As we’ve highlighted in previous newsletters, 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.
We will be doing some fund raising programs this summer, the first of which will be a raffle, 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 next Junior is Emma Branson from McCordsville.
Hello! My name is Emma Branson and I am currently seventeen years old. I live in McCordsville Indiana and my home range is Fall Creek Conservation Club in Markleville. I have been shooting since I was thirteen years old and my first match was in July of 2021 at the Indiana State Junior Match. Both my grandfather, John Halter, and my father, Geoff Branson, have been in high power for decades. I grew up watching and helping them clean rifles, make ammo, and prepare for matches. My dad started to collect high power equipment for me in early 2021 and since then shooting has been one of my favorite activities.
I am currently a Master in both CMP and NRA. In 2024 I earned 18 out of 30 points towards Distinguished Rifleman. I also earned the Peter Faatz Memorial Junior trophy for high junior at the the ISRPA State Championship matches, High Non-Distinguished Junior in the CMP National Trophy Individual Match, 1st place amongst Distinguished and Non-Distiguished Rifleman at an EIC match, and 3rd Place in the Grand Aggregate for the ISRPA state championship matches. I am also the first woman in my family to shoot high power.
In 2025, I would like to make the President’s One Hundred and earn my last twelve points to become a Distinguished Rifleman. My dad and I plan to go to Atterbury this summer for multiple matches. We also plan to travel to Camp Perry for June matches and for the National Matches in July. I plan to participate in the Junior State Championship Match in June and the ISRPA state matches at the end of the year.
I am going to college this August to study Environmental Management at Indiana University. I have always loved being outside and helping our planet and I want to make it my career. When I am out of college I will work for companies to help them set and follow guidelines. I am a third-degree black belt at the American Taekwondo Association, which I have been a part of for the past eight years. I cannot wait to see where high power, college, and life takes me in the up-coming years!
As a reminder, these juniors can be seen on match days at ISRPA matches at Camp Atterbury, Wildcat Valley R&PC near Brookston, Ft. Wayne R&RC, and Southern Indiana R&P near Borden.
Upcoming ISRPA Matches at Camp Atterbury
Range Date Match
KD3 6/21-22/2025 Two EIC Leg matches (with a squadded practice first thing Sat.)
KD3 7/12-13/2025 2 X RMC
KD3 8/23-24/2025 2 X RMC
KD3 9/13-14/2025 State Championship
To register for an ISRPA Highpower match at Camp Atterbury, go to https://isrpa.wildapricot.org/HP-Rifle-Upcoming-Events
Get out and shoot Highpower this year, and bring a new shooter! If you’ve never shot this discipline, check the schedules at the ranges above and come watch a match to see what it’s all about!
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