The Hillsdale College Action Shooting team is only in its second season as a program, but it's already putting together the makings of a dynasty in the emerging sport.
For the second straight year, Hillsdale captured a national championship at the Scholastic Action Shooting Program's Collegiate Nationals, hosted in Talladega, Alabama. The Chargers won first place in the Centerfire division as a team, and took second in the 1911 division.
"I am proud of the team's performance in Talladega. The unwavering dedication and tireless training in the months leading up to nationals truly paid off, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results," said Adam Burlew, head action shooting coach.
In action shooting, competitors race to complete a target course in the shortest amount of time possible, with time added to the final total for each target missed or shot out of order. Competitors are divided into divisions based on the make of pistol used and the attachments to the pistol that are added.
Hillsdale dominated the Centerfire Division, finishing with a final score of 175.85, nearly 20 full points lower than their closest competitors. Senior Gregory Clement took first in the Centerfire competition individually for Hillsdale with a score of 37.33, and also was the top individual in the 1911 Division where Hillsdale took second, with a score of 40.52.
"The team shot well, and I am proud of what we accomplished," said Clement. "We're grateful to coach Burlew for his expertise and time, and to Springfield Armory for their continued support."
Junior Zechariah Steiger was second in the Centerfire competiton with a score of 41.64 for Hillsdale, while senior and team captain Zachary Ailes also placed in the top five with a score of 45.79. Hillsdale's B team also placed fourth in Centerfire, with junior Adam Bentley taking sixth overall with a score of 45.82.
Among female competitors, Hillsdale's Sarah Wagoner was the top finisher in the 1911 Division, and third in the Centerfire Division as well.
The Chargers won the Centerfire competition over teams from Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State and West Point, among other competitors.
Hillsdale is coached by Adam Burlew, along with assistant coach Michael Sweeney. The team is supported by Springfield Armory, which has been a sponsor of the Hillsdale Action Shooting Team since 2019, providing XD-Ms, XD-M Elites, 1911 pistols, equipment, and access to training with 24-time national and seven-time international pistol-shooting champion, Rob Leatham. "It's an honor for us to be affiliated with such a distinguished institution, and we are extremely proud to have provided support for the pistol team, who achieved remarkable success at nationals for the second year in a row," said Springfield Armory Vice President of Marketing Steve Kramer.
Photo Courtesy of the Action Shooting team