Hillsdale College Varsity Pistol Team Wins National Titles
The team earned first in the 1911 division and third in the centerfire pistol division.
The Hillsdale Action Shooting Team earned its first national championship at the Scholastic Action Shooting Program’s College Nationals in Talladega, Alabama. The competition, which took place on March 12-13 in Talladega, Alabama, was the team’s first national competition as a varsity team. The 10-person team includes students ranging from sophomore to senior. Three team members are military veterans.
“Our students are extremely disciplined,” said Adam Burlew, the team’s head coach. “They trained dutifully for months, and I’m proud of their performance under pressure in Talladega.”
Beating out competition from teams Texas A&M, West Point and Virginia Tech, the Hillsdale team competed in two divisions: 1911 model and centerfire pistol. It earned first place in the nation in the 1911 division and second place in the centerfire division. Additionally, the B Squad of the team placed third in the nation in the 1911 division.
Individual shooters earned high honors as well. Senior Greg Clement placed first in the 1911 division and 3rd in the centerfire division among male pistol shooters. Senior Sarah Wagoner placed second in the 1911 division among female pistol shooters.
“The team shot well. We’ve practiced hard — good weather and bad. I’m very proud of what we have accomplished.” said Clement. “We are grateful to Coach Burlew for all the time and effort he has put into us, and to Springfield Armory for all of the support it has given.”
Springfield Armory has been a proud sponsor of the Hillsdale College pistol and rifle teams 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.
“We are honored to be associated with this stellar institution, and could not be more proud to have been able to support the Varsity Pistol Team in these incredible achievements at the College Nationals,” says Springfield Armory Vice President of Marketing Steve Kramer. “Congratulations to the team on their performance at the competition. This is an impressive group of young people, and we are thrilled to be able to support them in their efforts.”
To view photos from the event, click here.
To learn more about shooting sports at Hillsdale College, click here.
To read Springfield Armory’s press release about the national title, click here.
About Springfield Armory®
In 1794, the original Springfield Armory was designated as our national armory by General George Washington, and began manufacturing muskets for the defense of our young, free Republic. This monumental institution went on to serve as a think tank for developing innovative firearms concepts and producing some of the most storied rifle platforms in our country’s history. The Armory functioned as a firearms supplier for every major American conflict until 1968 when the government sadly closed its doors. In 1974, two centuries after its inception, Springfield Armory Inc. in Geneseo, IL revived the iconic heritage of the Armory to carry on its legacy and restore the Springfield Armory name. For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.