ISRPA at Camp Perry 2008

Indiana State Pistol Team at Camp Perry
By Charles Wilhelm

Our nine representatives at the National Matches this year were a mirror of the states shooters both old and new.  The one firing team consisted of Doug Taylor, Ernie Wilson, Harry Horner, Jeff Wehner and Tom Petersen.

Pictured (L to R) are Ernie Wilson, Doug Taylor, Harold Fredine, Harry Horner, Paul Gittinger, Jeff Wehner, Tom Petersen, Captain Jerry Wehner and Coach Wilhelm.

This was a mix of three experts and two Sharpshooters so the team fired as low Expert entry in the State Association Category.  These matches were across the field, .22 CF, .45 and service hardball.  The scores in the tough Association Category were in the middle of the pack, but not good enough to place.  Our shooters posted some good scores as individuals however.  We had some good team scores posted by individuals of the team; Ernie had a 277-08 in .45, Harry shot a 267-08 in .22 and Doug Taylor fired a 260-05 in Center Fire.  As usual at Perry, the weather was affecting some scores.

Also attending as new squad members were Paul Gittinger and Harold Fredine who are planning to attend next year with a goal of team participation.  This growing participation is encouraged by the Team Captain Jerry Wehner and Coach Charles Wilhelm.

Another first for the ISRPA: Ben Smith of Sellersburg is the first winner of the “Junior Pistol Achievement Award” which was started this year.  In the past three years, he has been the top junior shooter in several tournaments at the local, state and regional levels.  The award paid his transportation, lodging and match fees at Camp Perry.  His supportive parents, Southern Indiana R & P Club and the ISRPA provided some of the incentive and the environment that fostered his growth as a young shooter.  At Camp Perry, Ben was the tenth Marksman in the nation in a field of over one-hundred.  Those who know him see Ben as an outstanding young man who has earned this award.  He provides an excellent role model for future Achievement winners.  Everyone wishes him well as he starts a new career as a freshman at Eastern Kentucky University in an aviation program.

Ben is holding a plate awarded for being the fourth Civilian Marksman in the Preliminary Match at Perry.