie West Bob Mitchell USA Shooting News si published six times a year. USA Shooting is the national governing body for Olympic Shooting sports JP O’Connor in the United States. USA Shooting News si produced as a service to international shooters, coaches, officials and media who Bill Roy cover Olympic-style shooting. Shooters featured in USA Shooting News magazine may be photographed without eye protec- tion. These are posed photographs using unloaded guns and do not represent actual competiton. USA Shooting encourages all shooters to use proper eye and ear protection when shooting. Inclusion of advertisements in USA Shooting does not constitiute endorsement of advertised products or services by USA Shooting, its staff or its sponsors.
4 USA Shooting News
Columns (Aim with AMU) The World Shooting Championships: A Prestigious History
he Superbowl. Wimbledon. The Kentucky Derby. The grandstand; the loud blasts of shotguns and the soft pops of air guns; International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World cheers and clapping; the babble of foreign languages mingling into Shooting Championships (WSC). None of these sport- white noise; the smell of German beer foaming over two liter glass ing events are the Olympic Games. Shooting is one of mugs; the tantalizing aroma of schnitzel, sausage, and pretzels. The few sports in the world that is practiced at competitive World Shooting Championships has a colorful history. Although levels by men and women, as well as junior athletes, in all conti- initially organized annually, the WSC is now held every four years to Tnents, with no exclusions. Many shooting athletes would argue that occur two years after the Olympic Games. The WSC every four years winning the World Championships is a much more demanding to occur two years after the Olympic Games. The WSC currently and satisfying accomplishment than even the Olympic Games. The hosts fifty-five events in the four disciplines of shotgun, rifle, pistol, WSC hosts more countries and and running target. An addi- competitors—the best of the tional forty-six events have been best—whereas, in the Olympic discontinued since the WSC began Games, countries must earn a in 1897. limited number of quota slots The first event conducted at to compete. the 1897 World Shooting Cham- Munich, Germany was the pionships in Lyon, France, was host city of the 2010 ISSF World 300m Free Rifle. This event is still Shooting Championships, ac- considered the premier event of commodating a record-setting the competition. In a world where 2,500 athletes from 104 com- target changes are common—es- peting nations. The Munich pecially at the WSC—300m Free shooting range is no stranger Rifle and 50m Free Pistol are the to large events—it was the site only two targets that have not been of the 1972 Olympic Games. changed, except for the addition In the 38 years since those of an “X” ring. On the contrary, Games were officially closed, the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event the Munich range witnessed six initially used a human-shaped Olympic records and thirty- target without scoring rings. In four World records set on its 1948, scoring rings were added, grounds. In preparation for the but it wasn’t until 1990 that the Staff Sergeant Josh Richmond celebrates not only his gold medal and world largest shooting event hosted championship title in Men’s Double Trap, but also an equal world record of human silhouette became a circu- here since the ‘72 Games, the 197/200 targets. lar shape. The 300m Army Rifle Munich range underwent some event was added in 1911 in Rome cosmetic and structural upgrading. Fresh paint, new spectator seat- and required competitors to use the host nation’s “service rifle” as the ing, grass, and a monster green wall on the shotgun range were a few competition firearm. In 1970, service rifle was removed as an event. of the improvements designed to heighten the athlete and spectator Post-WWII restrictions against ownership of firearms prevented experience. many shooting federations from re-establishing traditional shooting For the first time in ISSF World Shooting Championship his- programs. The result was an emergence of air rifle and air pistols. tory, spectator tickets were sold for all competition days, to include Air gun development as high precision target arms is credited with common areas as well as VIP areas. Any spectator entering the having a significant role in the growth of the shooting sports in many Munich shooting grounds would have been treated to sights, sounds, countries. Since the first WSC in France in 1897, other host countries and smells maybe more closely related to an amusement park: an have included Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Argentina, Sweden, Po- explosion of color from the fluttering country flags at the entrance; land, Norway, Russia, Venezuela, Korea, Canada, Australia, Croatia vendors selling their merchandise from rows of tents; the reds, yel- and the United States. Italy has the distinction of hosting the World lows, blues, greens, and oranges of athlete uniforms as they hustle Shooting Championships fifteen times since 1898, more than any to and from the ranges, the armories, and the bus stop; lines for the other country. France comes in a distant second as hosting the WSC restrooms; lines for the beer tent; lines for the restaurant; smiles and seven times. Russia can claim the most gold medals from the World laughter;tears and frowns; the low background hum of voices in the Shooting Championships since 1897, but the United States has actu-
6 USA Shooting News ally taken home the most overall total number of medals, regardless of color. Many shooting events that are contested in the WSC are reflective of the chameleon nature of shooting sports. As technology develops and alters, shooting events are added and subtracted from a given competition’s roster. For example, pistol events made a debut in 1900 in at the WSC where the first pistol event was 50m Free Pistol. Shotgun, specifically, Men’s Trap, didn’t make an appearance until 1929. Men’s Skeet was added in 1958 in Moscow, the same venue that introduced Double Trap thirty-two years later in 1990. Women’s were first allowed to compete in the WSC in 1958 against male competitors in “open” events. After 1982, though, “open” events were renamed “men’s” events, effectively separating the genders Corporal Jeffery Holguin tips his hat to the crowd after successfully reaching the within their respective disciplines. Separate junior (under age 21) finals via an eight athlete shoot-off for two spots. events were not added until 1994, with the ISSF recognizing fifteen junior men and women categories. This is the highest world level that junior shooting athletes can currently aspire to reach because the Olympic Games do not have junior categories. As an athlete competing in the 50th World Shooting Champion- ships, the experience was both memorable and visceral. Aside from the pressure and extravaganza of the Olympic Games, no other world level competition comes close to eliciting the pride and team spirit of being a part of one of the largest teams the United States sent over- seas. Congratulations to all of our World Champions and medalists and a special THANK YOU to all of the staff members who volun- teered their time and expertise to make this year’s World Champion- ship journey effortless (or at least appear so!). Stay Army Strong! ■ SFC Theresa DeWitt The Women’s World Championship Trap and Junior Trap Team, from L to R: Corey Cogdell, Miranda Wilder, Ashley Carroll, Rachael Heiden, Susan Sledge, and Terri DeWitt.
USA Shooting is a participant of the annual Combined Federal Campaign. Please note charity #11094 on your gift designation to direct your contribution to USAS. We very much appreciate your support!
www.usashooting.org 7 Columns (On the Firing Line)
Faith Fifty-first in a series “Faith is taking the first step, Even when you don’t see the rest of the staircase.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
he previous three articles in this series have explored a what we believe is true because we believe it is true. Yes, that is cir- number of interrelated topics culminating in a discus- cular and common logic. In turn, we use our beliefs to prove a point sion of steadiness of the rifle or pistol at or near the and ignore other relevant information. Yet, how often do you later moment of shot release. Shotgun shooters, archers, and discover that something else is correct? others may be forgiven for skipping the articles though would be advised to go back and study all three since there are many Open Minds Open Doors Tinsights that relate to all disciplines. In the end, acceptance of these Years ago, while participating in a pistol masters camp at the or any other concepts depends upon open mindedness and faith. Olympic Training Complex, there were a handful of incidents that occurred which adequately demonstrate the results of open minded- Logic And Science ness or the lack thereof. Too often, we use logic, science, and math to tell us what is or First, an intermediate level athlete was being closely watched by the is not possible. We worship at the altar of science and math to the head coach and they engaged in a short dialogue about a particular detriment of other valuable concepts. As a result, we often “lock in” aspect of the athlete’s process. The athlete was having difficulty with our beliefs and limit our possibilities in scientific research, sport, and a particular aspect of the shot process. The conversation ended when life. To be sure, science and math are valuable beyond measure; it is the athlete, in response to a suggestion, said “Oh, no, this is how I do exclusive reliance on them regarding the exclusion of other factors it.” The athlete had no faith that he could learn something new to im- and approaches that is the problem. prove his shooting, instead believing that any change would “break” How often do we say “That isn’t true!” or make similar his game. Closed minds close doors. statements? Did that occur when reading the previous Another athlete, struggling with keeping his eye on the front three articles or at a recent training session with a sight of the pistol instead of erroneously looking at the target, coach? The entire sporting world and heard a suggestion to use a small white dot or other mark on scientific community believed the sight as an aid, and asked a coach about the technique. “No, that it was impossible that is a waste of time. Go ahead and try it for ten shots—it will for a human being to get blurry and end up useless,” replied the coach. The coach was run a mile in four correct…right? minutes or less. Let’s examine the dynamics of the situation. What is the issue? Scientific papers The a athlete is looking at the target instead of the were published front sight. Can that habit, or any habit, be broken proving the fact. instantly? Generally not. What happens when one Roger Bannister and looks from the front sight to the target? The blurry his “impossible” target becomes clear while the sharply focused front four minute sight becomes blurry. That means a white dot on the mile disproved sight will, by definition, also become blurry. their theories The use of the dot is not a failure. Instead, it is (see previous a training aid to the athlete to show that he is now series for looking at the wrong place. With the dot aiding further to increase awareness, the athlete was able to cor- explana- rect the issue and build a new habit. Eventually, tion). the white dot stopped getting blurry… and the The ego proper visual technique was now habit. Because dictates the athlete had an open mind, and despite the that “conventional wisdom” he was given, he was open to improvement.
