Volume 16, Number 7 • May/June 2008 The Official Publication of Olympic Shooting Sports

TableofContents Volume 16, Number 7 • May/June 2008 Editor’s Corner: 2006 USA Shooting Athletes of the Year ...... 5. Director’s Column: Board of Directors Actions ...... 6. Operation Know How: A Letter to Athletes, Members, Donors, Supporters and Friends of Inside the Blue: USA Shooting ...... 7. On Target: The Balancing Act Inside USA Shooting on the Outdoor Channel ...... 8. 11 AMU Corner: Key Matches ...... 10. Inside the Blue: The Balancing Act ...... 11. Competitions Corner: 2008 Junior Olympic Shotgun 2008 U.S. Olympic Season Is Upon Us! ...... 13. Team Trials for Youth Programs/Coach The Latest in Youth Programs and Shooting (Airgun) Coach Development ...... 14 20 Coaches’ Corner: Routines, Rituals and Performing Under Pressure ...... 15. OnTheFiringLine: Asleep On The Trigger ...... 18. Feature Article: 2008 U.S. Olympic 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Shooting (Airgun) ...... 20. Team Trials for Feature Article: Shooting (Shotgun) 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Shooting (Shotgun) ...... 24. 24 Recent News & Events ...... 29. World Cup Update: Morgan Hicks Claims Gold at World Cup Rio ...... 30. Around the Range: About Pellet Numbers and About Pellet Numbers Pellet Testing ...... 31. and Pellet Testing Schedule of Events ...... 33.

31

Pictured on the cover are the 13 shooters who have already qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team (cover design by Claire Landis- Tyson): Bottom row, from left: Jason Turner, Jason Parker, Beki Snyder, Stephen Scherer USA Shooting News is published six times a year, 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. USA Shooting is the national governing body for Olympic Shooting sports in the United States. USA Second row, from left: Bret Erickson, Shooting News is produced as a service to international shooters, coaches, officials, and media who Corey Cogdell, Dominic Grazioli, Emily Caruso cover Olympic-style shooting. Shooters featured in USA Shooting magazine may be photographed without eye protection. These are posed photographs using unloaded guns and do not represent Top row, from left: Sean McLelland, actual competition. USA Shooting encourages all shooters to use proper eye and ear protection when Kim Rhode, Vincent Hancock, Jeff Holguin, shooting. Inclusion of advertisements in USA Shooting does not constitute endorsement of advertised Glenn Eller products or services by USA Shooting, its staff, or its sponsors.

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 3 USA Shooting 1 Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-866-4670 Administration Fax: 719-635-7989 Competition Fax: 719-866-4884 Lindsay Brooke Competitions Manager 719-866-4885 [email protected] Buddy DuVall Director of Marketing 719-866-4880 [email protected] Bob Foth Youth Programs & Coach Development Manager 719-866-4881 [email protected] Cynthia Jackson Competitions Assistant 719-866-4882 [email protected] Wanda Jewell Director of Operations 719-866-4890 [email protected] David Johnson National Rifle Coach 719-866-4630 [email protected] Claire Landis-Tyson Creative Services/Media & Marketing Asst. [email protected] Sergey Luzov USA Shooting wishes to thank its supporting partners. National Pistol Coach 719-866-4615 [email protected] Robert Mitchell Chief Executive Officer 719-866-4899 [email protected] Mary Beth Vorwerk Media & Public Relations Manager 719-866-4896 [email protected] Lloyd Woodhouse National Shotgun Coach 719-866-4682 [email protected] Karie Wright Controller 719-866-4887 Nichole Rae Membership/Merchandise Coordinator 719.866.4743 [email protected]

Editor: Mary Beth Vorwerk Design: Joe Hartman Printing: Sport Graphics

Contributors: Lindsay Brooke Buddy DuVall J.P.Engelbrecht Bob Foth Craig Hancock Wanda Jewell R. Craig Johnson Master Sgt. Jeffrey J. Julig Claire Landis-Tyson Robert Mitchell SFC Michael Moore JP O’Connor Scott Pilkington Wolfgang Schreiber Lloyd Woodhouse Learn what these sponsors do for you. Visit our web site at www.usashooting.org.

4 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News Editor’sColumn By Mary Beth Vorwerk, Media and Public Relations Manager

Photos courtesy of Wolfgang Schreiber, ISSF TV 2006 USA Shooting Athletes of the Year

USA Shooting recently recognized Jamie Beyerle and Bret Erickson as the 2006 USAS Athletes of the Year, presenting a glass trophy to Jamie at the Airgun Olympic Trials and also to Bret at the Shotgun Olympic Trials. On Bret Erickson Jamie Beyerle behalf of USAS President James Lally and Executive Director Bob Mitchell, Selection Match and was the National Men’s Air Rifle. In addition, Emmons all of us at USA Shooting would like Champion in 3P. She also finished earned the Spring Selection titles in to extend our congratulations to these in third place in Women’s Air Rifle at Prone, 3 Position and Air Rifle. well deserving athletes, as well as a the National Championships. Bey- erle finished the 2006 season ranked Two-time Olympian Smotek (Bryan, sincere apology for not recognizing Texas) claimed the gold medal in their outstanding achievements as the number six on the international charts in Women’s 3 Position and ninth in Women’s Skeet at the 2006 Shotgun 2006 USA Shooting Athletes of the World Cup USA in Kerrville, Texas. Year sooner. Women’s Air Rifle. Due to a six month lull in the publica- Three-time Olympian Erickson (Ben- tion of USA Shooting News at the end nington, Neb./Muenster, Texas) of 2006 and beginning of 2007, USAS claimed a bronze medal in Men’s Trap unfortunately erred in failing to rec- at the 2006 World Shooting Champi- ognize our 2006 Athletes of the Year. onships, earning himself the top points Although an oversight, we realize this needed to receive the USA Shooting was a mistake, which should not have Male Athlete of the Year honor. He been made. Action has been taken to also finished in fourth place in Men’s ensure this will not happen again. Again, Trap at the World Cup Final. Erickson we apologize to the athletes who did was the Men’s Trap National Cham- Matt Emmons not receive the appropriate and timely pion in 2006 and finished in first place at the Shotgun Fall Selection Match. She also finished in sixth place at the recognition they deserved and I would 2006 World Championships. Smotek like to take the opportunity in my col- He also took second at the Shotgun Spring Selection Match. had impressive performances nation- umn this month to spotlight the 2006 ally in 2006 as well, taking second USA Shooting Athletes of the Year Jamie and Bret were selected as the place in the National Championships Jamie Beyerle and Bret Erickson as overall USAS Athletes of the Year, but and Shotgun Fall Selection Match. well as the Discipline Athletes of the USAS would also like to recognize the Year Matt Emmons (Rifle) and Connie 2006 Discipline Athletes of the Year, Smotek (Shotgun). who were the individuals with the high- These athletes were chosen based on est number of points in each discipline. the USAS Athlete of the Year Policies Matt Emmons won the honor for Men’s and Procedures and were selected by Rifle, while Connie Smotek was the a points system. top female athlete for Shotgun. There were no shooters selected in the pis- Beyerle (Lebanon, Pa.) earned the tol discipline in 2006 due to a lack of Female Athlete of the Year honor in points earned in competition. 2006 after success on the international circuit. She finished in fourth place in Emmons (Browns Mills, N.J.), the 2004 Olympic gold medalist in Men’s Women’s 3 Position Rifle at the World Connie Smotek Cup Finals and took fifth place in 3P Prone Rifle, earned a team gold medal at World Cup Brazil. She also took in Prone at the 2006 World Cham- Congratulations again to all four of seventh place in 3P at the 2006 World pionships. He was also the National these incredible athletes! Championships. Nationally, Beyerle Champion in Prone and 3 Position as claimed first place in 3P at the Spring well as the second place finisher in

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 5 Director’sColumn By Robert Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTIONS

The USA Shooting Board of Directors met March 29th for has allowed the Code to be organized into annexes with the their spring meeting. In addition to reports from the staff basic Code of Conduct applicable to all and Team Rules and including updates from the National Coaches, Operations Dress Code applicable only to supported Team members. A and Marketing departments, the board took a number of reminder statement will be included on all registration forms important actions. of USAS hosted competitions that participants are subject to the Code of Conduct. A recent situation has brought to In following up on my article in the last issue of USA Shoot- our attention the difficulty and confusion of the Code being ing News regarding fundraising, the Board authorized the applicable only to team members where there is a constant formation of the USA Shooting Team Foundation as a sepa- change of membership. The purpose here is to provde uni- rate organization for the purpose of fundraising in support of formity and simply reinforce general rules of conduct and the USAS mission. The foundation will be a Colorado based good sportsmanship. The Code of Conduct itself has not corporation with USA Shooting as the only voting member. been substantially changed, but rather reorganized with ad- An application will be made to obtain favorable 501(c)3 tax ministration of the Code being streamlined. The amended status from the IRS. Following initial meetings to establish Bylaws and revised Code with Annexes is posted on the business operations and adopt bylaws, the foundation will USAS website (www.usashooting.org). seek directors who are interested in supporting the USAS mission through both cash and value in kind gifts. The foun- The board continued their discussion on the three identified dation directors will allocate the organization’s resources to topics that are most important to the future of USAS with assist USAS in accomplishing our mutual objectives. those being funding, brand development and visibility and development of our athlete pool. Actions taken to date to The board approved a number of amendments to the USAS move forward were identified and additional concepts solic- Bylaws. Two amendments were made to more accurately ited and discussed. This is a continuing strategic planning define “Active Athlete” and bring our definition and bylaws topic to be discussed, ideas solicited, vetted and relevant to parallel those of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Another actions taken at each meeting of the board. related amendment was passed permitting the use of elec- tronic voting for both nominations for the Athletes Advisory With elections coming up this fall for three at-large direc- Council (AAC) Representative and the election of that posi- tor seats and the coach-official position, President Lally tion. This will not only make the nomination and election appointed a nominating committee of himself as outgoing process more efficient, but will also simplify and expedite Chairman, Connie Smotek, Gary Anderson, Colonel Den- the procedure for nominations as well as voting. nis Behrens and Bob Mitchell. Also to be elected this year is the pistol discipline representative and the AAC rep. Both Two other Bylaw amendments clarified and changed Arti- of the latter positions are elected by athletes with the pistol cles XXI and XXII. Bylaw Article XXI relates basically to the seat elected at the National Championships and the AAC Codes of Conduct and Article XXII to grievance procedures. nomination and election process in the fall. Only those Clarification was made providing Article XXI to deal solely members of U.S. Shooting Teams during the previous 10 with Codes of Conduct and Conflicts of Interest with Article years are eligible to nominate and vote. XXII oriented exclusively to grievance procedures regard- ing the right to compete as related to the USOC Bylaws The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be October and Ted Stevens Olympic Sports Act. The original bylaw 25th. articles were somewhat inconsistent and called for the complex grievance procedures to be used for all Code of Conduct violations as well as right to compete issues. The amended articles provide clarification, a grievance and ap- peal process meeting USOC and Sports Act requirements with more streamlined procedures. The changes to Article XXI also now state clearly that our Code of Conduct applies to all members of USA Shooting at USAS conducted activities and competitions. This action

