On July 6th shooters fron The Newberry Junior Pistol Club traveled to Anniston Alabama for the US Junior Olympic Progressive Position Pistol National Championship. The 3 day competition attracted some of the top shooters from all over the US including shooters from as far away as California, as well as shooters from the US Junior Olympic Development Team.
The Newberry Junior Pistol Mixed Team shooters, Brandy Blanton, Sean Blanton, and Carrie Haltiwanger finished in the Silver Medal position with an impressive total of 2061 points, only 14 points away from the Gold Medal position, and 87 points ahead of the Bronze Medal team who finished with 1974 points. The Newberry shooters have a history of doing very well in this competition. Brandy and Sean Blanton both have a previous Gold team Medal and Sean has an additional two Gold and one Bronze individual medals.
The shooters all got an added treat as they were able to watch Johnathan Hall, a resident Olympic athlete, practice and prepare himself for the upcoming Olympic Games in London. He practiced on the range as the shooters competed. Everyone was able to observe a world class shooter performing at the level they wanted to obtain.
The shooters would like to thank all their families and supporters, and a special thanks to The Friends of NRA Foundation and The Gun Owners of SC for their financial support, without which the Newberry Junior Pistol Club would not be able to function. The Newberry Junior Pistol Program is open to all youths who are interested in learning how to shoot safely, improve their self confidence, and learn how to concentrate and focus their energies is a positive direction. Anyone interested in helping with the program either physically or financially, please contact Head Coach Ben Blanton at 803-924-4694.