Belief Without Proof Because we are taught to rely so heavily on logic, science, and math, we have difficulty believing anything we cannot see or prove to ourselves. All three also deep affect how we approach everyday life in school, work, and in sport. How many times have we heard a parent, coach, co-worker, friend, or boss tell us something isn’t possible – when we believe otherwise? How many things have we failed to accomplish because we did not make the at- was not the most talented among her peers. Quite the contrary, she tempt because the task was believed to be impossible? fell so much that her body was covered with bruises. She never quit. For example, Eddie believes in the possibilities of the seemingly She always got up, continued training, and adding bruises. Eventually, impossible. He also knows which of his employees have a similar she fell less and soared more. Her story and that of air rifle Olympic mindset and openness to possibilities. He asked one of his employees champion Nancy Johnson, are but two examples. Neither knew the what he knew about a difficult and tricky topic. “Nothing,” said the end outcome – both athletes believed and were willing to take the employee. Eddie continued: “Good! Would you explore the topic first step. and let me know feasibility of creating a product?” In two weeks In the summer of 2003, Jamie Beyerle and I held a six day “High Per- the employee had done his research and reported that he thought it formance Shooters Camp” in Jacksonville, Florida. Twenty athletes might be possible. Six months later they had the software product in were treated to intense drills, competitions, and discussions. Jamie production. Both Eddie and the employee believed they could create had just won her first World Cup gold medal and imparted her fierce the product, even though they had no proof that it could be done. competitiveness to the athletes They realized that there is more to And so it is in sport. Not one Olympic champion ever had proof in shooting well than mere technique. It takes heart and guts, or “teeth” hand that they would eventually hold the gold. How many others, as one coach describes it. Like all good athletes, Jamie has faced ad- lacking proof or even belief in the possibilities, gave up the chase or versity and times of great difficulty. Yet she has always “taken the first never even started? step” even when not assured of success – and “attempted” anyway. The slogan at our camp was “What would you attempt to ac- The First Step complish if you knew you could not fail?” What have you failed to The key to success is to take the first step. Not just once, but attempt because you feared that you might fail? Take the first step! numerous times throughout your journey. Have the guts and faith to ■ JP O’Connor take steps in the direction you wish to travel. Are you assured of suc- cess? Of course not! Are you assured of an interesting and fulfilling Based in the Atlanta, Ga., area, JP O’Connor ([email protected] and http://www. journey? Most likely—after all, the journey is what you make of it. america.net/~jpoc/) is involved in shooting as a competitor, is a former Assis- The journey will be difficult, yet the hardest part of the hard work tant National Coach – USA Paralympics Shooting Team, serves on the National Coach Development Staff in both rifle & pistol, coaches the rifle and pistol is success. Shannon Miller enjoyed phenomenal success as a gymnast. teams at North Georgia College & State University, and coaches a junior club. Since most successful gymnasts are young, it is easy to assume that He enjoys working with a number of pistol and rifle athletes from around the raw talent is an important ingredient in medals. Wrong—just as all country, ranging from beginners to the highly advanced, in clinics and one-on- other sports, the ultimate prize goes to the hardest worker. Shannon one private coaching. Previous installments of this series may be found at www. pilkguns.com. “The key to success is to take the first step. Not just once, but numerous times throughout your journey. Have the guts and faith to take steps in the direction you wish to travel. Are you assured of success? Of course not!”
www.usashooting.org 9 Columns (Coaches’ Corner) Where do World Champions come from?
eam USA did quite well at the World Championships in athletes learn to compete, just like in all sports, during the critical Munich Germany July 29-August 10. In Rifle, we saw our teen years of development. Even a local club match requires a con- Junior and Open teams win World Championships and certed effort of volunteers, parents, and mentors to host it properly. medals in Prone, 3P, and Air Rifle. Where did these re- That sub-junior that you ran a match for might end up representing sults come from? the USA some day in international competition! Our sports system in the USA does not receive any Govern- NCAA and Club programs: Did you know that the NCAA is a Tment support-- most of our overseas competition does. Our teams major sponsor of Rifle opportunities and teams around the USA? are privately funded through our USAS donor programs, corporate The NCAA Rifle program provides key training and competitive fundraising, Foundation activities, USOC support, and an incredible experience for our athletes. We greatly appreciate the schools that amount of volunteer time that supports our athletes from their first sponsor Rifle as an NCAA or NRA Club sport. Few of the teams have day on the range on to an international podium. fulltime, employee coaches. Many survive by the efforts of part time Starting out... or volunteer coaches and boosters. Allf o our athletes have incredible family support. Many of our NCAA and NRA Club collegiate athletes were the backbone of the shooters start out like I did—my dad took me to the range at the local World Team medals in Munich. clubo t try shooting. Families are the initial and perhaps biggest athlete So…whether you simply sent in a donation, or volunteer at a club, sponsor. or coach and mentor our young athletes, you all had a part in creat- How about the clubs and teams out there? Most of our World Team ing a winning team of outstanding young Americans. Thank you and were also part of junior teams, high school teams, and please keep doing what you do! other youth programs. Clubs are precious-they are ■ National Rifle Coach, Major Dave Johnson often the source of the best mentoring and coaching that a young person receives. Kudos and thanks to the countless volunteer coaches and mentors out there that enable our future champions to start in the sport and develop key skills and habits. Camps and Coach Programs: All of our athletes have attended NRA, USA Shooting, and/or CMP af- filiated camps and programs at the state and national level. Friends of NRA, State Associations, Clubs, High School JROTC teams, and other programs all provide key coaching and competition opportunities for our young athletes to develop in. Thanks to all the volunteer coaches and mentors out there that have a passion for this sport and developing the character of the young people in it. Match Sponsors/Facilities: “We have hammers and nails…” (JR Coach Don Ridenour circa 1975, Langley Eagles Junior Rifle Club). If our athletes didn’t have a place to learn to shoot, we’d be unable to field competitive teams. Thanks to all those out there American medalists of the 2010 Fort Benning World Cup in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Position with a that maintain, develop, and often start programs USAS Official Sponsor--the Eley crew from London, England. (L to R): Dan Olley, Matt and facilities—often against strong headwinds! And Emmons, Jason Parker, Martyn Buttery, and Andrew Lane match sponsors—you are precious also. Our young “Our teams are privately funded through our USAS donor programs, corporate fundraising, Foundation activities, USOC support, and an incredible amount of volunteer time that supports our athletes from their first day on the range on to an international podium.” 10 USA Shooting News Pistol
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50th World Shooting Championships