6 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News OperationKnowHow By Wanda Jewell, Director of Operations A Letter to Athletes, Members, Donors, Supporters and Friends of USA Shooting

dards long associated with our sport, but more importantly, we would like to call on our athletes and members to lead the way in increasing the positive perception of our sport On February 23, USA Shooting was contacted by concerned and our athletes. In today’s environment, with the recent individuals about publicly posted comments by a young man shootings around the country, we cannot afford a moment in our Resident Athlete program. The contacts prompted of negative perception as a result of unsportsmanlike con- USAS to look into the obscene postings and subsequently duct, bad behavior, vulgar language or unacceptable attire. remove the athlete from the program as well as transfer him It is increasingly important that all associated with our sport to the “B” Team in an unfunded/unsupported status. conduct themselves in the most sportsmanlike manner to portray the sport for what it is, an Olympic sport where ev- The purpose of this notice is to express to those who con- eryone looks up to those participating. It is no longer good tacted us a sincere thank you for bringing to our attention enough to say we are an Olympic sport if the perception we something that is a bad reflection on USA Shooting and our promote doesn’t portray the Olympic ideal. sport as a whole. Secondly, we wish to express to everyone that the goals of the Resident Athlete Program and our A recent message from Peter Ueberroth, Chairman of the shooting programs are to produce, first and foremost, in- U.S. Olympic Committee, stressed the exact same need for ternational medal winners and, secondly, good citizens and all sports representing the United States in the upcoming role models who represent our sport in the best possible Olympic Games in Beijing. USAS has become a recognized manner. Many of our athletes are winners in both categories leader among National Governing Bodies by performance and 99% of our athletes and members are successful in the and programs. We can lead the way in lifting the perception second category. of our sport, sport in general and by having our athletes be role models of sportsmanship. USA Shooting can effectively manage those who don’t wish to meet the established sportsmanship and honorable stan-

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 7 MarketingCorner By Buddy DuVall, Director of Marketing

Inside USA Shooting on the Outdoor Channel

On April 2nd USA Shooting’s TV show “Inside USA Shooting” began airing as a weekly series on the Outdoor Chan- nel. Through August, a new episode will air every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) and again on Thursday at 3:00 a.m. (EDT) and 6:30 p.m. (EDT). For the past two years “Inside USA Shoot- ing” Producer Kevin Raichl of Visual Thinking Northwest, Inc., and show host Mike Smith have been following the progress of USA Shooting Team members at national and international competitions. Each show provides competition coverage in addition to profiles on veteran shooters as well as future stars of our sport. as selection matches to determine the air rifle and air pistol representatives for the Pan American Games in Brazil. Men’s Air Rifle event winner Matt Em- mons shoots scores above the world record and Women’s Air Rifle specialist Emily Caruso shoots a perfect score of 400 out of 400. Special profiles in this episode feature rifle team members Matt Emmons and Jamie Beyerle. Episode 4: Colorado Springs, CO – “3X Air” Air Rifle/Pistol Events This show covers the Men’s and Women’s 10m Air Pistol events for determining the U.S. representatives for the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil. A special feature on team members Eric and Sandra Uptagrafft show how they balance Eric’s military Through this series, viewers will get A preview of episodes 3 through 16 deployment with preparation for the up- to know members of the USA Shoot- follows. For more information on the coming Olympic Trials. Also featured ing Team, learn about each of the 15 show schedule or to view shows that is junior pistol shooter Heather Deppe Olympic shooting events and see how have previously aired, please visit the talking about how shooting brought our athletes are preparing for the up- Outdoor Channel’s website at www. her and her family to Colorado Springs coming Olympic Games in Beijing this outdoorchannel.com. so Heather could train at the Olympic August. Episode 3: Colorado Springs, CO – Training Center. The first two shows of the series “3X Air” Rifle/Pistol Events previously aired as quarterly specials This show covers the Men’s and Wom- before changing to the weekly format. en’s 10m Air Rifle events, which serve

8 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News Episodes 5 & 6: Colorado Springs, Episode 8: Ft. Benning, GA - World Episodes 13 & 14: Ft. Benning, CO – Olympic Shotgun Selection Cup USA – Pistol Events GA – Final Olympic Team Selection Competition This show follows the 10m Air Pistol, - Rifle/Pistol This show covers the first half of the 25m Men’s Rapid Fire and Women’s These two shows cover the final Olym- Shotgun Olympic Team selection from Sport Pistol and 50m Men’s Free Pistol pic Team Trials for the .22 caliber rifle the International Shooting Park on events. “Inside USA Shooting” goes and pistol events held at Ft. Benning, the grounds of Ft. Carson just outside behind the scenes with the U.S. Army Ga. The final nine 2008 U.S. Olympic Colorado Springs. World Record Marksmanship Unit to take a look at Team slots remaining will be awarded holders in Men’s and Women’s Skeet, the extensive preparation necessary to the top shooters after three days of Vincent Hancock and Kim Rhode, to host a World Cup competition. competition in 3-Position Rifle (men take early leads in the Skeet event in and women), Prone Rifle, Free Pistol, their quest to make the 2008 Olympic Episodes 9 & 10: Belgrade, Serbia - Rapid Fire Pistol and Women’s Sport Team. Two-time Olympian Glenn Eller World Cup Finals – Shotgun Pistol (Double Trap), three-time Olympian “Inside USA Shooting” travels to Bel- Lance Bade (Trap) and 2004 Olympian grade, Serbia with members of the Episodes 15 & 16: Colorado Collyn Loper (Women’s Trap) lead the shotgun team for the World Cup Final. Springs, CO – Olympic Team Pre- way in their respective events. Up and This invitation only competition features view coming Trap shooter Corey Cogdell is the top shotgun finishers from the 2007 profiled as she prepares for the 2007 Before the Olympic Team departs for World Cup circuit. Tune in to see how World Clay Target Championships in China, “Inside USA Shooting” stops Haley Dunn, Kim Rhode, Lance Bade, Cyprus. at the Olympic Training Center in Bill Keever, Josh Richmond and Glenn Colorado Springs to get updates from Episode 7: Ft. Benning, GA - World Eller fare against the best of the best. all the national team coaches and Cup USA – Rifle Events Three-time Olympian and Olympic interviews from our Olympic Shooting In this show, 500 of the world’s top rifle medalist Lance Bade is profiled in this Team. These shows will provide an and pistol shooters from 60 countries episode. overview of all the Olympic events, our come to Ft. Benning, Ga. to compete Episodes 10 & 11: Kerrville, TX U.S. team representatives and who’s in World Cup USA. This episode – Final Olympic Team Selection – hot heading into Beijing! features the 10m and 50m rifle events. Shotgun Watch American team members These two shows cover the second half take on the world with Matt Emmons, of the shotgun Olympic selection with Jamie Beyerle and Jason Paker mak- winners of the Women’s Skeet and ing the finals rounds and contending Trap events qualifying for the 2008 U.S. for medals. Sixteen-year-old junior Olympic Team, along with the first and shooter Amanda Furrer is profiled as second place finishers in the men’s she competes in her first World Cup events (Skeet, Trap and Double Trap) competition. making the Olympic Team.

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 9 AMUCorner By Sergeant First Class Michael Moore, NCOIC, AMU International Rifle Team

Q&A with Rifle Shooter SPC Dave Sprecher

Greetings from Fort Benning! As DS: Pretty much my whole team MM: What are your hobbies away the Olympic Selection Match is fast has been a big influence. They’ve all from the range? approaching, I thought it would be helped and supported me in one way I enjoy fishing the most, and re- interesting to get a perspective from or another. DS: cently I just bought a small salt water the youngest member of our team, What has been the biggest ad- boat. I also go hunting with my team- 21-year-old SPC Dave Sprecher. A na- MM: justment to your life since joining the mates. tive of Tarpon Springs, Fla. Sprecher Army? graduated from Tarpon Springs High MM: What advice would you give to School in 2005. He enlisted the Army DS: The biggest adjustment has been a young shooter to help them build a in June of 2005, with a direct assign- adapting to Army life and building up shooting résumé? ment to the Army Marksmanship Unit’s the endurance to be able to shoot five International Rifle Team. I sat down hours a day, five days a week. DS: My advice to young shooters with Dave to discuss his time thus far would be to always set a goal for your- as a member of the AMU. MM: What are the future goals you self, long term and short term, go to wish to achieve as a soldier and as many matches as possible to gain MM: How did you get started in shoot- shooter? match experience and train like you ing? want to win. DS: My future goal as a soldier would DS: I began shooting black powder be to go to Sniper School. My shoot- The last three years have gone by rifles with my grandfather when I was ing goals are to compete in the 2012 quickly. It seems like only yesterday around eight years old. I found out Olympics and win gold medals in both that Dave joined the team. It has been there was a junior rifle team at the air rifle and smallbore. Personal goal, a pleasure to watch him grow person- range where we shot at. I started I’d like to earn a college degree. ally and professionally. shooting on the junior team at the age of eleven. MM: Were you intimidated when you Until next month, “Keep them in the came to the team right out of high middle and stay Army Strong.” MM: What made you want to join the school? Army/AMU? DS: I was intimidated at first, shooting DS: Ever since I heard about the AMU side by side with I thought it would be a great opportu- Olympians and nity to serve my country and be able to World Record hold- shoot. When the AMU showed interest ers, but now I see and offered me a letter of acceptance I myself as one. It’s said “where do I sign?” pushed me to push myself. MM: How has being in the Army changed you? MM: What has been the highlight The Army has changed me in the DS: thus far in your time way that I have more confidence in at the AMU? myself. I am more mature and focused on what I do. DS: My highlight in the AMU would Who has the biggest influence MM: have to be how on you since joining the team? much I’ve improved in shooting since I first got to the team. SPC Dave Sprecher

10 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News InsidetheBlue By: Master Sgt. Jeffrey J. Julig, Air Force Shooting Team Inside the Blue: The Balancing Act free time. In either case, the triangle represents three broad focus areas that compete for an athlete’s limited time. It is used to illustrate how shifting focus to one area may limit opportunities in oth- Work-life-sport balance is a healthy life ers. Ideally, a successful athlete’s focus position that facilitates happiness and would remain in the center of the triangle satisfaction in our personal, professional with his or her attention equally divided and recreational endeavors. Although among the three focus areas. However, it will not guarantee happiness at home, competing demands will oftentimes force productivity at work or an Olympic medal, the athlete to shift their focus to reach a work-life-sport balance sets the condi- their goals. tions for an athlete to maximize their When balancing priorities, the athlete opportunities and minimize distractions can use this triangle to understand the on the firing line. Airman-marksmen, relationship among competing interests. like most athletes, face this challenge If an athlete shifts their focus toward any everyday. How do I succeed in my sport one point on the triangle, they do so at and manage my other competing priori- the expense of the other two. In other ties? In this article, Airmen will explore words, if more attention is given in one “The Balancing Act.” area, expectations in the other two may Understanding Work-Life-Sport need to be adjusted as the balancing act is a zero sum game. Coaches and ath- letes must recognize that adding more Maj. Mark Gould, team captain of the Air time to one area may require an offset Force International Rifle Team believes: “A in another. As the triangle shows, shift- solid work-life balance is critical to a shooter ing focus to one area draws attention with competing priorities. My duties as an Air Force officer require a significant and time away from others. Achieving a investment of time so I manage my off-duty work-life-sport balance is about setting affairs closely to allow me to compete in priorities and making informed choices my sport. Setting priorities and managing that bring an athlete closer to his or her my time carefully allows me the opportunity goals. to balance my personal life, career and competition goals.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Take the Balance Test Jason M. Webb) Understanding work-life-sport balance nundrum. To what extent is the athlete helps athletes set realistic goals and willing to shift focus toward their sport Work-life-sport triangle: If an athlete and sacrifice in other areas? If the shifts their focus toward any one point on adjust expectations based on their the triangle, they do so at the expense of work, life and sport priorities. Ideally, athlete chooses a perfect work-life-sport the other two. Because each point of the an athlete will maintain a perfect work- balance, he or she may not meet the triangle has an equal opportunity to off-set life-sport balance and reach their goals demands necessary to excel in their the work-life-sport balance, the athlete sport, but the athlete may find success must consider how much time is spent in without any substantial sacrifice. In real- any one area. ity, veteran athletes will tell you success professionally and personally. On the does not happen by chance or without other hand, focusing on their sport may Balance some amount of sacrifice. Athletes limit career opportunities and impact the As a concept, work-life-sport balance should evaluate their willingness to make athlete’s social life, but it may give the may be viewed as an equilateral triangle sacrifices for their sport and understand athlete the opportunity to compete and where one point of the triangle repre- how their level of commitment influences win. What is the athlete willing to sacri- sents an athlete’s work, the second his their ability to achieve their goals. For fice to achieve their goals? Objectively or her life, and the third their sport. If example, staying home while their friends and honestly evaluating priorities will competitive shooting is the athlete’s go out on the town may be the price the help an athlete pass this test. profession, the triangle may appear as athlete has to pay to get the most out of Managing Competing Priorities work, life and recreation with the third the next day’s training session. point representing a hobby or something The United States Air Force Academy the athlete enjoys doing in his or her The Balance Test is an interesting co- (USAFA) is a case study for balancing

