Friday, July 09, 2004

Take a deep breath, release then another breath. On the third breath, hold it, then squeeze the trigger, release the breath and make sure you dont move a muscle in the process.

This is the method that will be used this weekend at the USA and CMP Jr. Olympics Air Rifle National Championship at E.A. Diddle Arena.

While it may seem simple, its harder than it sounds just ask Craig Dixon, a recent graduate of Greenwood High School. He enters the event fresh off his victory at the state qualifiers, which earned him a national ranking of sixth.

The CMP the Civilian Marksmanship Program hosts numerous tournaments and organizations, which promote marksmanship training and firearms safety for all qualified U.S. citizens, with a special emphasis on youth.

The competition is going to be pretty tough, Dixon said. Hopefully I can shoot my best and get in there.

Last week Diddle Arena hosted the Daisy/Jaycee Air Gun Championship. While the two sports are similar, air rifle competitions are considered much tougher. BB gunners stand just 5 meters back from the target, while in air rifle competition they go back 10. The spring-activated BB guns are not as powerful as the compressed air- or gas-powered air rifles, and the demands are not as great either.

Shooters take one shot per target and must shoot 60 targets. A bulls-eye scores 10 points. The maximum total at the end of a round is 600 points, with 500 being about middle of the road for the Sporter division and 550 being an excellent score.

Dixon got his start at age 8 in the BB gun scene, but has since made a steady move to the top of the air rifle world.

BB guns are definitely easier than air rifles, he said. Its two totally different fields.

More than 150 shooters are expected to converge on Bowling Green this weekend from all over the country, with a possible berth in the 2004 Summer Olympics awaiting an outstanding competitor. While the U.S. team is nearly complete and theres no automatic spot on the team, tournament director and assistant Jr. U.S. team coach Joe Tinsley of Bowling Green says theres a chance someone could be selected.

Were extremely excited about the tournament being here, he said. Theres a chance someone could qualify for the Olympic team. Its doubtful, but if someone comes in and scores an unbelievable score, its possible. Were really looking at these shooters for the 2008 games though.

There are two divisions in competitive air rifle events Sporter and Precision. Precision, which is considered tougher, requires equipment such as a shooting vest, pants and blinders. Most of the clothing is made up leather and suede, which helps the shooter control his body movement better. Dixon is competing in the Sporter division, but plans to make the move up after this weekends event.

In his three years of competing in air rifle competitions, Dixon says hes gone from shooting in the low 500s to now being able to hit the 550 mark fairly consistently. For him to make the top 10 this weekend, he believes hell have to do even better.

Once you hit 550 you cant really improve, he said. Its all about whos having the best day. I think I can finish in the top eight, but I really have to come out and shoot well.

The Sporter division will finish Saturday, with a start time of 8 a.m. Precision division begins at 8 a.m. Sunday and Monday, the final day of competition.

Having received such positive feedback so far, Tinsley said the tournament may return to Bowling Green. Plans are being made already to bring the event back in 2005.

All the coaches are really responsive about the event coming here, Tinsley said. They love it here, the people are so hospitable. Thats why they love coming here.

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