|
August 15, 2006
 |
|
Norman Houle, of West Warwick, RI,
is the NRA's National High Power Rifle Champion for 2004 &
2006. |
Camp Perry, Ohio - Rhode Islander Norman Houle won top
honors at the 2006 National Rifle Association High Power Rifle
Championship. Houle, a shooter with 24 years of experience on the
line at Camp Perry, previously won the 2004 title, and placed second
overall in 2005.
The High Power Matches were held at Camp Perry, Ohio, from Aug.
7-10. Winning the competition and its accompanying Mumma Trophy,
Houle posted a score of 2382 points out of a possible 2400, plus 125
tie-breaking hits, called Xs. Second place went to Ronald Zerr of El
Paso, Texas, with a score of 2377-118X. Competition was very close
between the two competitors the final days of the competition, often
with only a point or two separating them. Third place went to Troy
Lawton of Columbus, Ga., with his score of 2376-95X.
Houle, in addition to winning the overall championship, also took
titles as NRA Match Rifle Champion and Civilian Champion for his
score of 2382-125X. Houle also took top honors in the following
categories: Clarke Trophy Match winner with 796-39X, Nevada
Vandenberg Cup Match winner with 796-42X, Crescent Cup Match winner
with 199-11X, Member's Trophy Match winner with 199-10X, and
standing aggregate with 588-29X.
In discussing his wins, Houle said victories came harder this year
than in 2004. "I have to say that it was definitely tougher this
time around," said Houle. "The whole competition was tough down to
the very last shot. I realized that the person who made the fewest
mistakes would win. That is what I tried to do." Houle continued, "I
came into the last day behind by two points. Knowing that the
Standing Score would be the deciding factor, I determined that I
would keep all the shots in the middle. I did, and it paid off."
Other names familiar to competitive rifleman were in the awards
ceremony. Notable winners included Lance Hopper of the U.S. Army
Marksmanship Unit who won the NRA Service Rifle Championship with a
score of 2366-114X. Hopper, from Phenix City, AL, joined the U.S.
Army in 1988 and has been assigned to the U.S. Army Marksmanship
Unit for 18 years. In speaking of his win, Hopper agreed with Houle
about this year's competition. "It was definitely the toughest I
remember, especially coming down to the last day. I feel that I was
able to win because I stayed focused on not making mistakes." Hopper
continued, "This is the best single accomplishment of my shooting
career so far."
Another familiar name at this year's competition was Gallagher, a
family name well known in competition circles. In particular it was
Michelle Gallagher, who took the Woman Champion Award with her score
of 2346-89X.
The NRA Championships continue Aug. 11-14, with the Long Range
Matches.
The NRA High Power Rifle Championship Results Summary:
2006 National Champion - The Mumma Trophy -
Winner: Norman G. Houle of
West Warwick, RI - 2382-125X
2006 National Match Rifle Champion - The Wright Trophy
Winner: Norman G. Houle of
West Warwick, RI - 2382-125X
2006 National Service Rifle Champion - The DuPont Trophy
Winner: SFC Lance S. Hopper, USA 2366-114X
Phenix City, AL
The Erdman Trophy - Standing Slow fire Aggregate
Winner: Norman G. Houle 588-29X
West Warwick, RI
The McCann Trophy - Rapid fire Aggregate
Winner: SFC Grant L. Singley, USA 1199-58X
Smiths, AL
The Centenary Trophy - Prone Slow fire Aggregate
Winner: Kent R. Reeve 599-37X
Cary, NC
The Marine Gunner D.I. Boyd Memorial Trophy - Slow fire Aggregate
Winner: Troy A. Lawton 1186-47X
Columbus, GA
Civilian Champion
Winner: Norman G. Houle 2382-125X
West Warwick, RI
Service Champion
Winner: SFC Lance S. Hopper, USA 2366-114X
Phenix City, AL
Women's Champion
Winner: Michelle Gallagher 2346-89X
Prescott, AZ
Junior Champion
Winner: Christopher J. Atkins 2350-97X
Brunswick, GA
Intermediate Junior Champion
Winner: Ryan L. Castonguay 2354-80X
New Hartford, CT
Sub-Junior Champion
Winner: Jennifer Nyberg 2233-46X
Renton, WA
Senior Champion
Winner: Jack G. Jones 2363-81X
Akron, OH
Grand Senior Champion
Winner : Robert Del Cotto 2349-93X
Beecher, IL
Police Champion
Winner: Ken Potter 2333-73X
Toledo, OH
Collegiate Champion
Winner: Christopher J. Atkins 2350-97X
Brunswick, GA
|