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 11 priorities and time management. Ca- Determine your priorities. Sit down the Internet to help you; a quick query dets are under pressure from multiple and carefully think about your priori- of “work-life balance” will produce angles and must quickly learn to balance ties. What is most important to you? thousands of results. As leaders, academic, military, athletic and spiri- Is it winning an Olympic medal, finish- shooting team Airmen are charged tual priorities. Maj. Robin Orth, a former ing a college degree, achieving a pro- with taking care of and developing USAFA Assistant Rifle Team Coach and motion at work or spending time with our people; seek a mentor to help you eight-year veteran of the Air Force Inter- your family? Knowing where you are reach your goals. national Rifle Team explains: “Work-life- trying to go is the first step in getting Take time for yourself. Remember sport balance is critical to an athlete with there. Determining your priorities will to take care of number one. Exclu- competing priorities. During my tenure allow you to make informed choices sive focus on any single area may with the Academy’s rifle team, one of about which areas will support your be counterproductive to an athlete’s our biggest challenges was working goals and how much time you can de- physical and mental health. Athletes around the Cadet’s schedule. Attention vote to each area. For USAFA Cadets, will always have competing priorities to detail and discipline were key factors graduating is the highest priority. to contend with so have a flexible plan in allowing the Cadets to compete and to help manage them. How you deal win because every minute of their day Make informed choices. Now that with competing interests will help you was accounted for. Like other Air Force you’ve determined your direction, you reach your goals. By law, military shooters, a Cadet’s first commitment need to figure out how you will get members have 30 days of annual is to the Air Force; everything else is there. If you intend to focus on your leave and good leaders ensure their second. Cadets who were unable to bal- sport, what discretionary areas are Airmen use this opportunity to reset ance competing priorities did not remain you willing to eliminate? If you choose physically and mentally. Learn from on the team.” to give equal attention to all areas, will you be satisfied with the outcome? Is this example and schedule time to An athlete’s success at the USAFA is the spending time with friends more im- rest and relax. product of a deliberate plan executed portant than training? Is taking an ex- One Final Shot with full knowledge of the commitment tra college class more important than Work-life-sport balance is a key con- required in all areas. For Cadet-athletes a trip to a national competition? Will tributor to an athlete’s success. An to succeed, they must carefully balance accepting a promotion at work impact objective review of your life position competing demands to achieve profes- your ability to travel? Make a decision and an honest self-assessment will help sional, personal and athletic goals. If consistent with your goals and press you achieve the proper balance based Cadets focus their attention exclusively forward. As full-time Airmen and on your individual priorities. Balancing on training for their sport, it would be part-time competitors, Airmen must your work, life and sport priorities is an difficult to sustain the other areas at an make decisions with the Air Force intensely personal matter as a single acceptable level. In essence, this is a mission in mind. Cadet’s balancing act. “At the Academy, solution cannot possibly account for all success is not all about shooting, or all Maximize your opportunities. circumstances. However, appreciating about grades, or all about military per- You’ve determined your priorities and the need to balance competing priorities formance; it requires a balance from all made choices, now maximize the use will enable an athlete to seek a solution angles.” Maj. Orth, a four-time NCAA All- of the time you’ve set aside. Guard to meet his or her requirements. Each American in both air rifle and small bore, your time carefully and resist adding athlete must perform their own balanc- continued. While most athletes will not new items on your to-do list. If you ing act. What are you willing to do to face this type of pressure, the Cadet’s only have one opportunity to train achieve your goals? each week, how can you best use example is useful to determine ways to Until the next competition, the Air Force this time? Is your range time a social achieve a work-life-sport balance. Shooting Team challenges each of you opportunity or a training session? Do to maximize your opportunities through Improving your Performance you work efficiently while on the job to work-life-sport balance and pursue ex- Maintaining a work-life-sport balance avoid bringing work home? Make a cellence in all you do. If you have any may improve performance by allowing good faith effort to use your available questions about the Air Force in general, the athlete to control life’s competing time for its intended purpose. Recog- please visit www.airforce.com for more interests through informed decision- nizing the importance of opportunity, information. making. Countless stories exist of Olym- the Air Force considers “excellence pians who made substantial personal in all you do” as one of its three core ------sacrifices to reach the medal stand. To values. succeed, each athlete undoubtedly made Inside the Blue is a running series Ask for help. Successful athletes sacrifices to balance their competing that looks at international shooting are not islands unto themselves. priorities. Some Olympians postponed sports from an Airman’s perspective. Seek assistance to manage your time personal and professional opportunities Master Sgt. Julig is a member of the and take advantage of your support in order to reach a higher priority ath- Air Force International Trap Team and network to help you meet your goals. letic goal. Since it is impossible to be he is presently assigned to Bolling Air Mobilize your friends and family to all things to all people, an athlete must Force Base, Washington D.C. The assist you and include them in your make informed choices based on their views expressed in this article, unless activities. Let them share your expe- own priorities and accept performance otherwise indicated, are that of the in- rience and see how committed you results commensurate with those deci- dividual author. They do not purport to are to reaching your goals. When sions. Athletes should consider the express the views of the Department of you succeed, you’ll be ready to thank following areas as they seek to balance the Air Force or any other department your biggest supporters. In addition, their work, life and sport: or agency of the U.S. Government. countless resources are available on

12 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News CompetitionsCorner

By Lindsay Brooke, Competitions Manager 2008 Junior Olympic Shotgun Season Is Upon Us! A list of all State Junior will earn an invitation to the National Olympic Champion- Junior Olympic Shooting Champion- ships are posted on ship (NJOSC) in Colorado Springs, the USAS website. Colo. The top USAS shooter (male All juniors inter- and female) from each state will also ested in qualifying qualify on the condition they shoot the for the National state qualifier score. There is also an Junior Olympic “Automatic Invitation” score. Those C h a m p i o n s h i p who shoot in a state outside their own The Shotgun season is now upon us must shoot a State must shoot “At-Large” and must shoot and the junior shooters are revving up Junior Olympic Championship. Those the automatic invitation score in order for the 2008 Junior Olympic program. who live in a state without a qualifying to receive an invitation to the National This will be the second year USA match may shoot “At-Large” in another Junior Olympic Championship. Juniors Shooting and the NSSF’s Scholastic state or compete at the USA Shooting may shoot in more than one State Ju- Clay Target Program (SCTP) have National Championships, July 12-20 in nior Olympic Championship, but only partnered up to promote Olympic style Colorado Springs, Colo. the first scores shot will count toward shooting among the nation’s youth. their qualification to the NJOSC. All Each state’s top SCTP team and top junior shooters who compete at the State qualifier matches will be held SCTP male and female shooters in between April 15th and July 31st 2008. international skeet and bunker trap Continued to 14

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 13 YouthPrograms/

CoachDevelopment By: Bob Foth, Youth Programs & Coach Development

The Latest in Youth Programs and Coach Development

sion of a team from Mexico in the Precision event. We will evaluate how it goes this year and may look to expand this program in the future. I recently had a chance to tour the new CMP also partnered with USA Shooting to host the JROTC Western Regional Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) championships in February. Nearly 300 cadets competed in sporter or preci- facility in Anniston, Ala. The planned sion three position air rifle in the special setting afforded by the Olympic Train- “extreme makeover” is very impressive! ing Center. They will make significant improvements As I am writing this, plans are uncertain about the junior air pistol from Air to the building on a very rapid schedule Arms I mentioned in the last issue. Watch the USA Shooting website (www. to get it ready for this summer and plan usashooting.org) for updates. If we do import this pistol, I expect the price to be on 80+ firing points. We will run Pre- roughly in the $550 price range. You may remember that this pistol is powered cision AR July 10-12, Sporter AR July by compressed air and comes with an ambidextrous grip. It weighs in at about 13-15 and PPP July 16-18. Once again, two pounds and is approximately the size and shape of current top-of-the-line we are pleased to invite all athletes from models. An accessory weight on the rail helps the airgun to “grow with the the State Junior Olympic Championship/ athlete.” Prices on future orders are subject to the changes in the foreign cur- Qualifying Matches in PPP. This PPP rency exchange rate. match is run jointly with the NRA and serves as their National Championship We consider coaches to be critical “multipliers” of our training efforts. We as well, with scores being added to the are also still focused on junior pistol programs, so USAS continues to offer Top Gun team scores from their air rifle subsidized coach schools for groups of pistol coaches interested in Progres- events in Iowa in June. The PPP coach- sive Position Air Pistol youth programs. Recently completed coach schools in es’ meeting will likely focus on proposed California and South Dakota were very well received. Contact me to set one rule changes for 2009. Please watch up in your area. We may also be able to connect you with a member of our the USAS website for updates, which National Coach Development Staff to help with camps/clinics. Please contact will be posted there first. An interesting me at [email protected] or (719) 866-4881 for more information. addition for this year is the likely inclu-

Continued from 13 USA Shooting National Championship in Colorado Springs commodations. will also receive an automatic invitation. For more information please visit www.usashooting.com or The National Junior Olympic Shooting Championship www.nssf.org/sctp or feel free to contact the USAS compe- for shotgun will be held August 23rd to 28th in Colorado titions office at 719-866-4885. Springs, Colo. This year, unfortunately, housing will not be available at the Olympic Training Center. Competitors will be responsible for finding their own transportation and ac-

2008 Shotgun National Junior Olympic Championship Schedule: August 23 August 24 August 25 August 26 August 27 August 28 SAT SUN MON TUES WED THURS

DOUBLE TRAP TRAP MATCH & DOUBLE TRAP & SKEET MATCH & TRAP TRAINING TRAP MATCH MATCH & AWARDS/ AWARDS SKEET TRAINING AWARDS SKEET MATCH

14 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News Coaches’Corner

By Lloyd Woodhouse, National Shotgun Coach ROUTINES, RITUALS AND PERFORMING UNDER PRESSURE by Sean McCann, PhD

