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DORR, MICHIGAN – Unseasonably warm temperatures and calm wind conditions greeted 13 shooters, including seven current members of the GVSU Rifle & Pistol Club, who competed in the Michigan Rifle & Pistol Association’s 3-Position Conventional Smallbore State Championship at the South Kent Sportsman’s Club on October 3, 2021. The match consisted of 120 total shots fired from the prone, standing, and kneeling positions at 50 yards. The Michigan resident with the highest aggregate score is declared the State Champion.
The top Laker shooter was Alexander Straith (West Bloomfield, Michigan). He posted a score of 1158-38x for fifth place. He had a 388-14x in prone, 382-10x in standing, and 388-14x in kneeling. Straith was the second highest collegiate shooter, one place behind conference rival Brian Aliventi from the Zips Rifle Club. “Alex has been a top shooter for us his entire collegiate career. Given the inexperience of our current team, Alex’s leadership will be invaluable this season,” remarked Head Coach Cameron Zwart.
One of the least experienced shooters in the match was the Lakers’ first year shooter Katheryn Karas (Carleton, Michigan). She began shooting smallbore in September. She finished ninth with a score of 1088-20x. The score is tops on the Laker’s all-time list for a shooter in their first month. “Kate looks to be a very talented shooter. We’re excited to see her abilities on display this season,” added Zwart.
The aggregate was won by Emme Walrath, a high schooler from Wisconsin. She tallied a total of 1192-59x with also earned her top rankings in the junior and woman category. GVSU Assistant Coach Timothy Schmeltzer, the top Michigan resident, posted a score of 1187-53, earning his second consecutive State Champion title.
In addition to the individual matches, there was a team competition as well. Teams were comprised of four individuals from the same local club or organization. A pair of teams from Grand Valley State Rifle & Pistol Club entered. The GVSU-Blue team, comprised of Tristan Bruizeman (West Olive, Michigan), Karas, John Martin (Holly, Michigan), and Straith posted a score of 4371-70x for second.
GVSU Rifle & Pistol Club would like to thank the South Kent Sportsman’s Club (https://www.sksc.org/) for generously allowing the match to be held at their facility.
The mission of the GVSU Rifle & Pistol Club is to provide all students with the opportunity to participate in shooting sports, with an emphasis in three-position smallbore rifle, international air rifle, and air pistol. Regardless of skill or ability, all members can have a safe and enjoyable time interacting with fellow students and engaging in marksmanship. All equipment is provided, including guns, ammunition, and targets. The club meets Tuesdays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Thursdays 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM during the school year at the Grand Rapids Rifle & Pistol Club (1331 Nagel Ave SW, Wyoming). Practice attendance is not mandatory to be a member of the club; however, regular practice attendance is expected.
Please consider supporting the GVSU Rifle Club through a tax-deductible charitable contribution: https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-online2.htm?fundId=80818
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