Kim Rhode Women’s Skeet World Champion 50th World Shooting Championships iranda Wilder zipped up her vest, poured a box of Winchester AA shells in her pocket, and began the long walk to Field C, where her World Championship destiny awaited. The young shooter watched as teammate Rachael Heiden beat China’s Zhu Jingyu in a sudden death shoot-off that lasted just one target,M propelling Heiden to an individual bronze medal, as well as the Junior Women’s Trap team gold medal. “I was so nervous, I was shaking, but I knew I could do it. My main goal was to keep my head on the gun and see the targets,” said Wilder as her time had come. Stepping up to the line, she battled with Australia’s Catherine Skinner tied at 69 targets. Target after target, the two remained neck and neck. Wilder, undisturbed, nailed her tenth target in a row and again, waited for a door to open. A nasty climbing left target from post five sealed Skinner’s fate. There was no fist pump or whoop of joy from this 16-year-old; rather she calmly hugged National Coach Bret Erickson and graciously accepted congratulations from teammates and fans. “The main thing I remember was hearing the national anthem played while I was on the podium . . . it kind of blocks out everything else,” said Wilder. Her win marked the first medal—and gold medal—won by the United States at this year’s World Shooting Championships in Munich, Germany, and could not have been earned by a more deserving athlete. The day following Wilder’s gold, the red, white, and blue found Day four brought intense competition on the shotgun scene. The the podium again—in three’s—as Men’s 50m Prone Team and Junior Americans had narrowly missed medal opportunities in Women’s Men’s 50m Prone Team shot for the gold and bronze respectively. The Trap and were ready for heated contests. Jake Turner, also surprising team of Matt Emmons, [rank] Michael McPhail, and [rank] Eric Up- the crowd with his impressive qualification performance, shot in his tagrafft proved why all three are consistently top-ranked shooters as first-ever ISSF final for Men’s Trap. Turner was tied with six other they defended their World Championship title. Four years prior, the shooters for only two spots in the final with 121/125 targets. As the three sharp-shooting athletes won the same event in Zagreb, Croatia first three athletes missed their shoot-off targets, Turner pulled the at h the 49t World Shooting Championships. The junior shooters, Mi- trigger and advanced to the second position with a clean break. In a chael Seery, Jimmie Cooper, and Ryan Dunham-Bender, began their shoot-out unlike the others witnessed at the World Shooting Cham- match in the hole. And just when a comeback seemed out of reach, pionships, two targets put Turner and Spain’s Alberto Fernandez these athletes managed the improbable by missing just one point in into the final. Ultimately finishing sixth, Turner said, “I was pleased their last combined sixty shots. Another notable performance came with my performance and excited to make the final. Especially since from Meghann Morrill, who shocked the crowd with a 398 qualifying I now have the opportunity to represent the USA and shoot with score in Women’s 10m Air Rifle. In her first International Shooting teammate John Mullins in the World Cup Final in Turkey.” Their Sports Federation (ISSF) final ever, Morrill entered in a four-way younger teammates, the Junior Men’s Trap Team finished with a tie for second place, yet fell to eighth place after a 100.1 point final. silver medal. The force of Matthew Gossett, Casey Wallace, and Despite her finish, Morrill gained invaluable experience for future Morgan Harbison all performed exceptionally well. Gossett, in par- successes. Her performance, coupled with that of Jamie Beyerle and ticular, edged out two other competitors in a sixteen target shoot-off Emily Caruso, marked the first Women’s 10m Air Rifle Team medal for fourth place. (bronze) for the USA in a few decades. Ending another night on the podium after Junior Men’s Trap, Matt Emmons was another American whose name circulated the United States began the next day with high hopes for the Men’s around the range as he encountered both triumph and tragedy in Double Trap athletes. As the USA is home to the world’s top Double his three events. Emmons’ 597 in the qualification match and 101.5 Trap shooters, medals were expected. Buttoning down against the in the final earned him seventh place in Men’s 10m Air Rifle, but he cold, wind, and rain, the men were not deterred in their goal: gold. excelled in Men’s 50m Rifle Prone. Winning the first 2012 Olympic Staff Sergeant Josh Richmond was the Junior Men’s Double Trap quota place for any American sport, Emmons brought home the Champion in 2005 and now holds the Men’s Double Trap title just bronze medal. “It’s great to be the one who grabbed the first Olympic five short years later. With an audience that included his parents, Quota for America,” said Emmons, after the match. “Of course, I celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary their first trip over- am not automatically qualified. The quota goes to the USA Shooting seas, Richmond was ready . . . for clean breaks, for a quota spot, for Team, and all the American shooters are passing through a qualifica- gold. Also shooting in the final was with their first trip overseas, tion system in order to decide who will go to the next Games.” Enter- Richmond was ready . . . for clean breaks, for a quota spot, for gold. ing in the bottom half of the final, Emmons shot a strong 104.2 Also shooting in the final was teammate Corporal Jeffery Holguin, points for 702.2 total points and a bronze medal. Sergeant First Class who encountered a gun malfunction and was granted a five minute Eric Uptagrafft also shot in the final, yet finished seventh after two repairperiod. With a spare trigger in his gun case and a few minor disappointing 9s. adjustments, Holguin was back on the line. In a bizarre turn of
www.usashooting.org 17 events, with only a handful of targets left, Holguin noticed that the Germans by one point. Teammate and 2008 Olympian Jamie Beyerle angle of the targets had crept outside the proscribed limits. The ISSF set a new national record of 593 points in the elimination round. The referees hauled out target-setting hoops to discover that the right final key to the win was Amy Sowash, who finished strong with 585 target was creeping towards the center. points. After her new national record, Beyerle maintained pace to As the delays grew longer, the weat- her continued to get colder secure fifth place and the third American quota. Beyerle was on top as the sun dipped down, leaving the shooters chilled. Yet Rich- of her game as she nailed a 10.7 tenth shot in the final to move her up mond remained tough and shot straight for a perfect 50-target final, from eighth place. equal world record of 196/200 targets, and a gold medal. Despite Sergeant First Class Keith Sanderson of the Army’s World Class the challenges of the mechani- Athlete Program, another 2008 cal failures, Holguin finished Olympian, battled a forearm in- fourth. Their seventeen-year-old jury throughout the 2010 season, teammate, Billy Crawford, shot yet pulled things together for the 50-targets in his third round for World Shooting Championships. 143/ 150 total targets. With all Sanderson and his Men’s 25m three shooters in the top eleven Rapid Fire Pistol teammates, Spe- spots, the Americans brought cialist Brad Balsley and Emil Mi- home a team gold medal and lev, grabbed an unexpected team world record of 433 combined bronze medal with a combined targets—three targets above the score of 1731 points. Another previous record. “I’m happy to surprising success in the pistol have won the gold medal and discipline was Petty Officer First brought a quota spot to the USA. Class Sandra Uptagrafft who shot We [the Double Trap Team] set Number one on the scoreboard, and number one in your hearts. The Junior 384 points in Women’s 10m Air the standard for the rest of the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Position Team of (L to R) Sarah Beard, Amanda Pistol for an opportunity in the US Team. Now that we have a Furrer, and Sarah Scherer celebrate their team gold medal. final. In her first ISSF final ever, gold, I am confident that our Uptagrafft did her best to man- team will continue on this pace,” ager the pressure of the World said Richmond. Championships and shot for 93.3 Though they may not have points. Though her eighth place heard Richmond’s motivational finish was out of quota conten- words, the Junior Women’s 50m tion, Uptagrafft faced some hefty Rifle 3 Position Team put up competition and established a a performance to write home much-needed presence for the about. The trio of Amanda USA in Women’s Air Pistol. Furrer, Sarah Beard, and Sarah With just a handful of days Scherer demolished the former left in competition, the American world junior record by a whop- team had a total of two individ- ping eleven points. The domina- ual medals and just three quota tion doesn’t end there—the near- places. As both the time and est competition was fourteen number of quota slots dwindled, points behind the American Smiling National Shotgun Coach Bret Erickson takes a moment to celebrate the pressure began to build. The team! More over, Scherer shot with the silver medal winning Junior Men’s Trap Team of (L to R) Matthew United States looked to Kim for 585 points and the individual Gossett, Jake Wallace, and Morgan Harbison. Rhode, Haley Dunn, and Amber silver medal. Their combined English for a Women’s Skeet effort of 1747 points was the golden standard. Also competing in quota. Rhode, after two World Cup gold medals this season, was the the USA junior scene was the Junior Men’s Double Trap team of Ian heavy favorite to win. With cold winds and rain throughout the day, Rupert, Derek Haldeman, and Kelcey Depatis, who kept up the hard- the women turned to all means to stay warm—even using shower ware parade with a team bronze medal. caps to keep their feet and hats dry. Rhode shot 72/75 targets in Taking a cue from the junior women, the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 qualification and Dunn remained right alongside with 71 targets for Position team was not going to let Germany take home gold. With a a shot in the finals. Dunn had a little trouble as she dropped five tar- commanding lead and the favor of the fans, the German girls didn’t gets for a combinedtotal of 91 targets. Rhode remained consistent to even register the American team as Sandy Fong entered the kneeling her World Cup success, and shot a perfect 25 target final for the USA’s series with only thirty minutes left. Ten after ten after ten left Fong third individual medal and fourth quota. “It’s great to finally win with an astounding 198 points and American team gold—beating the a World Title in front of my parents,” said Rhode who credits much of