I recently came across an Performances Services Sport Psychologist (Strength and Power Sportfolio) article on “pre-shot routine” that BJ McDaniel told me I have a pre-shot routine for every shot, but none is more important than when I about. I was so impressed have to hit a big drive in a pressure situation. Not only does my pre-shot routine with it that I feel it should be allow me to focus on the task at hand, but it also keeps me in my natural rhythm. shared with all. Throughout Every 300-yard bomb in my bag starts with a pre-shot routine that has a calming my many years of coaching, effect on me as much as anything. Tiger Woods I have on many occasions We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. shown athletes different -Aristotle ways a technique could be done with repeated suc- Pre-competitive routines have been studied by sport psychologists for a long time, cess and consistency. It and there is good evidence that routines increase consistency of an athlete’s thinking, seems to be successful for feelings, and pre-sport behavior. Because of these effects, routines also produce the athletes I coach and more consistent sport behavior. This produces better results. Routines therefore, most of the time they shoot can make you a better athlete. There are a number of reasons why routines work, good scores for a day or but you may find that many of your athletes resist routines. At the USOC, I have two. Then, the next time heard all sorts of reasons for this resistance, including: I see them, usually three “It slows me down” months or so later, they have gone back to shooting “I don’t want to get locked into anything” poor scores again. When “I like being flexible in case things change” asked about their pre-shot routine they typically say “I “I used to do it, and it was helpful, but I just stopped. I’m not sure why.” forgot.” Below is a reprint of an article by Sean McCann, My personal opinion is that many athletes don’t develop effective routines simply PhD, Sports Psychologist because nobody ever taught them how important and helpful they are. Take Tiger at the U.S. Olympic Training Woods, for example: Center. It’s not only worth My preshot routine, taught to me years ago by my father, didn’t come naturally or reading but worth putting easily. Like most kids I was of the grip-it-and-rip-it mentality. I had to learn patience into practice. and how to find my natural rhythm. Pop finally convinced me a preshot routine was necessary for consistency, and I’ve used the same one ever since. -Tiger Woods If even Tiger Woods resisted routines at the beginning, why would you expect your athletes to suddenly embrace them? As a coach, you need to develop a sales pitch that gets past initial resistance and makes a compelling argument for change. One tactic is simply to list all the things that routines do for you, by both ensuring good things happen and preventing bad things from happening. Routines- Helping an athlete do the right things 1) A routine increases the sense of familiar in a new environment. Routines are portable, transferable, and adaptable. Remind your athletes that an iPod and headphones can mentally transport you from a treadmill in a hotel basement to a familiar run in the woods when you last listened to this music. Similarly, a routine can make even the strangest sport environment seem normal, fa- miliar, and most importantly, comfortable. This is a powerful effect when the

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 15 environment of the competition create a positive routine for your call, making a mistake that they is full of distractions. I cannot athlete’s entire career. These cannot recover from. overemphasize how helpful this routines will become automatic has been to countless Olympic and help the athlete avoid all The Coaches Role in Building Rou- medal winners I have known kinds of challenges that many tines when faced with the circus of the athletes struggle with. Coach Shula had a very strict schedule Games. 5) Routines increase the opportu- in the last two days before the Super 2) A routine helps an athlete stay nity for the brain to focus on the Bowl. He never let us go more than 2 active and focused on useful be- proper things. Our brains have hours without checking in for some- haviors. One of the worst things limited capacity. The remarkable thing. It helped us stay focused on the an athlete can do in a high pres- increase in the number of acci- game. Larry Czonka, member of 1972 sure environment is to stop and dents for people on cell phones is “Perfect Season” Miami Dolphins think about it. At the Olympics, an example of this. Routines that We first make our habits, and then our when I see an athlete starting take care of all the little things habits make us. to freeze up, glaze over, and an athlete has to do to get ready, think too much (usually about free up brain space to focus on John Dryden the dreaded “what ifs”), I will try the things that really matter. If you While most coaches will not follow to get them talking, moving, and want to have an excellent warm- John Wooden’s example by teaching laughing. Much better than this up, you must be fully focused on their athletes how to dress properly for emergency interaction by a sport the warm-up, and not wondering practice, all coaches can benefit from psychologist, however, is a rou- about something left undone. understanding the value of this effort. tine that keeps an athlete moving, Routines- Helping an athlete avoid By starting with the most basic aspects on a schedule, and focused on of a sport, and ensuring that athletes the things that help. doing the wrong things 6) Routines help reduce thinking develop great routines, a coach begins 3) A routine enhances feelings of and decision making. When an to develop the foundation of great per- control and confidence. Going athlete is stressed, anxious, and formances. While it can take a tremen- through the same routine in concerned about outcomes (a dous investment of effort by a coach to practice and competition is a typical state for many athletes at develop new routines, the cost of not useful reminder that you have their biggest competitions), think- making this investment can be high. As done this a thousand times. The ing often transforms to worry. In the Larry Czonka quote suggests, Don old expression of “practice like it addition, decisions about simple Shula knew the cost of losing focus at is a competition, compete like it things become overemphasized, the Superbowl, and invested energy in is a practice” describes an ath- and athletes will often freeze up, creating a program that prevented that lete with an effective, consistent wasting valuable time as they loss of focus. routine. I have heard from count- agonize over which pair of shoes On the other hand, an argument can less athletes that simple routines to put in their backpack. Athletes be made that a coach will end up using enhance a sense of control and weighted down with worry or un- a great deal more energy if they don’t confidence. The Tiger Woods able to make a decision are wast- help athletes develop great routines. quote at the top of this column ing energy. At big events, energy As the John Dryden quote suggests, says it plainly. A routine helps an is a precious commodity. An ef- an initial investment of energy in devel- athlete feel in control, no matter fective routine eliminates deci- oping good habits will create a great what the stakes of success or sions (because, if you always do return down the road. I see this all the failure. it the same way, you don’t have time in sports, and I’ll never forget what 4) Routines help make useful behav- to decide), and keeps an athlete a great coach once said to me. “Why ior automatic. Some psycholo- too busy to think too much. are all these coaches screaming from gists believe that over 90% of our 7) Routines help prevent dumb mis- the sideline? If they had done their job behaviors are automatic habits or takes. Under greatest pressure, in practice they wouldn’t have to say unconscious, learned behavior athletes begin to leak energy, anything during a game.” If a coach de- patterns. This is why parents and and become more vulnerable velops great routines, and the athletes first coaches in a sport play such to a variety of distractions and develop great habits, then the habits a critical role in introducing posi- challenges. When an athlete make them great players. tive behaviors. If you learn how is preparing intently for a key Reprinted with permission from the to do something the right way at performance, the last thing they Spring 2008 Olympic Coach E-zine. the beginning, you don’t have to should be doing is making critical fix mistakes later, because you decisions. Unfortunately, I have Subscribe to Olympic Coach E-Zine. always do it the correct way, with- seen Olympic medals lost by A free service of the United States out any conscious thought. John athletes who decide to try some- Olympic Committee for Coaches at all Wooden was famous for teaching thing new, or do something new, levels: http://coaching.usolympicteam. his freshman basketball players based on a decision made under com/coaching/ksub.nsf the correct way to put on socks pressure. An effective routine and tie sneakers. As a coach, if keeps an athlete busy, produc- you invest the energy at the front tive, and reduces the probability end, you have the opportunity to that the athlete will make a bad

16 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News DON’T POINT AND CLICK. AIM AND FIRE.

Calling all couch potatoes. Drop the remote and get out to the Henry Big Boy .44 Magnum range for a great day of shooting fun. Shooting enthusiasts across America are buying Henrys because they are magnificently styled, have the smoothest actions, perform with flawless reliability, bear the Henry Golden Boy .22 LR / .22 Mag / .17 HMR great historical name of Henry and are affordably priced. Every part in a Henry is made in America. Every rifle is engineered with features many competitors charge twice the price for. We are a family owned business and we stand behind every rifle that leaves our plant. Henry U.S. Survival .22 LR Order our free color catalog right now. You have absolutely nothing to lose except those extra pounds you gained sitting on your rear end. Henry Acu-Bolt .22 LR / .22 Magnum / .17 HMR For a Free color catalog visit www.henry-guns.com or call Toll Free (866) 200-2354

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 17 OnTheFiringLine(Thirty Eighth in a series)

©2007 JP O’Connor

Asleep On The Trigger

or 12 up through about 22 or 23 – in the sleep deprivation. However, the study age ranges covered by junior high or design did not account for or control middle school, high school and college additional factors. – all require about nine to 10 hours of sleep each night. The very age groups For intermediate level shooters, who that get the least amount of sleep actu- often have a great emphasis on ally require the most sleep! outcome and are thus susceptible to “Sleep? “match nerves” and choking, a sleep Sleep Debt – Lost sleep builds up and debt dulls the active thought part of Who needs sleep?” accumulates as a “sleep debt” that is their mind. The usual negative chatter unhealthy and that degrades alertness is diminished or absent and no longer and abilities. interfering with the performance be- Sleep is a very low priority in the minds cause they are too tired to think. Thus, Our bodies and of many folks. Even as awareness Circadian Rhythms – a higher score is achieved. These minds work best on a regular rhythm grows in the minds of athletes and athletes lose a bit of “sharpness” in of sleep and wakefulness. Upsetting coaches of the need for and value of the performance, but gain much by not this internal rhythm affects health, proper breathing, hydration and nutri- freaking themselves out. Even many alertness, performance and even our tion, sleep is almost ignored. Even “advanced” shooters fall into this same moods. worse, there are many misconceptions category, their protestations notwith- about sleep, causing decisions to be Perception Is Not Reality – Our ability standing. Unfortunately for them, this made that are detrimental to ultimate to perceive our own level of fatigue relationship does not hold true at the performance. Sleep is a basic need does not reflect reality. We think we very highest levels of performance that is equally as important as air, wa- are awake and alert and say that we and use of this “technique” slows their ter and food, whether for survival, or feel fine. Yet actual ability and perfor- progress. Shooting is a very complex for sport performance. mance show the huge negative effects sensori-motor task requiring a very In a recent article in Olympic Coach of fatigue or upset of circadian rhythm. alert mind. We believe that these factors do not magazine, Mark Rosekind, President Numerous studies show degradation affect us because of this gap between of Alertness Solutions discussed in performance, judgment, reaction our perception and the reality of our sleep and its effect on athletes. This time, attention, memory, learning, com- significant impairment. article summarizes his findings and munication skills, memory and other suggestions. Because we do not understand these factors. These degradations vary from The National Sleep Foundation con- concepts, and especially because we 10 to 50% in most cases. How many ducted a simple test to determine are unaware of (or let our ego tell us students or athletes are willing to take knowledge of sleep concepts. About we can ignore) the negative effects a 10 to 50% drop in their test score or 82% failed! They failed spectacularly of sleep deficit, we allow ourselves shooting score? Performance during with an average score of 42%. Flip- to undertake sleep behaviors that are the lowest circadian point in the night ping a coin would have at least given actually quite detrimental. is reduced 30%. This is not a great time to study! a higher score! This indicates that Staying up all night to cram for an exam most of what people think they “know” is a prescription for failure. Students It does not take much sleep loss to about sleep is incorrect. There are four who have a nice supper (not too light reduce abilities. Loss of two hours of fundamental concepts that everyone nor too heavy) and then spend one or sleep equates to the impairment of two should know about sleep and circadian two hours reviewing their material, fol- or three beers or about a .05% alcohol rhythms. lowed by a good night of sleep, perform level in the blood. A four hour sleep Sleep Need – The human organism much better. deficit equates to the impairment of five or six beers or about a .10% level. needs about eight hours of sleep every Many athletes say “I perform better night. The amount needed by a particu- One is seemingly legally “drunk” at that when I don’t have enough sleep.” One point, at least in terms of impairment! lar individual is genetically determined high school athlete, along with several and generally varies between seven Paradoxically, one feels alert yet, per- friends and parents (who monitored formance is measurably impaired. and nine hours. There is no “training” for health and safety), actually did that will allow individuals to reduce a study in an attempt to test that Rosekind has the following sleep their own sleep requirement. hypothesis. The results seemed to suggestions: People between the ages of about 11 “prove” they were better off with some

18 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News Good Sleep Habits – Following good • Alarm clock – reliable and we obtain sufficient sleep, our perfor- sleep habits should become a part effective mance is enhanced – as is our mood. of everyone’s daily routine in order to • Determine personal comfort of You are encouraged to give this topic obtain optimal sleep. mattress and pillows some thought. • Protect sleep from intrusions • Consider privacy and security • Keep a regular bedtime and wake Strategic Naps – A planned nap is a Reference time whenever possible very powerful alertness strategy that Rosekind, Mark, Peak Performance • Use a pre-bedtime routine to can significantly enhance alertness Requires Optimal Sleep and Alertness, prepare for sleep and performance. Note that naps are Olympic Coach magazine, Vol. 20, No. not a substitute for a proper sleep strat- • Use the bed and bedroom for 2, pp 4-7 relaxation and sleep egy. They are a helpful component. • Avoid work and worry in the bed • Short naps – should last 30 to Based in the Atlanta, Ga., area, JP and bedroom 40 minutes in order to avoid deep O’Connor ([email protected] and http:// • Learn and practice a relaxation sleep www.america.nontrolet/~jpoc/) is in- volved in shooting as a competitor, is technique for sleep • Long naps – about two hours and the Assistant National Coach – USA will need more wake up time • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and Paralympics Shooting Team, serves exercise within at least two hours • Avoid long naps too close to on the National Coach Development of sleep planned bedtime Staff, coaches the rifle and pistol • Get the sleep you need – make • Always allow at least 10-15 teams at North Georgia College & sleep a priority minutes of wake up time. State University and coaches a junior Environmental Factors – Evaluate and • Use eye mask and ear plugs if club. He enjoys working with a number address the following bedroom factors needed of pistol and rifle athletes from around in order to allow optimal sleep. the country, ranging from beginners to the highly advanced, in clinics and • Noise – background or intrusive Because our perceptions of the effects one-on-one private coaching. Previ- events of sleep deficit do not agree with the ous installments of this series may be • Temperature – cooler is better proven realities, we often vastly under- found via his web page. than warmer estimate the negative effects and thus • Light – dark room, dim night light do not obtain nearly enough sleep. As

Giving kids a sense of teamwork, competition, confidence. And the thrill of blowing little clay targets to smithereens.

