Gators Host Their First Scholastic Pistol Program Regional
OutdoorHub 09.18.13
The University of Florida Pistol Team played host to the first Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP) regional held in Florida. The Florida regional was held at the Gator’s home range Gainesville Target Range on September 14. Nine squads from the Panhandle to the Space Coast came to compete in all three divisions of SPP.
The home team Gators squad A took 1st Place in the Collegiate Division – Centerfire, with visiting rivals Rifle Association of Florida State University (FSU) Seminoles taking 2nd place and the Florida Squad B placing 3rd. In the Collegiate Division – Rimfire, the Florida squad A grabbed the Gold medal, FSU took the Silver and Florida B walked off with the Bronze. In the Senior Centerfire Division, the Leon County Sheriff Explorer’s Post #15 won the Gold Medal adding to their success in the first SPP Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association (FSEA) State Championships, June 28. In the Junior Division – Rimfire newcomers Seminole Sharpshooters and Ninjas with Homework placed 1st and 2nd in their first match.
“Since joining SPP we have traveled across the country to compete and have enjoyed great camaraderie and sportsmanship that is an integral part of the program,” said Deon Martin, University of Florida Pistol Team head coach. “It was a great honor for us to be awarded an SPP Regional so we could return just some the hospitality we’ve experienced from our fellow SPP teams.”
“The state of Florida has become a hotbed of activity for SPP making this regional a perfect follow-up to our FSEA state championship held in June,” said Scott Moore, SPP National Director. “Based on the excellent results this weekend we expect continued growth in the state for the 2013-2014 season.”
The match was staffed by local Gainesville Target Range action shooters as well as SPP Program Manager, Tammy Mowry. Also on hand to provide free loaner handguns and instruction was Ed Fitzgerald, GLOCK SPP liaison and Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) Board of Directors member.
SPP is supported, in part, by founding partners GLOCK, Smith & Wesson and Action Target. Additional partners include Atlanta Arms & Ammunition, Browning, PACT Timers, Pro Ears, Remington Arms, Rudy Project, Tactical Solutions and Winchester Ammunition among others.