18 USA Shooting News her success to her parents’ support. Another noteworthy result of Connor, ferocity of Jaid- en Grinnell, her winning is the additional USA Olympic Team selection points and tenacity of Brandy Drozd, the Rhode has accumulated—53 points with a 45 point threshold marker. team shot for a total of 197 targets, Though it doesn’t mean she automatically qualifies, if another US three higher than silver team shooter is unable to reach or exceed her points after 2011, then China. Rhode will embark on a historic journey towards her fifth consecu- The next World Cham- tive (individual) Olympic medal—a feat for the record books. With pionship successes also talent like that in the American Women’s Skeet program, it should came in the form of teenage athletes: the Junior Women’s 50m Rifle Prone event. Though a non-Olympic competi- tion, red, white, and blue athletes watched two flags fly- ing beyond the podium. Sharon Barazani and Sarah Beard have never competed in an international match, but inexperience didn’t stop them from dreams of gold and silver. Barazani fired sixty The USA’s Matt Emmons was the first American athlete to claim a quota shots for 596 points and Beard was spot for any American Olympic sport with his bronze medal only one point behind at 595 points. finish in Men’s 50m Rifle Prone. In team competition, the team (with the addition of Amanda Furrer) techni- cally broke the world record, but came in fourth. Yet the combined scores on the day of individual competition would have dismantled the world record set one day prior, but their in- dividual scores do not count for team competition. Other women also achieving success in a non-Olympic way were the trio of Sandy Fong, Reya Kempley, and Rhonda Bright in Women’s 300m Rifle 3 Posi- tion. These talented markswomen finished with 1723 total points for the team silver medal in one of the Jake Turner, an Olympic Training Complex Resident Athlete, shot in his first world’s premier rifle events. international final ever at the World Championships. Finally, Sergeant Vincent Han- cock, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist come as no surprise that the team (Rhode, Dunn, and English) in Men’s Skeet, looked to defend his brought home the gold medal. name and prove his talent. Hancock Even though Women’s Skeet is in good hands, the juniors wanted scored one medal on the World Cup to abolish any doubts with a team gold medal and an individual silver circuit this year andwas ready to face the medal by Jaiden Grinnell. This feisty trio brought their American best of the best. With a qualifying score spirit—in the form of red, white, and blue cheerleading pom-poms— of 123/125 targets, Hancock was tied with to the podium along with award-winning smiles and charm. Grin- four other shooters in the final. In a field nell broke two targets to Yue Zhang’s (China) one target for the silver separated by only one target, the competi- medal in a shoot-off. “We promised Bret [Erickson] a gold medal tion was fierce—missing a target would and we are happy to have followed through,” said Grinnell of the severly damage any hopes for a medal. Un- Junior Women’s Skeet Team’s performance. With the guts of Caitlin fortunately, Hancock dropped a high house Joshua Richmond Men’s Double Trap World Champion target on the second pair on station four, leaving him to battle with Anders Golding of Denmark for fifth and sixth place in a sudden-death shoot-off. Even though medals were not on the line, the fifth place finished would bring home a quota slot to his federation. Hancock stayed straight for eight tar- gets and breathed a sigh of relief as Golding missed a bird. “A medal would have been icing on the cake, but we really wanted the quota spot and Vincent stayed strong to accomplish that goal,” said National Coach Bret Erickson. him to battle with Anders Golding of Denmark for fifth and sixth place in a sudden-death shoot-off. Even though medals were not on the line, the fifth place finished would bring home a quota slot to his federation. Hancock stayed straight for eight targets and breathed a sigh of relief as Golding missed a bird. “A medal would have been icing on the cake, but we really wanted the The dangerously skilled Men’s Double Trap trio of (L to R) quota spot and Vincent stayed strong to accomplish that goal,” said Jeffery Holguin, Josh Richmond, and Billy Crawford, brought National Coach Bret Erickson. home a gold medal and new world record. A solid gold performance came shortly before Hancock’s quota
The effervescent Junior Women’s Skeet team that stole the hearts of the The Junior Women’s Trap team, victorious in Munich with a team gold international press with winning smiles and cheerleader pom-poms, medal. (L to R): Ashley Carroll, Miranda Wilder, and Rachael Heiden. celebrate their team gold medal. (L to R) Jaiden Grinnell, Caitlin Connor, and Brandy Drozd. win by junior Jon Michael McGrath who stole the show in Men’s Junior Skeet. McGrath shot for 123/125 targets for an individual gold medal and dropped only one target in his second day of competi- tion. His performance, along with that of BJ Blanchard and TJ Bayer, helped propel Junior Men’s Skeet to a team silver medal. Beyond the stellar performances by several Open division shoot- ers, the juniors stole the stage. With a haul of seven junior team medals and seven junior individual medals, it is safe to say that the future for shooting sports in the USA is in good hands . . . and trigger fingers. Though not often regarded as our front-line Olympic medal contenders, USA Shooting is proud of its talented young athletes. Facing the toughest competition in the world, our young men and women performed with dignity, calm, and accuracy. With more than 2,300 shooters competing, USA Shooting’s World Championship Team (not including juniors or non-Olympic events) managed a total of three individual medals, five Olympic quota places, six team med- Meghann Morrill’s outstanding 398 points qualified for an opportunity to als, and 12 finals appearances. Far exceeding their performance shoot in the finals. at the 2006 World Shooting Championships, the US Shooting Team faced the best of the best and staked their claim to prominence on the world stage. ■ Katie McGinty
20 USA Shooting News Paralympic Championships
he USA Shooting (USAS) boasts more than just a successful Olympic shooting program—USAS is also home to a strong Paralympic contingent. Meet Danielle Fong, Sergeant First Class Josh Olson, Eric Hollen, and Mike Dickey: the four athletes representing the USA at this year’s International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Shooting Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. Though the USA didn’t bring home any medals this year, the event served as a tremendous learning experience for these 2012 hopefuls. A surprising twist occurred during the closing ceremonies, when the USA’s Hollen was T presented the Fair Play Award for the exceptional sportsmanship he demonstrated during his Free Pistol Match (P4). Hollen accidently fired a shot just above his target while working on early trigger pressure during the approach. He immediately notified the Range Officer to report the miss since no one else saw it. This occurred twice as he struggled with his trigger throughout the match. While the misses cost him a twenty point deduction, Hollen said, “I knew it was the right thing to do.” His sportsmanship and integrity impressed the match staff. Bob Foth, National Paralympic Coach, said, “Eric was able to garner tremendous re- spect that spills over and reflects well on all of us—our country, team, and organization.” In Women’s Air Rifle Standing (R2), Danielle Fong, sister of standouts Sandy and Abby Fong, fired 384/400, one point below her personal record to finish 13th. However, her best performance occurred in the 50m Rifle Prone Mixed (R6) event. Both Fong and Olson Danielle Fong, a 2012 Paralympic hopeful, (also competing), earned the opportunity to shoot in the final. Olson’s performance was par steadies her rifle and fires her way into the finals. ticularly noteworthy as he was situated on a windy end of the range. No other competitor within ten firing points of Olson qualified for the final, including the Air Rifle Prone SH1 gold medalist shooting right beside him. Seeded third (Fong) and sixth (Olson), the American paralympians both shot very disci- plined and smart matches. Fong finished in fifth place with 688 total points for a new personal record, and Olson was just behind her in sixth with 687.9 points. Finally, Mike Dickey finished 54th in the Air Rifle Prone SH1 Mixed event (R3) with a score of 591 points. Prior to the IPC World Shooting Championships, Mike was experimenting with a new shooting table for his wheelchair. Unfortunately, the table he used in Zagreb wasn’t as sturdy as he had hoped. He has since met with Larry Miller at Vertec Precision Machining to construct the perfect table. The IPC World Shooting Championships was a terrific oppor- tunity for our American Paralympians to gain invaluable experie- ence and affirm their commitment to shooting in 2012. The match provided Hollen, Dickey, Fong, and Olson the knowledge necessary to successfully move forward with their training, competition, and shooting careers. With the exception of the Paralympic Games, the IPC World Shooting Championships was the biggest match of the quadrennial, and certainly one of the biggest competitions for the L to R: Josh Olson (behind), Eric Hollen, Danielle Fong, and Mike Dickey representing the United States of America at the International Paralympic majority of the USA’s paralympians. Watch for more news as your Committee World Shooting Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. American athletes continue on the path to Paralympic success. ■ Bob Foth, National Paralympic Coach; Photos Courtesy of Yuman Fong