The Scholastic Clay Target Program is the fastest-growing youth shooting program. For kids, it means the chance to be part of a team while enjoying trap, skeet and sporting clays competitions at the local, state and national levels. A great confidence builder and a fun way to make new friends. For parents, it means peace of mind knowing that kids are learning important firearm safety lessons under adult supervision– while getting the chance to excel at a “grown-up” activity. For coaches and potential coaches, it means giving back – sharing knowledge and enthusiasm in a constructive Little League way. Spending time with eager kids who appreciate your time and energy. As just one of the many programs that prove we’re “always shooting for more”, the Scholastic Clay Target Program is an important part of the National Shooting Sports Foundation and its efforts to promote the sports we're all passionate about. If you enjoy shooting, or have always wanted to learn, join us – new teams are forming every day. Call us at (203) 426-1320 or visit: www.nssf.org/sctp

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 19 FeatureArticle By Mary Beth Vorwerk

2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Szarenski’s USAMU teammate, Shooting (Airgun) Thomas Rose (Central Point, Ore.), finished in fourth place with 1928.7, The 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for Prone Rifle and Men’s 3 Position Rifle. while John Bickar (Canton, Ohio) took Airgun was determined on March 3, Ryan Tanoue of Honolulu, Hawaii fifth place with 1923.1. Bill Demarest, following the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team took fifth place in Men’s Air Rifle with a 2000 Olympian, finished in the sixth Trials - Shooting (Airgun), which were 1975.8, while Matthew Wallace (Fair- spot with 1918.5. held March 1-3 at the U.S. Olympic banks, Alaska) finished in sixth place Shooting Center in Colorado Springs, with 1974.3. The final set of Olympic Trials for rifle/ Colo. The U.S. Olympic Team Trials – pistol will be the 2008 U.S. Olympic Shooting is a collaborative partnership In Women’s Air Rifle, 2004 Olympian Team Trials for Shooting (Smallbore), between the U.S. Olympic Committee Emily Caruso (Fairfield, Conn.) quali- which are being held May 12-22 at (USOC) and USA Shooting. fied for her second consecutive U.S. Ft. Benning’s International Shooting Olympic Team, taking the top spot at Complex in Columbus, Ga., home of There are a total of five spots available the Olympic Trials with a total score of the USAMU. for air rifle and air pistol on the 2008 1397.6. U.S. Olympic team. There are two “This is the most exciting time of the spots in Men’s Air Rifle and one spot “I am very excited and happy that all quad with Olympic Trials followed by each for Women’s Air Rifle, Men’s Air my hard work and training has paid the Games themselves,” said USA Pistol and Women’s Air Pistol. off,” said Caruso. “This competition Shooting Executive Director, Bob was difficult with so many girls shooting Mitchell. “This is truly the time when Airgun athletes were selected to the such high scores, but I stayed focused shooter athletes experience the ‘thrill 2008 U.S. Olympic Team on the final and accomplished my goal.“ of victory and the agony of defeat’. It is day of competition by a combination of the time when all associated with the the match scores from all three days Stephen Scherer’s younger sister Sarah Scherer finished in second Olympic Movement realize satisfaction of competition, plus each athlete’s top from their work.” two finals scores. place for Women’s Air Rifle with a total score of 1393.3, while Jamie Beyerle Top rifle and pistol smallbore shooters After an exciting three days of competi- (Lebanon, Pa.) finished in third with from around the United States will be tion, Stephen Scherer (Billerica, Mass.) 1391.7. Amy Sowash (Richmond, Ky.) vying for spots on the 2008 U.S. Olym- and Jason Parker (Omaha, Neb.) cap- finished fourth with 1389.8 and Emily pic Team at the 2008 U.S. Olympic tured the two spots on the 2008 U.S. Holsopple (Wilcox, Pa.) took fifth place Team Trials for Shooting (Smallbore). Olympic Team in Men’s Air Rifle, while with a final score of 1378.1. In smallbore rifle, there is one Olympic Emily Caruso (Fairfield, Conn.) quali- Three-time Olympian Snyder earned team spot available for Men’s Prone fied for the team in Women’s Air Rifle. and Men’s 3-Position (Matt Emmons Rebecca Snyder (Grand Junction, a berth to her fourth consecutive U.S. Olympic Team by finishing the Olympic has already secured a spot in both Colo.) and Jason Turner (Rochester, Prone and 3P) and there are two spots N.Y.) both qualified in Air Pistol. Trials in first place for Women’s Air Pis- tol with a total score of 1332.9. Brenda available in Women’s 3-Position. In Nineteen-year-old West Point Cadet Shinn (Riverside, Calif.) took second pistol, there are two Olympic team Scherer earned his first berth to the place with 1316.1 and 2000 Olympian spots available for Men’s Free Pistol U.S. Olympic Team by finishing the Christina Cassidy (Colorado Springs, and one spot in Men’s Rapid Fire Pis- Olympic Trials with a total score of Colo.) finished in third with 1314.1. tol. There are two spots for Women’s 1994.1 in the Men’s Air Rifle event. In a Sport Pistol. close race for the second U.S. Olympic Sandra Uptagrafft (Los Angeles, Calif.) took fourth place in Women’s Air Pistol Look for complete coverage of the U.S. Team spot in Men’s Air Rifle, U.S. Army Olympic Team Trials for Smallbore, as Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) member with 1309.3. Teresa Meyer (Dearborn, Mich.) and Heather Deppe (Monument, well as profiles on the athletes qualify- and two-time Olympian Jason Parker ing for the Olympic team in smallbore (Omaha, Neb.) pulled out the second Colo.) finished in fifth and sixth places respectively with final scores of 1306.6 in the July/August issue of USA Shoot- place finish, qualifying for his third ing News. U.S. Olympic Team. Parker finished and 1304.1 the competition with a final score of In Men’s Air Pistol, 2004 Olym- The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing will 1990.8. Matthew Rawlings (Wharton, pian Turner qualified for the 2008 U.S. be held August 8–24, with the shooting Texas) finished right behind Parker in Olympic team after finishing with a portion of the competition taking place third place with 1989.8. total score of 1935.4. Brian Beaman August 9-17. Matthew Emmons (Browns Mills, N.J.) (Selby, S.D.) took second with 1930.4 Complete 2008 U.S. Olympic Team a 2004 Olympic gold medalist finished and two-time Olympian and USAMU Trials results as well as complete Olym- in fourth place with 1986.1 Emmons member Szarenski finished close pic Team athlete bios can be found by has already secured two spots on the behind Beaman in third place with a visiting www.usashooting.org. 2008 U.S. Olympic Team in Men’s score of 1930.1.

20 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News Meet the 2008 U.S. Olympic Airgun Team:

Men’s Air Rifle Women’s Air Rifle shoot when she was 12 years old. Beki has since competed for the U.S. in three Olympic Games—1996, 2000 and 2004. Beki lettered in diving in high school and has a black belt in tae- kwondo. She also enjoys snowboard- ing in her free time.

Men’s Air Pistol:

Stephen Scherer (Billerica, Mass.) Stephen started shooting at age 11 and he just completed his freshman Emily Caruso (Fairfield, Conn.) year at the U.S. Military Academy at Emily has been shooting since she West Point, N.Y. Stephen enjoys deer was 11 years old and earned a spot on hunting, playing the guitar, basketball her first U.S. Olympic Team in 2004. and any type of card game. She is a graduate of Norwich Univer- sity in Vermont where she earned her degree in psychology and is currently living and training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Emily has won the USA Shoot- ing National title in Women’s Air Rifle Jason Turner (Rochester, N.Y.) multiple times. Jason was a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team. Among the champion- ships he’s earned have been multiple Women’s Air Pistol national and Pan American Games titles. He shot rifle competitively for four years before switching to pistol. Jason enjoys playing softball and golf in his free time.

Jason Parker (Hometown: Omaha, Neb.) Jason represented the U.S. at both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. He joined the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) in 1997, after graduating from Xavier University. When he is not Rebecca (Beki) Snyder competitively shooting, Jason enjoys (Grand Junction, Colo.) hunting, fishing and entering triathlons. Beki was born in Didsbury, Alberta, Jason is married with two sons. Canada and her father taught her to

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 21 22 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News USA Shooting News May / June 2008 23 FeatureArticle By Mary Beth Vorwerk / Photos courtesy of USA Shooting and Craig Hancock

