6 Things You Didn't Know About the NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championships

by
posted on March 21, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
alana-townsend-finals.jpg
The 2017 NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championships commence this week at Ft. Benning in Columbus, GA. Here is a list of six things you may not have known about this match.

6) The first NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championship was held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981. Brent Oydna of the U.S. Naval Academy was the first Free Pistol Champion, with the Naval Academy also winning the Free Pistol Team Championship. Timothy Westfall of the University of Virginia was the Standard Pistol Champion.

5) In 1987, Audrey Hayes of the University of Texas-Arlington became the first Women's Air Pistol Champion. The Championship was held that year at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. In 1993, Linda Biglow of the University of Virginia became the first Women's Sport Pistol Champion.

4) Several U.S. service academies have competed and won at the match. In 1986, the U.S. Military Academy became the first Open Team Champion. The following year, the U.S. Naval Academy matched the feat, and in 1994, the U.S. Air Force Academy won. The service academies would continue dominate the Open Team Championship until 2000, when the Ohio State University became the first to break their streak.

3) Since 2008, the NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championships have been held at Ft. Benning. The home of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, the military has provided invaluable support by allowing the use of world class ranges, conducting clinics and providing staff support for the Championships. Additionally, the NRA receives tremendous assistance from volunteers—many of whom are former collegiate competitive shooters themselves.

2) The Ohio State University has won three consecutive Open Team Championships since 2014. The Buckeyes are in the hunt for a fourth one this year, with several experienced seniors returning to compete for the last time at the match.

1) The NRA All-American Program recognizes collegians who have performed remarkable feats throughout the shooting season. During each year's Intercollegiate Pistol Championships awards ceremony, the Pistol All-Americans are announced. Each receives a brassard and certificate, and also a special plaque is given to the college, listing that school's All-Americans.

Learn more about NRA collegiate programs at this link: collegiate.nra.org.

Latest

Bisley2025 9A Brockshield
Bisley2025 9A Brockshield

Bisley 2025: Great Britain Triumphs, but Sarah Beard Steals the Show

Great Britain won the 2025 Roberts Match, but Sarah Beard led all shooters and equaled a national record in the British Smallbore National Championships

Team USA Captures Two Trap Medals at 2025 ISSF World Championship Shotgun

Ava Downs and Glenn Eller deliver bronze in Trap Mixed Team, while Team USA’s men earn silver at the 2025 ISSF World Championship Shotgun in Athens on Oct. 18

Remington Shoot to Cure Sporting Clays Charity Event Raises $19K for Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Remington’s annual Shoot to Cure sporting clays event raises nearly $19,000 for Arkansas Children’s Hospital

NRA Honors Henry Repeating Arms Founder Anthony Imperato With Custom Rifle Presentation

Henry Repeating Arms CEO Anthony Imperato receives custom rifle from NRA, celebrating his many years of support and dedication to American firearms and youth shooting programs

Shooting Support Bags 101

A hands-on guide to five solid shooting support bag options, with tips on fill, size and setup for stable, accurate long-range shooting platforms

Metal Madness Launches Future Shooters Initiative to Promote Family-Friendly Firearm Safety and Education

Metal Madness introduces a family-focused shooting program that combines firearm safety education with fun, accessible competition for youth and adults alike

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.