www.usashooting.org 21
Vincent Hancock 2010 National Championships
he weather in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was typically hot and variable for the 2010 USA Shooting National Champion- ships for Shotgun. Thunderstorms moved in almost every afternoon, threatening competitors, audience, and staff with heavy rain and lightning. Despite the soaring temperatures and rain, spirits and scores alike were high. Close to 300 athletes scattered Tacross the shotgun range throughout the 12 days of Nationals; 156 for Trap, 90 for Skeet and 33 for Double Trap. Olympic Training Complex (OTC) Resident Athletes medaled in almost every event, a stellar showing for the 2012 Olympic hopefuls, while the juniors lived up to expectations by posting some excellent scores. The overall performance by all athletes showed the skill and potential of a majority of the competitors, making for some challenging finals and exciting wins. Sergeant Vincent Hancock of the United States Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), dominated Men’s Skeet emerging with a 274/275. His Your new Women’s Trap national champion, Rachael Heiden. One near perfect score was one of the highlights of Shotgun Nationals, yet not short week later, Heiden also claimed the title of National Junior a surprise performance from the 2008 Olympian. He was followed closely Olympic Shooting Champion in Junior Women’s Trap. by Jon Michael McGrath, an up and coming junior shooter and recent addition to the roster of OTC Resident Athletes. McGrath edged out TJ Bayer by one target for a total score of 269 targets. BJ Blanchard, also from the OTC, joined McGrath and Bayer in the lineup of medalists for Junior Men’s Skeet. Blanchard shot a 266 for second place with McGrath taking first and TJ Bayer coming in at third. The USAMU brought successful shooters to the scene in double trap as Sergeant Glenn Eller took home the gold with a total of 336 targets and teammate Staff Sergeant Josh Richmond came in second after shooting a total score of 333 targets. SSG Richmond recently claimed an individual and team gold in Men’s Double Trap at the Acapulco World Cup this year and is on his way to following in the footsteps of SGT Eller, 2008 Olympic gold medalist. Joining the USAMU men on the podium, Derek Halde- man shot for a total of 328 targets, distinguishing himself even further as the Junior Men’s Double Trap Champion with a score of 327 targets. Ian Rupert and Billy Crawford, both members of a successful World Cham- pionship Team, also medaled in Men’s Double Trap shooting 319 and 317 Sergeant Glenn Eller of the US Army Marksmanship Unit, shoots his targets. way to the Men’s Double Trap national championship title.
www.usashooting.org 23 Men’s Trap and Junior Men’s Trap were dominated by OTC Resident Athletes. John Mullins took a six target lead, ending with a total of 266 targets and gaining the title of Men’s Trap Champion. His teammates, Jacob Turner and Colin Wietfeldt, were a close second and third place, shooting 260 and 259 targets. Wietfeldt also medaled in Junior Men’s Trap, taking home the gold medal with a score of 260 targets against Garrett Walters and TJ Bayer’s respective 256 and 254 targets to fill out the podium. The OTC women were not far behind their male counterparts. Rachel Heiden came up with a total score of 253 targets to become the 2010 Women’s Trap Champion. Teammate and 2008 Olympian, Corey Cogdell, continued the OTC trend with a score of 249 for third, while
Caitlin Connor, Kim Rhode, and Jaiden Grinnell top the podium as the Former national champion, John Mullins, takes aim at his second Women’s Skeet medalists. consecutive Men’s Trap national championship title.
Members of the 2010 World Shooting Championship Team take the podium The Junior Men’s Trap podium featured World Championship team members during the Skeet portion of the USAS National Shooting Championships. (L (L to R) Ian Rupert, Derek Haldeman, and Billy Crawford. to R) Brandy Drozd, BJ Blanchard, Jon Michael McGrath, Sergeant Vincent Hancock, TJ Bayer, Caitlin Connor, Jaiden Grinnell, and Kim Rhode. second place was captured by Kelsey Zauhar who won the spot just ahead of Cogdell with a score of 250. The focus of this particular match was definitely on Heiden, given her particularly impressive accomplishment of winning an Open event while still a junior. However, this suc- cess is not unexpected coming from the young woman who was also the 2010 Junior Olympic Women’s Trap gold medalist. The f title o Women’s Skeet Champion went to Kim Rhode, who continues to surpass all expectations and deliver impressive scores. Already a four-time Olympic medalist, Rhode shot for a score of 267 targets at the 2010 Nationals. She came out ahead of Caitlin Connor (OTC), who also gave an impressive showing by medaling in both Women’s Skeet and Junior Women’s Skeet. Connor placed second in the Open division with a total score of 262 targets and came in first place as Junior with a similar score of 261 targets. Teammate, Jaiden Grinnell (OTC) closely followed Connor in both divisions, claiming third in Women’s Skeet and second in Junior Women’s Skeet. Her score of 259 targets in Junior Women’s Skeet was 16 ahead of bronze medalist, Morgan Craft (Hughesville, Pennsylvania), a J2 competitor. USA Shooting’s 2010 National Championships for Shotgun was a successful event that crowned several new National Champions and tallied impressive scores. ■ Calah Duryea 24 USA Shooting News Performance Reports Sergeant Joshua Richmond, a double trap shooter, and Ser- geant First Class Terri DeWitt, a woman’s trap shooter, will serves a the Shotgun Primary Athlete Representative and Al- ternate Athlete Representative, respectively. Sgt. Richmond and Sgt.t 1s Class Dewitt, both from the US Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), were elected by competitors in the 2010 USA Shooting National Championships. Their term of service is four years, beginning with the USA Shooting Board of Direc- tors meeting in October. Those athletes, along with the Athlete Advisory Committee Representative, Connie Smotek, provide a voice for the athletes and play an active role in USAS Board functions, subcommittees, and actions. --USA Shooting mem- bers who wish to contact Sgt. Richmond may call him at 706- 570-7455,r o email him at [email protected] or Sgt. 1st Class DeWitt by calling 706-545-1152 or emailing theresa.dewitt@ usaac.army.mil. (July 15, 2010)
At the National Junior Olympic Championships (NJOSC) Ian Rupert smoked the competition in the Men’s Double Trap final. Rupert finished with 175 targets--exactly four targets above sil- ver medalist Garrett Walters. Walters finished at 171 targets. The bronze medalist, David Radulovich, shot a strong 44 target final to finisht a 170 targets. In the Women’s event, Rachael Heiden (pic- tured above, center), who just won the National Championships title for Women’s Open Trap, conquered the NJOSC event as well. Heiden walked into the final with a four target lead (113 birds) and shot a solid 23-target final. The silver medalist was Kayle Browning at 131 total targets. Browning and bronze medalist Stephanie Mar- tinago both entered the final with 109 targets, but Browning broke aheads a Martinago shot a 19 target final. The Men’s NJOSC Trap Champion was Garrett Walters, who shot for 142 targets. Silver medalist Jacob Gogno shot a 20-target final. The bronze medalist was Jake Wallace with 137 total targets. In Men’s Skeet the gold medalists wa Jon Michael McGrath, who shot up from fourth place with a perfect 25 X 25 in the final round. Phillip Jungman took second and William Brazell became the bronze medalist. In Women’s Skeet, Caitlin Connor, the gold medalist, finished at 144 targets and Jaiden Grinnell, the silver medalist, scored 139 targets.e Th bronze medalist was Morgan Craft at 136 targets. For all categories, visit the press releases. (July 10, 2010/July 21, 2010/July 23, 2010)
At F the ISS World Cup in Belgrade, Serbia, Matt Emmons knocked out an outstanding 1278.4 total points for a gold med- al in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Position. SFC Daryl Szarenski finished fourth in Men’s 10m Air Pistol, just 1.3 points shy of the bronze medalist. Szarenski, finished with 683.5 total points and then tookh 10t in Men’s 50m Pistol. His teammate, Brian Beaman also qualified for the finals with 583 match points and shot a strong 99.8 point final. Also competing in a final was USA’s Jamie Beyer- le, who finished fifth in Women’s 10m Air Rifle. Beyerle stayed in the top ten finishing 7th in Women’s Three Position with a score of 677.9. (Rank) Michael McPhail took home the gold in Men’s 50m Prone with a score of 702.8 and teammate, Matt Emmons, came in 4th shooting 701.4. (June 30, 2010/July 2, 2010)
For full press releases on all USAS Bulletin and Performance Reports, please visit www.usashooting.org.
