It is always good to see a new generation of shooters on the come up. For most of us this is a dad taking his daughter to the local range. Maybe a grandfather and a grandson shooting trap on a Saturday morning. Many of us probably have those memories with a parent, grandparent, etc. Many more of us are currently creating these memories with our own children and grandchildren. What’s awesome about shooting these days is that it is bigger than ever.
Action shooting sports like USPA and 3 gun have been incredibly welcoming to a younger generation of shooters. These fast moving, thrilling shooting competitions are a lot different than old bullseye competition. Kids are getting involved in these shooting sports because of how dynamic they are. Springfield youngest shooters are making a big splash. Young Ladies of Springfield
Enter the William’s sisters. Two young ladies who are conquering USPA at 12 and 13. These young ladies are running a gun better than most adults, and they’re doing it before they can drive. Bravo to these two young ladies for their recent accomplishments at Berry’s USPA championships.
Here’s the official press release.
GENESEO, IL, July 28, 2016 – At just 12 and 13 years old, Justine and Jalise Williams are making a splash in the competitive shooting world.
At the recent Berry’s USPSA Area 1 Championships, Justine Williams claimed the High Lady prize and top B class honors in the Production Division. Older sister Jalise earned High Junior and top B class shooter in Single-Stack Division.
Just 16 months apart in age, the sisters share a common passion for competitive shooting sports but have chosen slightly different paths in the USPSA world. Justine prefers shooting her Springfield Armory® XD(M) 5.25 Competition Model in USPSA Production Division. Jalise competes with her Springfield Armory® 1911 A-1 Professional 9mm in Single-Stack Division.
Jalise Williams comments on her decision to shoot a single-stack pistol, “From day one, I wanted a single stack. That’s one reason my first pistol was the Springfield XDM, because it was the closest ‘feel’ I could get to a 1911, until I could actually get one. Shooting Single-Stack takes a lot of discipline and has been said to be a very tough division, which is also why I chose it. I enjoy the challenge and dedication that is required.”
The Berry’s USPSA Area 1 Championships took place at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Center outside of Salt Lake City, Utah May 11 through 15, 2016. Hosted by the Salt Lake Practical Shooters Association and sponsored by bullet maker Berry’s Manufacturing, the event followed a two-day format and included 16 grueling stages. Over 400 competitors faced the course with its 375 shot minimum round count, so the sisters faced plenty of experienced competitors.
While running, gunning, and engaging a wide variety of targets like steel poppers, swingers and metric paper may sound chaotic, planning and mental focus rule the day. With an average minimum round count per stage exceeding 23, competitors must carefully plan and execute every shot, movement, and reload.
According to Justine, “I look at the stage and I come up with a rough plan. I then walk it over a couple of times and go back and try to relax until it’s almost my turn.”
The importance of mental focus isn’t lost on the Williams sisters. Both straight A students, they are well accustomed to hard work in the preparation stage. While their hobby preferences vary, Jalise prefers reading and writing while Justine opts for dance and gymnastics, both sisters have earned Black Belts in Karate and are accomplished piano players.
Coached by Glen Wong and mentored by Team Springfield Captain and Pro Shooter Rob Leatham, the girls have a big future on the competitive shooting circuit. They’re currently hard at work training for the upcoming 2016 USPSA Hornady Area 3 Championships scheduled to take place July 28-31, 2016 in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Big congratulations to these young ladies, and I wish them well on their future endeavors. If you as a want to contribute to firearms freedom I have a few pieces of advice.
- Join the NRA, or GOA, or any pro gun advocacy groups.
- Be an ambassador to firearms, meaning always act responsible with your firearms and always encourage safe handling.
- Teach a kid to shoot. You are raising them to appreciate and respect firearms. Trust me, as a kid shooter I never had money for drugs when there was ammo that needed shooting.
