Here in Indiana, we run a junior program for Highpower rifle. We believe in 2 core principles, first, it’s important to get kids involved, they will be the future of our sport, and second, expanding firearm exposure and training, as well as safety, to young people will help build support for the second amendment. These kids are learning skills that they can use the rest of their lives.
In 2025 we have 19 active shooters, and several partially active, in our Highpower program. Come out to a local Highpower match and see some of our juniors in action. It’s a heartwarming experience to see these mature, responsible kids on the range. Our program focusses on 3 core tasks
- Providing a particular focus on safety, maturity and responsibility on and off the range
- Introducing new junior shooters to rifle shooting, and competition, and providing necessary training to compete
- Raising funds to provide support to these juniors in the form of equipment, ammunition, and travel/match fee support
In support of the third item, we’ll be selling raffle tickets again this year, so stay tuned! If you’d like to make a contribution to our junior program, please contact Dave Schnelle schnelle1@aol.com, or Bob Winding bob@nd.edu.
Over the course of the summer in 2025, we’ll highlight individual juniors. Our first Junior is Sam Stokes from Valparaiso, IN. Sam is 18, and will be leaving in June for Marine Corps boot camp. He’s been shooting Highpower for nearly 10 years, competitively for 4. Sam says “I got inspired to shoot by watching my Dad shoot.” Sam’s biggest accomplishment to date is breaking the score of 700 out of 800 possible. “My number one goal for 2025 is graduation from basic training. I’ve been working hard in preparation for that, and doing PT regularly. I plan to continue shooting in basic training.” Sam’s other interests include working on projects with his hands, and machining at school.
We see Sam and his Dad, John, fairly regularly at their home range, Wildcat Valley Rifle & Pistol Club, near Brookston, IN. Wish Sam good luck in the Marines, and I’m sure we’ll see him back on the range in the future.
As a reminder, these juniors can be seen on match days at ISRPA matches at Camp Atterbury, regular matches at Wildcat Valley R&PC near Brookston, Ft. Wayne R&RC, and Southern Indiana R&P near Borden.
ISRPA Matches at Camp Atterbury
| Range | Date | Match | OPTIONAL CLINIC OFFERINGS |
| KD3 | 5/10-11/2025 | 2 X RMC | Offhand Clinic Sat PM |
| KD3 | 5/31-6/1/2025 | 2 X RMC | Sitting Clinic Sat PM |
| KD3 | 6/21-22/2025 | 2 X EIC (w/sq pract) | |
| KD3 | 7/12-13/2025 | 2 X RMC | 300 Yard Prone Rapid Clinic Sat PM |
| KD3 | 8/23-24/2025 | 2 X RMC | 600 Yard Prone Slow Fire Clinic Sat PM |
| KD3 | 9/13-14/2025 | State Championship |
Get out and shoot Highpower this year, and bring a new shooter! If you’ve never shot this discipline, check the ranges above and come watch a match to see what it’s all about!
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