596 targets. Jared Fodor (Centerburg, 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Ohio) finished in fifth place with 570 targets, while Bryce Gearhart (Free- Shooting (Shotgun) burg, Pa.) finished in the sixth spot with Top shotgun shooters from around Matthew DePuydt (Houghton, Mich.) 564 targets. the United States gathered at the Hill and Matthew Wallace (Stanton, Tenn.) In Men’s Skeet, USAMU member Han- Country Shooting Sports Center in finished in fifth and sixth place with 485 cock, the 2007 World Cup Italy Cham- Kerrville, Texas March 8-16 to compete and 484 targets respectively. pion/world record holder and 2007 Pan for a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic American Games gold medalist, earned Team at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Cogdell, the 2007 Pan American a berth to his first U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Shooting (Shotgun). The U.S. Games and World Cup Korea bronze finishing with a total score of 511- tar Olympic Team Trials – Shooting is medalist, secured her spot on the 2008 gets. McLelland and USAMU member a collaborative partnership between U.S. Olympic team, finishing on top Mark Weeks (Clinton Township, Mich.) the U.S. Olympic Committee and in Woman’s Trap with a final score of were tied at 478 targets going into the USA Shooting. 475 targets. final, but McLelland earned the spot on There are eight spots available to “I knew with the level of competi- the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team shoot- the U.S. Olympic Shotgun team: tion I would face going into the final ing 24 targets to Weeks’ 22 targets in Men’s Skeet, 2; Men’s Trap, 2; Men’s Olympic Selection Match, that I would the final. McLelland finished with a Double Trap, 2; Women’s Skeet, 1 and have to do something no one ever total score of 502 targets, while Weeks Women’s Trap, 1. expected, and come from eight targets finished with 500 targets. Jon Michael back,” said Cogdell. “I feel extremely McGrath (Tulsa, Okla.) finished in the Shotgun athletes were selected to the proud and grateful to have won the fourth spot with 497 targets. USAMU 2008 U.S. Olympic Team based on Olympic spot.” member and 2004 Olympian Shawn the aggregate score from both the Fall USAMU shooter Joetta Dement Dulohery (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) finished Selection competition, which was held in fifth place with 496 targets, while last August in Colorado Springs, and (Renton, Wash.) finished in second place with 463 targets. Susan Sledge Frank Thompson (Alliance, Neb.) took the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – sixth place with 495 targets. Shooting (Shotgun). (El Cajon, Calif.) took third place with 457 targets. Kelsey Zauhar (Lakeville, In Women’s Skeet, three-time Olympic Bret Erickson (Bennington, Neb./Muen- Minn.) finished in fourth place with 454 medalist (1996 and 2004 gold medal- ster, Texas), Dominic Grazioli (San targets, while USAMU member and ist, 2000 bronze medalist) Kim Rhode Antonio, Texas) and Corey Cogdell 1996 Olympian Theresa DeWitt (Cin- (El Monte, Calif.) earned a spot on (Eagle River, Alaska) were selected to cinnati, Ohio) took fifth place with 453 her fourth consecutive U.S. Olympic the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team in Men’s targets. Collyn Loper (Indian Springs, Team, finishing with a total score of and Women’s Trap, while Glenn Eller Ala.), a 2004 Olympian, finished in 497 targets. Pan American Games (Katy, Texas) and Jeff Holguin (Yorba sixth place with 447 targets. gold medalist Haley Dunn (Eddyville, Linda, Calif.) qualified for the Olympic Iowa) finished right behind Rhode in Team in Double Trap. Vincent Han- In Double Trap, USAMU shooter Eller finished the competition in first place second place with 496 targets. Two- cock (Eatonton, Ga.), Sean McLelland time Olympian Connie Smotek (Bryan, (Mission, Texas) and Kim Rhode (El with a total score of 615 targets, earn- ing a spot on his third consecutive Texas) took third place with 493 targets. Monte, Calif.) all made the Olympic Emily Blount (Tucson, Ariz.), the 2007 team in Skeet. U.S. Olympic team. Eller’s USAMU teammate, and 2007 Pan American Junior World Clay Target Champion, Three-time Olympian Erickson will rep- Games silver medalist, Holguin, shot finished in fourth place with 471 targets, resent the U.S. on his fourth Olympic a perfect score of 50 targets in the while Brandie Neal (Spencer, Ind.) and team in Beijing this August after finish- final to earn his first berth to the U.S. Jaiden Grinnell (Port Angeles, Wash.) ing the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in first Olympic Team. Holguin finished with a finished in fifth and sixth place with 467 place for Men’s Trap with a final score of total score of 612 targets. and 461 targets respectively. 499 targets. The second U.S. Olympic “I expected to make it, so when you see The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing will team spot for Men’s Trap came down to be held August 8–24, with the shooting the final shot between Air Force shooter it over and over again in your mind, it really helps,” said Holguin. “I felt really portion of the competition taking place Grazioli and John Mullins (Bremerton, August 9-17. Wash.), with Grazioli claiming the spot confident coming into this match in the with a total score of 491 targets, while position I was in.” Complete 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Mullins finished in third place with 490 Fellow USAMU members Josh Rich- Trials results as well as complete Olym- targets. Three-time Olympian and mond (Hillsgrove, Pa.), the 2007 Pan pic Team athlete bios can be found by 1996 bronze medalist Lance Bade American Games Champion, and visiting www.usashooting.org. (Vancouver, Wash.) finished in fourth 2000 Olympian Bill Keever (Ruther- place with 488 targets, while U.S. Army fordton, N.C.), finished in third and Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) shooters fourth place respectively with 606 and

24 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News Meet the 2008 U.S. Olympic Shotgun Team: Men’s Trap Trap. That same day, she made the National Team when her score also placed her third in the open Women’s Trap event. Corey was home schooled and received her high school diploma in May of 2005. Corey also worked in a cooking school for two years as an assistant chef. As part of her job, she traveled to Italy to study how to prepare authentic Italian food. She is currently living at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs as a resi- dent athlete.

Men’s Double Trap

Bret Erickson (Bennington, Neb./ Muenster, Texas) medals. Dominic currently serves as a Bret started shooting with his father at major in the Air Force at Lackland AFB age 10, and at the current age of 47 in Texas. is an extremely accomplished shooter, having competed in three Olympic Games and earning six National Cham- Women’s Trap pionships, as well as several World Championship and Pan American medals during his career. Bret briefly retired from shooting in 1999, but made a comeback in 2001, when he made the world team and won a silver medal. In 2004, Bret earned a spot on the Olympic Team, but five weeks before the Olympic Games, his heart stopped during a run with his teammates. His teammates were able to get his heart going again and the doctors installed a Glenn Eller (Katy, Texas) pacemaker. Four weeks later, he shot Walton Glenn Eller III began shooting in the Olympic Games in Athens. Bret at the age of eight. In 1996, Glenn was retired from the USAMU in 2005 and the first American to win the presti- currently runs the Willawalla Creek gious British Open Sporting Clay junior Shooting Center where he spends title. He has been a member of two most of his time coaching, developing U.S. Olympic Teams (2000 and 2004) juniors and working with the local 4-H. and was the 2005 World Cup Korea Champion. Glenn had an extremely Dominic Grazioli (San Antonio, Texas) successful 2007, winning the gold at the World Cup Changwon as well as Dominic’s father encouraged his the World Cup Final. He is currently a shooting when he was young, hoping member of the USAMU. Glenn enjoys he would follow in the footsteps of his hunting game birds and deer and was grandfather, a top pigeon shooter in a pole vaulter in high school. the early 1900s. Dominic served as Corey Cogdell (Eagle River, Alaska) an alternate in Men’s Trap to the 1996 Corey grew up hunting with her father, Olympic Team and the following year which fostered a love for shooting, so tied the then-national record of 295/300 she joined the 4-H program and start- at the National Championships. The ed to develop her trap shooting skills. next year, he won gold and bronze Corey made the National Development medals at the same World Cup. He has Team in 2006 at Fall Selection when since earned several more World Cup she placed first in Junior Women’s

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 25 ence and Forensic Science from the earned some of the most prestigious University of Colorado at Colorado titles in competitive Skeet shooting. At Springs. In 2007 at the Pan American the young age of 16 he won his first Games in Rio, Jeff earned the silver World Championship in Men’s Skeet medal in Double Trap. He played base- and was awarded the International ball from the time he was five years old Shooting Sport Federation’s (ISSF) until his graduation from high school. Shooter of the Year Award. Vincent is a In his spare time, Jeff enjoys waterfowl product of the National Shooting Sport hunting, bass fishing, golf, snowboard- Foundation’s Scholastic Clay Target ing and watching USC football. Program and is currently a member of the USAMU. In 2007, Vincent won the gold at World Cup Italy, setting a finals Men’s Skeet World Record. He also earned the gold at the 2007 Pan American Games.

Jeff Holguin (Yorba Linda, Calif.) Jeff’s father and grandfather, regular ATA shooters, taught Jeff how to shoot. He made his first national team in Trap at the 1997 National Championships. Soon after, he switched to Double Trap. Jeff was a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Sean McLelland (Mission, Texas) Springs before joining the USAMU in Vincent Hancock (Eatonton, Ga.) 2006. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Sean started shooting at clay targets of Science degree in Health Care Sci- Only 19 years old, Vincent has already when he was 14 and now shoots com-

26 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News petitively for the nationally ranked Lin- after the 2004 Games, Kim turned denwood University Shotgun Team, in her attention to international skeet St. Charles, Mo., where he is majoring and after taking time off after her suc- in Business. Sean first began shooting cess in Athens, Kim returned in 2006 in 4-H, where he later became the 2004 where she finished third at the National High Overall Individual National 4-H Championships, earning her place on Shooting Champion and the President the U.S. National Team in Skeet. Kim of the Sharyland 4-H Group. In high enjoys public speaking, giving shoot- school he was also active in football ing demonstrations, skiing and hunting and track. In his free time, Sean enjoys and is an avid builder and restorer of bird and big game hunting, hiking and cars. She is a member of the Safari fly-fishing. Club International and is a recipient of her hometown’s prestigious “El Monte Title.” She is currently studying to be- Women’s Skeet: come a veterinarian. Kim Rhode (El Monte, Calif.) Kim got her competitive start in shoot- ing in American Skeet. After winning the championship at age 13, she became captain of the All-American Team at 14. Currently at the age of medals and one bronze in Women’s 28, Kim is an incredibly accomplished Double Trap. When Double Trap was shooter, having won two Olympic gold removed from the Olympic schedule

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 27 28 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News RecentNews&Events

USA Shooting Announces Hiring of Mark Weeks as New National Shotgun Coach the past two years. “USA Shooting is very excited to add Mark to the coaching staff,” said Wanda Jewell, USA Shooting Direc- tor of Operations. “His expertise both on the field and with young USA Shooting officially announced athletes will be a real the hiring of Mark Weeks (Clinton asset for our competi- Township, Mich.) on March 31, 2008 tive program.” as the new National Head Coach for “I am very excited to be the new Na- Shotgun. Twenty-nine year old Weeks was a resident athlete at the tional Coach for Shotgun,” said Weeks. After more than 20 years of dedicated Olympic Training Center in Colorado “Competition shooting has been my service to USA Shooting as the Nation- Springs from 1998 to 2000 and joined whole life and I now am looking forward al Shotgun Coach, Lloyd Woodhouse the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit to being on the coaching side and see- will be retiring at the end of August and (USAMU) in 2000, where he has been ing our athletes excel in the sport and Weeks will take over on September 1. stationed for the past eight years. win medals. I feel that we have a very good talent pool in shotgun and the Weeks began shooting with his father, Weeks most recently finished in third future looks promising.” Dan Weeks, but credits Woodhouse place in Men’s Skeet at the 2008 U.S. with showing him the intricacies of Olympic Team Trials for Shooting Weeks attended Troy University and is the sport. Weeks brings 21 years of (Shotgun), narrowly missing a spot on married to Mary Elsass, a past mem- shotgun shooting experience to USA the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team by just ber of the National Rifle Team. Shooting and has pursued modern two targets. coaching and training techniques for

2008 Senior Open for International Trap Board of Directors Election Notice The 2008 Senior Open for Interna- is expecting the range capacity of 42 tional Trap will be held August 16-17 shooters to be reached quickly and The election for the Pistol Athlete at the Hillsboro Skeet and Trap Club in encourages interested shooters to Hillsboro, Ore. (www.hillsborotrapand- register as soon as possible. Once the Representative to the USA Shooting skeetclub.com), near Portland, and is entries reach capacity, a waiting list sponsored by the International Shoot- will be established in the event there Board of Directors will take place dur- ing Sports of Oregon (ISSO). Open are cancellations. ing the 2008 USA Shooting Rifle/Pistol practice is scheduled for August 13 & New for this year, USA Shooting is pro- 14 and a 100 target preliminary event National Championships, which are will take place on Friday August, 15 viding a perpetual trophy for the HOA with the 125 target main event August winner. The trophy will reside at USAS being held June 28 - July 6 at Ft. Ben- 16-17. Saturday is 75 targets; Sunday Headquarters in Colorado Springs is 50 targets and three Finals, Class on display. ning, Ga. The election will take place at A, B and C. Shooters are classified Match information is available from the USA Shooting Annual Membership on Saturday’s scores. Shooters must either Dave Senter, (sendr25@ turn 45 years old this calendar year per hotmail.com) or Maxey Brantley Meeting on the afternoon of Tuesday, USAS rules to be eligible to compete. ([email protected]). Please use July 1. The Pistol Rep. will be female ISSO President Dave Senter guar- “Senior Open - International Trap” antees a truly international flavor, in the subject line to ensure prompt and the alternate will be male for the with entries expected from Australia, attention. Canada and the U.S. Event Organizer 2009-2012 quad. and Match Director, Maxey Brantley

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 29 WorldCupUpdate Photos courtesy of J.P.Engelbrecht/Textual

