USA Rifle Team Takes on the World
from Mike Krei at the NRA
Working very hard since the last World Long Range Rifle Championship in 2007, the USA has put together a tremendously talented Long Range Rifle Team to send to Brisbane, Australia this month to compete with other countries for World Championship honors. Held every four years, these competitions bring out the best of the world’s long range riflemen and women, and the bragging rights are huge.
International Long Range shooting is not new for the NRA; the World Long Range Championships are an outgrowth of the United States Palma Matches originally fired at the Creedmoor New York Range in 1876. The Palma Team Match is still the center piece for the World Long Range Rifle Championships.
Firing will take place over 15 days starting off with National Rifle Association of Australia’s President’s Match fired from 300, 500, 600, 900 and 1000 yards over two days. Competitions will continue over the long range course culminating with two days of firing of the Palma Match shot at distances of 800, 900, and 1000 yards. Belmont Shooting Complex, Queensland will host the 2011 World Long Range Championships starting October 8, 2011 and finishing October 22, 2011.
Let me introduce your National Rifle Association of America 2011 USA Long Range National Rifle Team:
Captain – Dennis Flaharty
Vice Captain/Adjutant – Dan Simpson
Vice Captain – Dr. Tom Whitaker
Head Coach – Emil Praslick III
Armorer – Robert Gamboa
Team Members – Bob Mead • Bryan Litz • David Littlefield • Gary Rasmussen • John Whidden • Justin Skaret • Kelly Bachand • Kent Reeve • Lane Buxton • Nancy Tompkins • Noma Mayo • Norm Anderson • Robert Gustin • Sherri Gallagher • Steve Cunico • Steve Hardin • Trevor Hengehold • Trevor Massey • Trudie Fay • Ty Cooper • Wayne Forshee
Middleton Tompkins will travel to Australia as National Rifle Association of America Advisor.
I think I can speak for all U.S.A NRA members in wishing our 2011 National Rifle Team safe journeys and good weather as they take their place on the World Stage to uphold the history and winning ways of American shooters for the past 135 years. Good luck to all.