www.usashooting.org 25
July: Matt Emmons
Matt Emmons—A name that evokes thoughts of Olympic medals, national records, and American glory. Not only is he regarded as one of the top rifle shooters in the world, but Emmons (Grand Rapids, MN) is also an active member of the shooting community. In the past three World Cups—the only three that he attended—he tallied four medals. Moreover, three of his medals were in the Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Position event, not a bad average for the top-ranked 50m 3 Position shooter in the world. Emmons also finished 10th (Sydney) and 12th (USA) in Men’s 10m Air Rifle competition, proving his versatility as an athlete. His other World Cup medal was a bronze from World Cup USA in Men’s 50m Rifle Prone. Matt also recently finished fourth in Men’s 50m Rifle Prone in Belgrade. Emmons is a world-class competitor and sportsman. His outstanding performances, history in the sport, and affability earned a nod from the International Shooting Sports Federation as they appointed him the Athlete Role Model for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Emmons will serve as the lone shooting representative to provide encouragement and guidance to young athletes. When notified of his Athlete of the Month award, Emmons, a team-player, said, “I’m honored--the team is shooting great, we are ready for World Champion- ships!” The game is on and the gauntlet has been thrown down—Emmons is looking to go four for four in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Position at the World Championships in Munich, Germany in August, and the USA will be cheering him on. USA Shooting would like to con- gratulate Matt Emmons on his terrific performance and involvement in the shooting sports, and on his being named the USA Shooting Athlete of the month for July! ATHLETE OF THE MONTH August: Rachael Heiden
Rachael Heiden may not be able to rent a car without hefty fees, yet she is one of the most talented female trap athletes in the USA. National Coach Bret Erickson was singing her praises as he said, “I’m proud of the hard work she puts in her training, it is reflective of her success on the line. She has vaulted herself into a position to be a top contender for the 2012 games [for Women’s Trap].” In July, Heiden (Clinton, Mich.) not only won the title of National Champion in Women’s Trap, but one week later also asserted her dominance on the Junior field as well. Heiden nailed 253 targets in USA Shooting’s National Championships, leading the competition by three tar- gets. In the National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships, Heiden’s steady aim created a five target gap; she finished with 136 total targets. Moreover, a few days ago, Heiden’s strong shooting helped the Junior Women’s Trap team to a team gold medal. In individual competition, Heiden crushed China’s Zhu Jingyu with just one target in a shoot-off for the bronze medal. Not only is this talented athlete an outstanding shooter, but Heiden is also involved in the shooting community. At this year’s NRA Show, she served as an “NRA Ambassador,” helping to promote shooting sports to youth across America. For a shooter that moved from Michigan to Texas to take advantage of daily training, Heiden certainly has the hardware to show for the sacrifices she has made on her path to success. Her commitment to furthering the sport of shooting via youth education and outstanding performance on the field make Rachael Heiden the clear choice for USA Shooting’s August Athlete of the Month. Congratulations Rachael! Test Your USA Shooting Knowledge
1. Though there are many differences between American and 3. Which non-Olympic events were contested at the International Trap, what is the difference in the angle of the World Shooting Championships? targets each side of center? a. Men’s 300m Standard Rifle a. American-20 degrees; International-30 degrees b. Junior Women’s 50m Rifle Prone b. American-17.5 degrees; International-45 degrees c. Men’s 50m Running Target c. American-19 degrees; International-45 degrees d. All of the Above d. American-20 degrees; International-30 degrees 4. During which years was shooting omitted from the 2. Which shooting Paralympian also has an Olympian sister? Olympic Games? Hint: Pick two! a. Mike Dickey b. Danielle Fong a. 1904 b. 1908 c. Eric Hollen d. Josh Olson c. 1932 d. 1928
5. The USA Shooting Team women are very successful across the disciplines, yet in which discipline and event have they yet to win an Olympic medal? a. Women’s 25m Sport Pistol b. Women’s Trap c. Women’s 50m 3 Position Rifle d. Women’s 10m Air Pistol
6. What is the time limit for the prone series during Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Position? a. 45 minutes b. 60 minutes c. 30 minutes d. 75 minutes
7. Who was the last woman to win an Olympic medal in Women’s 25m (Sport) Pistol? 9. When was the US Army Marksmanship Unit established? a. Ruby Fox b. Gail Liberty a. 1950 b. 1944 c. Kim Dyer d. Sandra Uptagrafft c. 1956 d. 1968
8. What were the only two Olympic shooting events held in 10. How many open individual gold medals did the USA the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Calif.? Shooting Team win at this year’s World Shooting a. Men’s 50m Rifle Prone Championships? b. Men’s 50m Free Pistol a. Four b. Three c. Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol c. Six d. Two d. Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Position
Answers are on page 33 28 USA Shooting News On The Complex / Director Operations Marketing Competitions World Championship Assessment The 50th World Shooting Championships were, with no dissenting Pistol, and Women’s 10m Air Rifle. Outcomes became more positive opinions, the best ever! The Deutcher Schützenbund (German Sport with Matt Emmons winning the bronze medal and an Olympic quota Shooting Federation) did an outstanding job in planning, organizing place in Men’s 50m Rifle Prone, and Jamie Beyerle, in spite of a back and executing the largest Olympic-style shooting competition to date. strain, qualified for the final in Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Position and Over 2,300 athletes competed in 4,000 event entries representing won a quota place. 103 countries. It was an enormous undertaking to coordinate hotels, Josh Richmond then took command in Men’s Double Trap win- volunteer support, transportation, training, and competition. ning the gold medal and quota place while equaling the world record, The Hochbrück Olympic Shooting Range served an ideal site with with teammate Jeff Holguin finishing fourth. Those performances all ranges within a short walk of one another. Although the site of the were followed by Kim Rhode earning her first World Shooting 1972 Olympic Games, the continual modernization of the range com- Championship title in Women’s Skeet, and concluding with Vinny plex provided an excellent environment with electronic targets, five Hancock’s fifth place finish and quota place in Men’s Skeet. When new shotgun fields, a finals hall, and an award ceremony pavilion. the shooting concluded the U.S. Team won three individual medals The U.S. Team was the largest ever to attend an ISSF competition in Olympic events, secured five Olympic quota places, and placed 12 with over 100 athletes, coaches, and staff. Bob Aylward, Executive shooters in finals competitions. Officer for the US Army Marksmanship Unit, did an excellent job Our Team members also made names for themselves in event coordinating all travel, entries, housing, and pre-championship train- team competition—which is conducted only at the World Champi- ing. As a testament to our strong teamwork, every Team member onships—by winning championship titles in Women’s 50m Rifle 3 reportedo t the appropriate place on time in the proscribed dress with Position, Men’s Double Trap, Women’s Skeet, and repeating for the no errors or omissions—quite a feat with the large number of athletes second consecutive World Shooting Championship in Men’s 50m who had not previously attended such an event. I am proud to report Rifle Prone. Equally impressive was the performance of our junior that our Team—your Team—looked great in their new uniforms, shooters with Jon Michael McGrath, Miranda Wilder, and Sharon represented the United States honorably and performed well on the Barazani winning Junior World Championships in Skeet, Trap, and ranges. 