Mo r g a n Hi c k s Cl a i m s Go l d a t Wo r l d Cu p Ri o

few final shots and eventually closed Rifle: the match winning her first ever World Men’s Air Rifle Cup medal. Jason Parker (2008 Olympic team member Mihajlovic, the current number one in Men’s Air Rifle) – 6th place, 697.6 shooter in the world in this event, Hank Gray – 21st place, 589 battled to the end to get a spot on the podium after starting in seventh place Men’s 3 Position Rifle with a five point disadvantage from the leaders. Shooting today’s highest Jason Parker – 4th place, 1263.4 10-shot score (97.3 points), Mihajlovic Mike Anti – 8th place, 1257.5 earned the silver, leaving the bronze to Hank Gray, 10th place, 1161 Swiss’s Marguet who closed just two Morgan Hicks (Roy, Wash.), a 2004 tenths of a point behind her. Men’s Prone Rifle Olympian and Head Coach for the Uni- versity of Nebraska Rifle Team, won Norwegian shooter Ingrid Stubsjoen Chris Abalo - 18th place, 594 the gold medal in the 50m 3 Position placed fourth, followed by Esmari Hank Gray - 24th place, 592 Women’s Rifle event on March 28 at Van Reenen, who finished fifth. U.S. Mike Anti – 25th place, 592 the 2008 ISSF World Cup for Rifle and shooter Amy Sowash (Richmond, Ky.) competed in her first ISSF World Cup Pistol in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hicks Women’s Air Rifle finished in first place with a total score final match, shooting a total score of of 677.9 points (581 + 96.9). She was 672.3 points (577 + 95.3), placing in Amy Sowash - 13th place, 392 joined on the medal podium by Lidija sixth place in front of Darya Shytko of Morgan Hicks - 30th place, 387 Mihajlovic of Serbia and Annik Marguet Ukraine, who took seventh. of Switzerland. The 50m 3 Position Women’s Rifle Women’s 3 Position Rifle Danish shooter Charlotte Jakobsen event was the last match of the 2008 Morgan Hicks – 1st place, 677.9 entered the qualification round with ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup in Rio de Amy Sowash – 6th place, 672.3 the highest score of 583 points, but Janeiro. Nicole Cooper – 17th place, 571 finished the final round in last place Additional results for other U.S. shoot- after scoring a series of disappointing ers competing at the Rio World Cup Pistol: shots. Her final score of 670.7 points include: (583 + 87.7) placed her in eighth place Men’s Air Pistol and left room for Hicks, who managed Brian Beaman – 12th place, 577 to move form the third spot up to first Jason Turner (2008 Olympic team member place. Hicks gained the lead after a in Men’s Air Pistol) – 13th place, 576

Men’s 50m Pistol Jason Turner – 4th place, 651.7 Brian Beaman - 6th place, 650.9

Women’s Air Pistol Sandra Uptagrafft – 23rd place, 375 Libby Callahan – 26th place, 372

Women’s 25m Pistol Libby Callahan – 11th place, 575 Sandra Uptagrafft – 20th place, 568

For complete results from the Rifle/ Pistol World Cup in Rio, please visit the ISSF TV website at www.issf.tv.

30 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News AroundtheRange By Scott Pilkington

About Pellet Numbers and Pellet Testing

The first thing you need to know is ent head sizes. that competition airguns used in the Head sizes Olympic disciplines are .177 caliber, start at 4.48 which is equal to 177 thousandths of mm and con- an inch. The metric equivalent to .177 tinue through inch is 4.50 millimeters, therefore the 4.49, 4.50, 4.51 European caliber designation is 4.5 and 4.52 mm. mm. These sizes Here is a sampling of lot numbers on different packaging. are determined Next, you should know that the small- by the various est quantity of match pellets are typi- pellet (H & N, RWS, JSB, or Vogel) and size molds used to create the pellets cally packaged as 500 pellets and are a head size diameter (4.48, 4.9, 4.50, in the manufacturing process. But, you in containers called tins. When ten tins etc). It is a profound misunderstand- ask, isn’t one .177 barrel the same size are packaged together, they are called ing of this test target which causes so as another .177 barrel? No, not really. a sleeve. A sleeve contains 5,000 much confusion for parents, athletes pellets and weighs a little more than In the barrel manufacturing process, and coaches. six pounds. Five sleeves packaged the tolerances are such that the fin- Unfortunately, the conclusion of proper together are called a case. A case ished size of the lands and grooves of head size pellets for this particular contains 25,000 pellets and weighs the rifling will vary enough from one airgun is drawn when the new owner about 32 pounds. Case quantities are barrel to another that, while one barrel opens up his or her prize new airgun normally bought by schools, clubs, very coming off of the assembly line might and looks at the owner’s manual for serious competitors or those stocking prefer the undersized pellets of 4.48 guidance and sees the head size writ- up early for Y3K. mm, the next barrel might be happier ten on the test target. The owner im- with oversized pellets of 4.51 mm. RWS does make a special 100 pellet mediately thinks that it was selected by pack with two layers of individually In a perfect world, you would discover the factory as the perfect sized pellet packed pellets in Styrofoam. While which head size fits your gun and that for use in this airgun, somewhat akin it certainly appears that these much would always be the perfect pellet for to Moses bringing the 10 command- more expensive pellets should be more your gun - but, we all know we do not ments off of Mount Sinai. The reality accurate and look so pristine with their live in a perfect world. Nonetheless, a is that the head size on a factory test skirts all pointing upward, the reality is myth has arisen in the shooting world target has about as much relevance to that they are made with the same dies saying that a specific pellet head size is your final decision on what is the most and tumbled the same way. The proof the only information you need to know accurate pellet for your airgun as Bugs is in the shooting and every test com- to obtain maximum accuracy from a Bunny making that proverbial left turn parison I have done, or am aware of particular target airgun. This myth is in Albuquerque. others performing, is that on average derived from a misunderstanding of a The test target is nothing more than this specially packed pellets shoot no small piece of paper that comes with a validation from the factory that this better or no worse than those packed every target airgun sold and that paper particular airgun is capable of shooting 500 to a tin. is called a test target. well. The factory IS NOT trying to de- Next, you need to know that these .177 The airgun manufacturers (Anschutz, termine the best pellet for your gun. In caliber or 4.50 mm match pellets are Walther, Steyr, FWB, Morini, etc.) fact, as I will discuss in a moment, they made in different sizes. As a way of include a test target with each new cannot do this. What the gun factories refining accuracy and to most perfectly airgun showing a very small group want to do is put a sample of various fit an individual group of pellets to the shot from that specific airgun. Gener- pellets through their guns to see if they exact size and characteristics of your ally, scribbled beside the group will be are shooting to their accuracy expecta- gun barrel, pellets are made in differ- some initials denoting the mfg of the tions. The test targets are shot with a

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 31 group of five pellets. If they shoot the one group of five pellets and they get a great looking group, you can bet the next thing that gun will see is the inside of a packing box, not shooting more than five shot groups of pellets. If they shoot the first four groups and none of the groups are as tight as they should be, then they will shoot another sample of four groups possibly on the opposite extreme of the pellet size spectrum. Normally, for air rifles, one or more of these groups will be able to hold an unfired pellet up by skirt, when holding the target horizontally in the air. As soon as they find a good looking group, that target will go out with the gun. If none of these attempts show accuracy, then the gun will go back to have its barrel or regulator checked before coming back to the test range. The point is, shooting test targets are not attempts by the factory at defin- ing what shoots well in their barrel, but only that their barrel does indeed shoot well. Now then, if this head size number indicated on your gun’s test target is not the key to the accuracy then what is? How do you know what pellets you should buy? To really get true informa- tion requires testing your airgun from a Here are eight different groups of 4.49 pellets from three different manu- solid rest with a variety of head sizes facturers. Which ones do you want in your gun? The reality is all, but and lot numbers. Lot numbers you one of these groups is holding the 10 ring. say? What are those? Lot numbers are used by manufacturers to differentiate duction is stopped in the middle of a of pellets for weeks on end. roll of wire and a machine adjustment between various groups of pellets hav- Next issue, I will talk separately about ing different production characteristics. is made, then that creates a new lot number. If we stop again and make rifle testing versus pistol testing, since In firearms ammunition there are a lot another machine adjustment, then that the two have vastly different require- more variables that can prompt a lot creates another new lot number. So ments. number change. Anything that is differ- you can see that it’s possible that lot Scott Pilkington has been involved with ent in the production requires a new lot number could cover only two or three Olympic shooting since 1991 as a gun- number. A change from one group of sleeves of pellets. smith, importer, photojournalist, youth primers to another, a new box of gun To determine what a given pellet’s lot coach and now as a manufacturer of powder, a change in brass, a change American made match pellets. in the roll of lead wire used to make number is, we normally only have to the bullet, a change in the adjustment look at the tins, often they are stamped of the machine or even a simple tweak on little stickers on the bottom of the will necessitate a new lot number. tin and they will also be found on the Often this means that single machine corresponding sleeves and cases. It operating in a normal eight hour work is important when choosing lots to be day could produce five or more differ- tested, that you determine if the sup- ent lot numbers. plier has a large enough quantity on hand of each lot number in the event For airgun pellets, there are really only you choose it as the best shooting lot in two variables that create a different lot your gun. Often, a supplier will have to number; a change in the lead wire or a hold back those lots being tested until change in the machine adjustment. For you make your final purchase, so they us at Vogel USA, if everything goes won’t sell out of the lot you eventually well and an entire roll of lead wire runs choose. In fairness to the vendors, you through the machine without any ma- should do your pellet testing as soon chine tweaking taking place, then a lot as possible upon receiving the sample will not be any larger than 12 sleeves, lots, so as not to tie up their inventory or approximately 60,000 pellets. If pro-

