For two weeks in September, two back-to-back events were held at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico – the Spirit of America US Full Bore National Championships and the US F-Class National Championships. Both events had PVGC members in attendance!
Spirit of America US Full Bore Championships Sept 8-14
attended by David Hillis and Ben Lucchesi
David, who shot F-TR was a big winner taking home numerous medals both individually and on team. For his first national event, David exceptionally well, demonstrating consistently improving scores each time he went to the firing line.
Ben Lucchesi, shooting a Palma rifle, didn’t too bad either claiming the US Full Bore National Championship Team Grand Aggregate. Ben’s team consisted of fellow US National Rifle Team members Brian Marnk, Trudie Fay, Jerry Iliff, and John Field. The competition was especially difficult due to the high attendance of US National Veterans team members in attendance. The veterans team had shot for an entire week before as part of a team selection process in preparation for the world championship in 2019, so they had their best wind coaches and their best shooters from around the country in attendance. But with some strong wind coaching by Brian Marnk and Trudie Fay, Ben’s team pulled ahead on the final day to win.
US National F-Class Championships Sept 16 – 23
Addison Mohler and Robert Hoppe attended the US F-Class National Championships which were held the week following the Spirit of America matches. Based on the number of entries and scores, this match had arguably the best F-Class shooters in the world in attendance. Addison Mohler held his own winning a Bronze medal on the first day with his first clean at a 1000 yards, 200-15x… yes, you read that right… a 200-15X earned a 3rd place!
US National F-Class Rifle Team Tryouts
In addition to shooting the US F-Class National long range events, shooters from around the country participated in try-outs for the US F-Class Rifle Team, including our own Addison Mohler, who we’re proud to announce has made the team! Congratulations Addison!
Final thoughts
If you’ve never been to Northern New Mexico or the NRA Whittington Center… it is a remarkably beautiful place to shoot. The Spirit of America matches are held there every year over the Sept 11 weekend. If you are interested in attending this event, please reach out to anyone listed in this post to discuss their experiences.