50m Rifle Prone respectively. There were many more excellent per- Much World Shooting Championship information is reported formances in both the Open and Junior individual and team events in this edition of USA Shooting News detailing athletes, events, and that demonstrate our Team’s ability and confirm our future potential, results, but I would like to provide additional insight. We had very which is most exciting. high outcome expectations going into this World Championship with Although our National Coaches are recognized for an excellent the goal to win seven individual medals in Olympic events. While job in preparing our athletes for competition, much credit for the somewhat of a stretch considering we won only one medal at the success of our shooters is due to the coaches and clubs where these 2006 World Shooting Championships in Zagreb in 2006, the objec- athletes learn the skills of competitive shooting and train on a regular tives were realistic considering our strong World Cup results in both basis. 2009 and 2010. However, there were disappointments and, as was the All of the USA Shooting family can take immense pride in the case in Munich, there were pleasant surprises as well. We did start results of our USA Shooting Team at the 50th World Shooting Cham- slower than expected missing the finals in Women’s Trap, and then pionships, and we sincerely thank you for your involvement and making finals but not medaling in Men’s Air Rifle, Men’s 50m Free support! ■ Bob Mitchell
www.usashooting.org 29 On The Complex / Director Operations Marketing Competitions Snapshots from a Fist Pumper
The camera never lies—or so the saying goes. Yet my digital ished quota slot. No one in the world is tougher in a shoot-off than camera only captured part of the truth—or truths—evident at the Vincent, and he just rolled those targets . . . I have the pink puffs 50th World Shooting Championship, where your US Team members of smoke in the picture to prove it. But what did the camera miss? poured their souls into every shot. The camera couldn’t capture Vincent’s real strength is his high standard of excellence every time Miranda Wilder’s elation as she claimed her World Championship he steps on the field—practice or World Championships. Vincent’s title in Junior Women’s Trap. Nor could it grasp the mix of emotions secret is this: He not only impresses us with his high scores (and he in Jake Turner as he charged into the final in Men’s Trap—his first has plenty), but he also impresses us with a “low” score, which in this in a major competition. But the camera did one thing unerringly: it case, was a mere 147 X 150. Excellence. focused. For Kim Rhode, the camera couldn’t catch one of her best quali- So in the spirit of the snapshot—with as much focus as I can pro- ties: Her willingness to work. She is, by far, the hardest worker on vide in a few words—I’ll share with you some of the indelible images the Team (see “W.O.R.K.” in the Mar/Apr 2010 issue). Five or six and corresponding lessons from the grandest match in the history of days a week she marches out to one of three ranges near her home International shooting. and then pounds out 400 – 1000 rounds a day. Eight in the morning First image: Matt Emmons. He is a clear threat to win a medal in to 2:00 PM, Kim Rhode will be knocking out targets like an eager three events every time he checks into a match. He’ll compete in his beginner. It’s what she does, it’s who she is, and it’s why she’s great. third Olympic Games in 2012, no doubt, and he’ll be the man to beat. Both a noun and a verb, “work” for Kim is her life in training so that In Men’s 3-Position Rifle, the camera caught the surprise in his face in the biggest match in history she can do what she expects of herself: as he inadvertently triggered an errant shot at the start of his kneel- Perform and win. The camera did catch one sparkling image: Kim ing series. Ten points lost, potential medal lost, Olympic quota place on the victory stand with both hands raised in an exalted posture of lost, and clearly, an opportunity lost. But we can all gain a sense ebullience. She deserved it. She worked. of something that Matt has in abundance: Persistence. Shot after My favorite image? It’s the one you see on the cover of this issue— shot, match after match, Matt continues to plug away, taking the bad Brandy Drodz, Caitlin Connor, and Jaiden Grinnell claiming their with the good, and it’s mostly good. Before he cases his rifle for the gold medal for the Junior Women’s Skeet event. Embodied in that last time, I predict he’ll double or triple the two Olympic medals he picture are lots of crystalline concepts, including the pride of shoot- already owns. Persistence. ing for the USA, bonding with supportive teammates, celebrating a Jamie Beyerle is persistent, we know, but also determined. She hard-fought victory, and reveling in an unforgettable moment in an was determined to grab that Olympic quota place in Women’s 3-Posi- unfathomable event. And the camera caught the best feature of all, tion Rifle, and although she was sitting in eighth place with one shot the one we all shared as our athletes did us proud: Joy. remaining in the final, she did what any determined athlete would ■ Bill Roy do: Shoot a 10.7 on that tenth shot to jump up to fifth place and grab that quota place. What image did the camera grab? Nothing! I was so busy jumping and yelling and fist- pumping that I forgot to snap the moment. For me, not so much, but for Jamie, plenty: Determination. I was determined to get a good pic in the Double Trap final, where Josh Richmond absolutely would NOT lets hi golden moment slip away. He led the match from start to finish, and he finished in spectacular fashion, smashing all 50 targets to equal a word record in the finals and win the medal and the quota going away. The picture? Not so great. A driving rain fogged the lens but only intensified Josh’s best quality: Desire. No one in the world wanted that victory more than he. Desire. How badly did Vincent Hancock, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist in Men’s Skeet, want to win a medal and a quota? Well, he always wants to win, comes ready to shoot every time, and never tolerates missing a target. And yet miss he did—three times in one day—and found himself tangled in a shoot-off with Anders Golding from Denmark for fifth place and that cher-
30 USA Shooting News On The Complex / Director Operations Marketing Competitions Shooting Industry Masters
Members of the USA Shooting Team recently trav- eled to Grand Island, Neb., to participate in the 8th Annual Shooting Industry Masters and 19th Annual Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Awards hosted by FMG Publications. This year’s Shooting Industry Masters event, conducted at Grand Island’s Heartland Public Shooting Park, 23 – 24 July, featured a record number of industry teams with 270 shooters competing for individual and team bragging rights in professional and industry classes.
