November 4th, 2024

9minute read

The Hillsdale College Action Shooting Team continues to impress.

First it won back-to-back national championships in theScholastic Action Shooting Programin 2022 and 2023.

It was an exciting weekend for all who competed and attended.

Hillsdale College dominates USPSA Collegiate Championship shooting range

The hard work of the Hillsdale College Action Shooting Team members earned them top spots across multiple divisions. Image: Hillsdale College

USPSA Michigan Section Coordinator Walt Paegal worked behind the scenes, making sure that the Hillsdale match ran smoothly.

Assisting Burlew was Michael Doc Sweeney as an assistant coach.

This years team included four women.

Hillsdale College shooting team on shooting range

The Hillsdale College team’s performance was a highlight of the weekend at the new Ailes Action Shooting Range.

Besides the great new Halter Center management, there are three reasons Hillsdale can have a facility like this.

First, they do not accept local, state or government funding.

They thrive entirely from donations and tuition alone.

action shooting national championship

Hillsdale College competitors demonstrated disciplined form under pressure as they tackle each stage.

Second, they also have the strong support of Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry P. Arnn.

Third, Dr. Arnn trusts his staff to do a safe and professional job of running things.

This year the company provided the Hillsdale College Action Shooting Team with Springfield Armory Echelon pistols.

Hillsdale College team shooting range Springfield Armory Echelon semi-automatic pistol chambered for 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge

Members of the Hillsdale College team shoot Springfield Armory Echelon and 1911 DS Prodigy semi-automatic pistols chambered for 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. Image: Hillsdale College

Additionally, the company provided 1911 DS Prodigy pistols for the several team members who preferred 1911-style pistols.

I was impressed with the teams and competitors that showed up for this inaugural match.

This was possible due to the unique set-up of the match.

Hillsdale College shooting team during national championship

With Springfield Armory pistols in hand, Hillsdale College athletes moved confidently through each course of fire. Their strong performances show what a well-coached, determined team can do.

Their individual scores were then tallied up and combined for team scores and individual shooter scores.

The result was that a special camaraderie developed among all the competitors.

That alone was a great experience.

shooting range competition

Clara Bozzay shot well on the path to a second place finish in the Individual Female Limited Division. Image: Gabe Beckwith/Hillsdale Student

No signs of disrespect with this group.

The competition started on Saturday at 10am.

A wide range of pistols were used by the competitors.

shooting competition at Hillsdale College national championship

Taylor Chen, Hillsdale College’s new team captain, won second place in the Individual Male Limited Division and led the team to first place wins in the Team Limited and Team Open Divisions.

Most used some form of red dot optics on their pistols, while others shot with various open sights.

The targets used were the classic IPSC/USPSA cardboard targets.

Steel popper targets and pendulum swinging targets were added in on a number of the courses.

action shooting national championship

Hillsdale’s shooters brought both intensity and respect to the range, embodying true sportsmanship. Their winning spirit was evident throughout the competition. Image: Gabe Beckwith/Hillsdale Student

Competition Day One

When we arrived Saturday morning, it was overcast but dry.

Intermittent rain lasted through early afternoon.

Fortunately, each stage had awnings covering the picnic tables in the ready area to protect gear and shooters.

Hillsdale College shooting team at Ailes Action Shooting Range

United by teamwork, the Hillsdale College shooting team celebrates their strong performance. Image: Gabe Beckwith/Hillsdale Student

Proper strategy paid off.

The fastest speed I personally witnessed at the competition was run by Joseph Grohs of the Hillsdale College team.

Using a Springfield Prodigy, he ran the stage in 6.9 seconds.

Hillsdale College Shooting Sports

One of the competitors I kept my eye on was Olivia Montoya from Clemson University.

This was her first competition.

Her initial stage was a bit rocky, but she didnt get discouraged.

1911 DS Prodigy™ Series

She kept right at it in the subsequent stages.

Competition Day Two

Day Twos schedule was different, with the shooting starting at 8:00 am.

The camaraderie and competitive spirit continued between the competitors throughout Sunday.

Echelon™ Series

Once again, everyone enjoyed the match.

Afterwards, it was time for the presentation of the awards.

The awards were presented by Burlew, Driver, and Elizabeth Ailes wife of the late Roger Ailes.

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Mrs. Ailes donated the money needed to build the Ailes Action Shooting Range.

Donors from The Presidents Club of Hillsdale College were in attendance along with members of the the Ailes family.

The dedication was held on the range itself under a large canopy.

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Dr. Larry P. Arnn was there for the keynote address.

Elizabeth Ailes gave a stirring dedication and emotional tribute to her late husband.

After the dedications, the Hillsdale Action Shooting Team gave a demonstration in Bay Six for the attendees.

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Again, I believe there is no other college anywhere where an event like this would have taken place.

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Hillsdale CollegeShooting Sports

1911 DSProdigyTM Series

EchelonTMSeries

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