32 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News ScheduleofEvents SHOTGUN Discipline Start Match # Match Name Club Name Match Level Name City State Date End Date How to Register 2008 World Cup USA- Out of Phone: (719) 866-4670 3555 Competition Entry USA Shooting Other Event Shotgun Kerrville TX 5/1/08 5/10/08 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Steve Lakatos 3458 Zone 11 and Vegas Crap Shoot California Int’l Clay Target Shooters Zone Championship Shotgun Las Vegas NV 5/3/08 5/3/09 Phone: (626) 403-0723 [email protected] Fairfield Sportsmen’s Association 3456 International Trap Chmps. Fairfield Sportsmen’s Assoc. Preliminary Tryout Shotgun Harrison OH 5/10/08 5/10/08 Phone: (513) 738-8027 Club Rep: James Clawson 3571 2008 Northwest Regional - TRAP Missoula Trap & Skeet Club Region Championship Shotgun Missoula MT 5/31/08 6/1/08 Phone: (406) 544-3448 [email protected] Club Rep: Sam Work 3438 Zone 2 Championship Quantico Shooting Club Zone Championship Shotgun MCB Quantico VA 6/14/08 6/15/08 Phone: (703) 626-8490 [email protected] Ohio State International Trap 3457 Championships Fairfield Sportsmen’s Assoc. Preliminary Tryout Shotgun Harrison OH 7/5/08 7/5/08 Phone: (513) 738-8027 2008 USA Shooting National Shotgun Phone: (719) 866-4670 3560 Championships USA Shooting National Championships Shotgun Colorado Springs CO 7/12/08 7/20/08 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Sam Work 3439 Support the Troops PTO Quantico Shooting Club Preliminary Tryout Shotgun MCB Quantico VA 8/30/08 8/31/08 Phone: (703) 626-8490 [email protected] Northeast Region International Trap 3442 Championships Fairfield Sportsmen’s Assoc. Regional Championship Shotgun Harrison OH 9/3/08 9/7/08 Phone: (513) 738-8027 Club Rep: Sam Work 3440 Beltway 250 Quantico Shooting Club Preliminary Tryout Shotgun MCB Quantico VA 10/4/08 10/5/08 Phone: (703) 626-8490 [email protected] RIFLE, PISTOL Discipline Start Match # Match Name Club Name Match Level Name City State Date End Date How to Register Club Rep: Nathan Hendrix 3505 CRSSA Monthly PTO Cross Roads Sport Shooting Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Glen MS 5/3/08 5/3/08 Phone: (662) 287-3235 Association Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Scott Bittler 3445 Oregon State Junior Indoor Rifle Tri County Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Rifle Sherwood OR 5/3/08 5/4/08 Phone: (503) 924-1593 Championship Email: [email protected] OPEN OUTDOOR 3-POSITION Club Rep: Ann Marie O’Brien 3562 INTERNATIONAL & ENGLISH PRONE Square Circle Sportsmen of Camden Other Event Rifle Gibbsboro NJ 5/4/08 5/4/08 Phone: (856) 435-1832 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP County Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Greg Knutzen 3383 Black Mountain Monthly PTO Match Black Mountain Shooting Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Chino CA 5/4/08 5/4/08 Phone: (909) 591-9988 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Ray Del Rio 3371 INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY Los Angeles Rifle & Revolver Club Preliminary Tryout Rifle South El Monte CA 5/10/08 5/10/08 Phone: (714) 777-4585 TRYOUT Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Peter Schrieber 3520 CAVALIER INTERNATIONAL PISTOL Cavalier Rifle & Pistol Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Montpelier VA 5/10/08 5/10/08 Phone: (804) 598-1494 PTO Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Michael Marzitelli 3514 Oakdale Olympic Free Pistol May PTO Oakdale Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Lake Elmo MN 5/10/08 5/10/08 Phone: (651) 489-9164 Email: [email protected] 2008 Rifle and Pistol Spring Selection Phone: (719) 866-4670 3451 & Smallbore Olympic Team Trials USA Shooting Selection Match Pistol, Rifle Ft Benning GA 5/12/08 5/1/08 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Donald Plante 3404 Phoenix RGC May PTO Phoenix Rod & Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Gilbert AZ 5/17/08 5/17/08 Phone: (480) 855-0002 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Randy Shikashio 3473 USA Shooting Air Rifle and Pistol Cedar Hill Jr. Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Blackfoot ID 5/17/08 5/18/08 Phone: (208) 785-4860 PTO Match Email: [email protected] Feb. Open International Air Pistol Club Rep: Mickey Brondum 3425 Match Southwest Gun Club Inc. Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle McComb MS 5/17/08 5/18/08 Phone: (504) 343-7597 Club Rep: Donald Plante 3404 Phoenix RGC May PTO Phoenix Rod & Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Gilbert AZ 5/17/08 5/17/08 Phone: (480) 855-0002 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Michael Marzitelli 3516 Minneapolis Rifle Club Olympic Free Minneapolis Rifle Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol St. Francis MN 5/17/08 5/17/08 Phone: (651) 489-9164 Pistol May PTO Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Thomas Monto Phone: (989) 631-3079 3109 Michigan USAS Air Pistol PTO Riverside Shooting Club Preliminary Tryout Rifle Bay City MI 5/18/08 5/18/08 Fax: (989) 631-3079 [email protected] Club Rep: Thomas Monto Phone: (989) 631-3079 3550 USAS Air Rifle / Pistol PTO Riverside Shooting Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Bay City MI 5/18/08 5/18/08 Fax: (989) 631-3079 [email protected] Club Rep: Dmitriy Shteyman Phone: (832) 549-4695 3354 USA Shooting & 4HSS Quarterly PTO Ft. Bend County 4-H Shooting Sports Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Rosenberg TX 5/23/08 5/25/08 Fax: (281) 499-0664 [email protected] Club Rep: Pete Slack 3414 Desoto GC Monthly May PTO Desoto Gun Club Inc. Preliminary Tryout Pistol Arcadia FL 5/24/08 5/24/08 Phone: (863) 494-5853 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Dennis Lindenbaum 3574 Riverbend Gun Club Monthly Pistol River Bend Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Dawsonville GA 5/24/08 5/24/08 Phone: (770) 578-0046 League Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Thomas Monto 2008 Northeast Regional Rifle & Pistol Phone: (989) 631-3079 3448 Championship Riverside Shooting Club Region Championship Pistol, Rifle Midland MI 6/1/08 6/1/08 Fax: (989) 631-3079 [email protected] Club Rep: Nathan Hendrix 3506 CRSSA Monthly PTO Cross Roads Sport Shooting Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Glen MS 6/7/08 6/7/08 Phone: (662) 287-3235 Association Email: [email protected]

USA Shooting News May / June 2008 33 Club Rep: Greg Knutzen 3384 Black Mountain Monthly PTO Match Black Mountain Shooting Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Chino CA 6/8/08 6/8/08 Phone: (909) 591-9988 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Brooks Brinson 3007 Shooting Stars PTO NASSA Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Carrollton TX 6/9/08 6/9/08 Phone: (972) 234-8780 Club Rep: Randy Shikashio 3474 USA Shooting Air Rifle and Pistol Cedar Hill Jr. Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Blackfoot ID 6/14/08 6/15/08 Phone: (208) 785-4860 PTO Match Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Ray Del Rio 3372 INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY Los Angeles Rifle & Revolver Club Preliminary Tryout Rifle South El Monte CA 6/14/08 6/14/08 Phone: (714) 777-4585 TRYOUT Email: [email protected] Club Rep: E.C. “Coach” Wong 3531 Shooting Stars (Summer) PTO NASSA Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Carrollton, TX TX 6/14/08 6/14/08 Phone: (972) 234-8780 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Michael Marzitelli 3515 Oakdale Olympic Free Pistol Oakdale Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Lake Elmo MN 6/14/08 6/14/08 Phone: (651) 489-9164 Tournament Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Peter Schrieber 3521 CAVALIER INTERNATIONAL PISTOL Cavalier Rifle & Pistol Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Montpelier VA 6/14/08 6/14/08 Phone: (804) 598-1494 PTO Email: [email protected] Club Rep: David Gee 3482 Free Pistol & Standard Pistol, PTO Chabot Gun Club Inc. Preliminary Tryout Pistol Castro Valley, CA CA 6/15/08 6/15/08 Phone: (415) 386-1243 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Michael Marzitelli 3517 Minneapolis Rifle Club Olympic Free Minneapolis Rifle Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol St. Francis MN 6/21/08 6/21/08 Phone: (651) 489-9164 Pistol June PTO Email: [email protected] Riverbend Gun Club Monthly Pistol 3575 League River Bend Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Dawsonville GA 6/28/08 6/28/08 Dennis Lindenbaum 2008 USA Shooting National Phone: (719) 866-4670 3561 Championships- Rifle & Pistol USA Shooting National Championships Pistol, Rifle Ft. Benning GA 6/28/08 7/6/08 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Michael Marzitelli 3535 Oakdale Olympic Free Pistol July PTO Oakdale Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Lake Elmo MN 7/5/08 7/5/08 Phone: (651) 489-9164 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Ray Del Rio 3373 INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY Los Angeles Rifle & Revolver Club Preliminary Tryout Rifle South El Monte CA 7/12/08 7/12/08 Phone: (714) 777-4585 TRYOUT Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Dmitriy Shteyman Phone: (832) 549-4695 3375 2008 USAS ZONE 8 CHAMPIONSHIPS Fort Bend County 4-H Shooting Sports Zone Championship Pistol, Rifle Rosenberg TX 7/18/08 7/20/08 Fax: (281) 499-0664 [email protected] Club Rep: Michael Marzitelli 3538 Minneapolis Rifle Club Olympic Free Minneapolis Rifle Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol St. Francis MN 7/19/08 7/19/08 Phone: (651) 489-9164 Pistol July PTO Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Randy Shikashio 3475 USA Shooting Air Rifle and Pistol Cedar Hill Jr. Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Blackfoot ID 7/26/08 7/27/08 Phone: (208) 785-4860 PTO Match Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Dennis Lindenbaum 3576 Riverbend Gun Club Monthly Pistol River Bend Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Dawsonville GA 7/26/08 7/26/08 Phone: (770) 578-0046 League Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Michael Marzitelli 3536 Oakdale Olympic Free Pistol August Oakdale Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Lake Elmo MN 8/2/08 8/2/08 Phone: (651) 489-9164 PTO Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Greg Knutzen 3385 Black Mountain Monthly PTO Match Black Mountain Shooting Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Chino CA 8/3/08 8/3/08 Phone: (909) 591-9988 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Ray Del Rio 3499 INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY Los Angeles Rifle & Revolver Club Preliminary Tryout Rifle South El Monte CA 8/9/08 8/9/08 Phone: (714) 777-4585 TRYOUT Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Thomas Monto Michigan USAS Outdoor Smallbore Phone: (989) 631-3079 3083 Championships Riverside Shooting Club Preliminary Tryout Rifle Midland MI 8/10/08 8/10/08 Fax: (989) 631-3079 [email protected] Club Rep: Michael Marzitelli 3539 Minneapolis Rifle Club Olympic Free Minneapolis Rifle Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol St. Francis MN 8/16/08 8/16/08 Phone: (651) 489-9164 Pistol August PTO Email: [email protected] Club Rep: David Gee 3483 Free Pistol & Standard Pistol, PTO Chabot Gun Club Inc. Preliminary Tryout Pistol Castro Valley, CA CA 8/17/08 8/17/08 Phone: (415) 386-1243 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Dennis Lindenbaum 3577 Riverbend Gun Club Monthly Pistol River Bend Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Dawsonville GA 8/23/08 8/23/08 Phone: (770) 578-0046 League Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Dmitriy Shteyman 2008 USAS SOUTHWEST REGIONAL Phone: (832) 549-4695 3376 CHAMPIONSHIPS Fort Bend County 4-H Shooting Sports Region Championship Pistol, Rifle Rosenberg TX 8/29/08 8/31/08 Fax: (281) 499-0664 [email protected] Club Rep: Michael Marzitelli 3537 Oakdale Gun Club Olympic Free Pistol Oakdale Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Lake Elmo MN 9/6/08 9/6/08 Phone: (651) 489-9164 September PTO Email: [email protected] Club Rep: E.C. “Coach” Wong 3532 Shooting Stars (Fall) PTO NASSA Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Carrollton, TX TX 9/8/08 9/8/08 Phone: (972) 234-8780 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Ray Del Rio 3500 INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY Los Angeles Rifle & Revolver Club Preliminary Tryout Rifle South El Monte CA 9/13/08 9/13/08 Phone: (714) 777-4585 TRYOUT Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Robert Callahan 3524 New York State International Syracuse Pistol Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Liverpool NY 9/13/08 9/13/08 Phone: (315) 695-5734 Championship Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Donald Plante 3405 Phoenix RGC September PTO Phoenix Rod & Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol Gilbert AZ 9/20/08 9/20/08 Phone: (480) 855-0002 Email: [email protected] OPEN OUTDOOR 3-POSITION Club Rep: Ann Marie O’Brien 3563 INTERNATIONAL & ENGLISH PRONE Square Circle Sportsmen of Camden Preliminary Tryout Rifle Gibbsboro NJ 9/21/08 9/21/08 Phone: (856) 435-1832 PTO County Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Pete Slack 3415 Desoto GC Monthly Sept. PTO Desoto Gun Club Inc. Preliminary Tryout Pistol Arcadia FL 9/27/08 9/27/08 Phone: (863) 494-5853 Email: [email protected] Club Rep: Randy Shikashio 3476 USA Shooting Air Rifle and Pistol Cedar Hill Jr. Gun Club Preliminary Tryout Pistol, Rifle Blackfoot ID 9/27/08 9/28/08 Phone: (208) 785-4860 PTO Match Email: [email protected]

34 May / June 2008 USA Shooting News

The Zone 5 Championships held by Cross Roads Sport Shooting Association in Mississippi brought kids from all over the state, including many from Louisiana. The kids participating in the match were Adrianne James, Sheila Leet, Sarah Zuccarrello, Mike Liuzza, Matt Savage, Austin Litherland, Mark Baldwin, Christian Hashagen, Luke South, Jacob Gilmore and Kayla Parker.

USA Shooting 1 Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, CO 80909 www.usashooting.org