In conjunction with the Masters event, the Shoot- ing Industry Academy of Excellence held its annual banquet to recognize the shooting industry’s best by awarding the 2010 Academy of Excellence Awards to 14 winners that emerged from a class of 114 product entries and 41 service award nominees. FMG Pub- lications, an Official Sponsor of USA Shooting, held a fundraiser during the event that raised a record $32,000 to benefit the NSSF’s First Shots Program in 2008 Olympic Men’s Double Trap gold medalist Glenn Eller shooting with Team Timney addition to $7,000 raised to support the USA Shoot- Triggers at the Shooting Industry Masters. ing Team. Congratulations to all of the Masters and Academyf o Excellence winners and “Thank You” to FMG Publications for your support of the USA Shooting Team! For more information on the Shooting Industry Masters and Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence please visit www.shootingindustry.com. ■ Corrie West
Meet Calah Duryea, the New Coaches’ Administrative Assistant/Team Manager
Calah Duryea comes to USA Shooting as a recent Colorado resident. Moving from Florida in the late fall of 2009, Calah works as an administrative assistant to both the coaches and USAS staff. Her primary responsibilities include booking flights for athletes and coaches, assisting with paperwork for entries in various competitions, and general office projects. Despite the short time she has been here, Calah has already had the opportunity to assist with some of the recent competitions in Belgrade and Munich, as well as issuing team uniforms to the over 90 competitors and staff that went to the World Championship. In early June, she trav- eled to Fort Benning, Georgia to observe and assist with Rifle/Pistol Nationals. Regarding this trip Calah said, “I felt that I learned so much simply observing the different competitors and matches. The experience was invaluable and I’m very grateful that I was given the opportunity to gain some hands on experience with USAS at a competition. I have learned a great deal both about USAS and the sport of shooting.” A 2008 graduate of Hillsdale College in Michigan, Calah is looking forward to utilizing her talents gleaned as an English major. She believes that the ability to communicate effectively both orally and through writing is an important asset in any field but particularly in her role as administrative and coaches’ assistant. Calah believes that her new position with USAS suits her skills admirably as she really enjoys working and interacting with the coaches, staff and members. When she isn’t booking plane tickets, Calah enjoys long walks, a good book, a love of baking that she inherited from her Mother, and watching baseball games, particularly the Tampa Bay Rays. Calah also likes visiting her family in Florida and spending time with her four younger siblings. She is excited to continue learning about the sport of shooting and happy to assist anyone who has questions about USAS. Calah can be reached at 719-866-4883 and [email protected]
www.usashooting.org 31 On The Complex / Director Operations Marketing Competitions Rapid Changes
The competition season has come and on the rules of the rapids during the 20 minute later, but Joe struggled to break the surface. gone here at USA Shooting. There are just bus ride up to the drop off point and patrons are “I felt the pop in my leg sometime soon a few matches remaining on the calendar tested on their abilities as soon as the raft enters after falling overboard, but the adrenaline and the Competitions office is finally get- the water. Emphasis is always placed on work- worked well as a painkiller. Every time I ting a chance to wrap up loose ends from ing as a team while on the river. swam to the surface the raft was above me. an intense 2010 season. It is also the time The boys enjoyed a great day on the rapids, I’m not sure how long I had been under when we are able to reflect on the excellent and nearing the end the boat approached a water exactly. After a while I was on the accomplishments of our athletes, the laugh- section of the river called “sledgehammer” and edge of blacking out,” Joe recalls. Above ter and fun we had with our fantastic group because the boys displayed great teamwork the water, the boys were panicked by Joe’s of volunteers, and recount all of our memo- and skill, the guide led them down the more disappearance; TJ contemplated jumping ries from the last six months of events. challenging portion of the rapids. The boys back in to save a good friend. The seconds A group of young skeet passed like hours as the time shooters really touched my keeps ticking and Joe has yet heart this year when I heard to surface. The guide suggests about their adventures in jumping on the raft in an effort Colorado. Brothers, Joe and to pop Joe from the spot where Roy Chavelitlekha, Trey Bu- he remained trapped under the retz, TJ Bayer and and Coulter raft. Moments later Joe surfaces and Granger DeWitt (also and is tugged onto the boat. The brothers) decided to take a boat and the boys float to safety break from training between to where Joe is rushed off to the the USA Shooting National hospital. Championships and the Junior Just a few days later, Joe is Olympics (both held in Colo- out at the shotgun range with rado Springs) to raft down the cast and crutches after suffering Arkansas River near Cañon a spiral fracture in his leg that City, Colorado. For some of required surgery. He is there to the boys it was their first white cheer on his brother Roy and water rafting trip, and like all friends TJ, Coulter, Granger teenage boys who enjoy the and Trey, excited to see them outdoors, they were pumped complete in the National Junior for a cool new adventure. Olympics. His spirit is most The raft guide tested the boys Survivors of an epic rafting adventure (L to R): Granger DeWitt, Joe Chave- inspiring and uplifting as he re- through the first few miles litlekha, Trey Buretz, TJ Bayer, Coulter DeWitt, and Ray Chavelitlekha. counts the events of the adven- of the river hea ding into the ture down the Arkansas River. It rapids to assess their abilities. With six were laughing and excited by the thrill of the was a trip they will never forget and share fit, confident teenage guys, the guide was journey down the river. As the nose of the boat for a lifetime. Joe even thinks they might excited this run would be fun and the boys ripped into the rapid, the impact was too strong, even have a rematch with “sledgehammer” would be able to engage in more challeng- throwing three of the boys overboard. TJ Bayer sometime down the road. But for right ing sections of the river. was the first to recover, hitting a rock, but able now they are all just happy to be able to White water rafting is full-on adrenaline to grab a hold of the boat and climb back in. share the memories, friendships and the “As the nose of the boat ripped into the rapid, the impact was too strong, throwing three of the boys overboard.” rush from start to finish and a must-do for Coulter DeWitt and Joe Chavelitlekha were still sport of skeet. Undoubtedly, 2011 will bring any thrill-seeker who visits Colorado. The in the water, trying to reach the surface and find more adventures and “rapid” change for guides are well-trained and very familiar the boat amongst the intense pressure of the competitors and the Competitions depart- with the stretch of river they raft daily. rushing water over the rocky terrain. The boys ment alike! Safety is first priority and rafters are briefed are able to lift Coulter into the boat moments ■ Lindsay Brooke
32 USA Shooting News Test Your USAS Knowledge: ANSWERS
*Retractions: In the previous issue, question seven asked “Who was the last American to win a medal in Men’s Trap.” While the answer was listeds a Glenn Eller, gold in the 2008 games in Men’s Double Trap, the correct answer was Josh Lakatos (silver) and Lance Bade (bronze) in the 1996 Olympic Games. In addition, question nine asked “Who was the first US Paralympian to win a Paralympic Shooting Medal.” Though Dan Jordan (2004 silver Men’s 3 Position Rifle) is a correct answer, clarification is necessary. Roger Withrow won a gold medal in the 1984 New York/ Stoke Mandeville Paralympic Games in Men’s 10m Air Rifle, which were formerly a separate entity called the Wheelchair Games.
1. (b) American trap - 17.5 degrees and International trap- 45 degrees; the two events vary greatly in the angles at which targets are thrown. 2. (b) Danielle Fong shares an Olympic sibling—Sandy Fong, a member of the 2008 Olympic team for Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Position. 3. (d) All of the above. In addition to the 15 Olympic events contested, the ISSF also hosted junior events and several 300m, running target, and non-Olympic pistol events. 4. (a) and (d), In 1904 and 1928 shooting events were removed from the Olympic Games due to controversies and amateur rules. 5. (d) Americans have yet to win an Olympic medal in Women’s 10m Air Pistol. 6. (a) Men’s 50m 3 Position rifle consists of 120 shots- 40 each in prone, kneeling, and standing. In prone, athletes have 45 minutes to fire all shots, 60 minutes for the standing series, and 75 minutes for kneeling. 7. (a) - Ruby Fox won the silver medal in Women’s 25m Sport Pistol at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Calif. 8. (a) and (c) - After a hiatus from shooting sports in the 1928 Olympics, the 1932 Games resulted in amateur rules that were strictly interpreted, thus resulting in the prevention of many top shooters from competing. 9. (c) - The USAMU was established in 1956 under the direction of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 10. (d) - The USA won two individual gold medals in the Open category at the World Shooting Championships. The third medal was won by Matt Emmons—a bronze medal in Men’s 50m Rifle Prone.
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www.usashooting.org 33 Volunteer Program Redux
For volunteer driven organizations, it is essential to have a volunteer program that is not only inviting, but also provides adequate and up- dated information. USA Shooting is in the process of updating its volunteer program to better serve the needs of its volunteers in regard to in- formation and education. Such areas of renovation include: instructional manuals for range officers, rule clarifications to ensure consistency, and a regional mentor training program to assist in the familiarization and education of rookie volunteers at both the club and national levels. Wanda Jewell, longtime USAS volunteer, will coordinate this effort by contacting experienced range personnel and judges for information and input in the redesign. Any assistance and input will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Wanda at [email protected].
Director Election The Nominating Committee is seeking qualified candidates to serve on the USA Shooting Board of Directors for three seats that are up for election this fall. Two At-Large positions as well as the fundraising seat will be elected by the Board at the October 23rd meeting with the new directors seated at the spring meeting and serving a four-year term. The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates who will measurably add to the breadth and scope of the Board and whose skills, abilities and potential value are not already adequately represented. Candidates for the fundraising position should have a proven track record of fund raising experience, with emphasis on non-profit organizations. Nominations should include a personal statement and biography outlining qualifications. Nominations can be sent to Dr. James Lally, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, via postal service to; Chino Valley Medical Center, 5451 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710-2609; via e-mail to [email protected] and by fax at 909-464-8882.
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