“I’d like to thank my sponsors, my talented teammates, the Academy of Excellence . . .”
I was excited to hold the Shotgun of the Year Award for the Benelli Super Vinci! Photo by Yamil Sued.
OK, so I didn’t actually win an Academy of Excellence award at this year’s Shooting Industry Masters, but FMG Publications certainly made everyone feel as if they won. In fact, we all went home with mini versions of the coveted trophies from the awards ceremony. The event itself is glamorous. It’s a presentation with pomp and circumstance the likes of the Oscars, Emmys or Grammys. Nominees for the Academy of Excellence are proud to be selected. And the winners? Thrilled! Days after the event, press releases flood the wires for the companies and products that have won.
The Academy of Excellence was founded 20 years ago, with the premise that a secret committee should vote for the most innovative products introduced each year. Committee member names are never released, and no company dominates the selection committee. Products are submitted in 14 separate categories. Members of the Academy review submissions, and nominees are selected. The committee votes once again for the winners, announced at the annual Shooting Industry Masters.
Talented gun-toting gals by day, all dressed up and looking beautiful by night. The talented Yamil Sued was on hand to snap this picture-perfect opportunity.
This year’s Shooting Industry Masters kicked off with a welcome reception held at the National Corvette Museum. There was lots of mingling, and exciting tours of the museum. The city of Bowling Green, KY, was ever gracious, and the shooting portion of the event was hosted by Rockcastle Shooting Center.
Rockcastle is a shooter’s playground. I can’t even tell you how many ranges there are, and I was very grateful that Jerry Miculek was driving the Smith & Wesson Pro Team golf cart around instead of me! I was easily turned around, jumping from shotgun to rifle and pistol events, and then to the 10 side matches.
This was only my second time attending the Shooting Industry Masters, but I have to say it’s one of the most enjoyable matches I shoot each year. There are two divisions, Pro and Industry, and both team and individual winners receive trophies and of course, bragging rights. Results are never published, though. The ultimate goal is for everyone to have fun. I also love the event as an opportunity to try new guns and gear, like this year’s crossbow side event.
Multi-world and national handgun champion Kay Miculek tries her hand at shooting a crossbow for the first time.
My annual reunion with sporting clays. I look forward to this portion of the Shooting Industry Masters the most, as a fun, addictive challenge.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation's First Shots Manager Tisma Juett takes a sight picture on one of the rifle stages and then exclaims with excitement: “Let’s do this!”
It’s also exciting to see the number of women participating at the event, ladies like Tisma Juett. Tisma heads the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) First Shots program, and her excitement for shooting and for First Shots is infectious. One goal for the Industry Masters is to raise money for First Shots. This year that amount was an impressive $37,000!
It’s a Katie Harris sandwich! Last year’s Ladies Pro Division Champion, Dianna Liedorff and I pose with Katie, an accomplished junior 3-Gun shooter, who also was this year’s Ladies Industry Champ. Photo by Yamil Sued.
The Shooting Industry Masters is a wonderful event. Exclusive to members of the firearms and outdoor industry, it’s a celebration of innovation. It is also an opportunity for those who work behind the scenes to get out to the range and enjoy shooting and fun, friendly competition. For more information on the event and past winners, visit Shooting Industry Magazine.
A smiling Tasha Hanish! Tasha won the Ladies Pro category this year.
Julie Golob is one of the most accomplished professional shooters in the world and captain of Team Smith & Wesson. She has won more than 120 championship titles in international, national and regional marksmanship competitions in seven different shooting disciplines. Learn more about the champion, author, veteran, hunter and outdoor television personality at JulieGolob.com. View all posts by Julie Golob
I could not agree more with Dan Cain, Sr. Well said, Dan!
And thanks to the incomparable Julie Golob for another excellent post. Can’t wait to read the nest one.
I am a regular reader of updates from The Won. I must say that, as a occasional shooter, I am absolutely delighted to get involved with women in the shooting sports or perhaps I should say to see women involved in what has traditionally been a male dominated sport. I am proud of you all and your accomplishments in the sport and I urge you to continue.
Dan Cain, Sr.
These ladies are such a great addition to 3-gun and the entire shooting sports industry! Look forward to hearing more about all of you!