From pulling the trigger to capturing the perfect shot as match photographer, my unique perspective at the 2024 Inland Empire USPSA Sectional Championships revealed the heartwarming involvement of families in our sport.
This past June marked another successful year for the Inland Empire USPSA Sectional Championships, hosted by the Eastern Washington Practical Shooters at Rattlesnake Range in Benton City, Washington. This year the event reached new heights, with 200 competitors filling spots in a record four minutes, leaving more than 70 shooters on the waiting list.
The match, which has grown in popularity over the years, continues to be a highlight in many shooters’ USPSA calendars—including my own—and this year’s event was no exception. Let’s delve into the highlights of the competition, standout performances and the unique role of family involvement that makes the Inland Empire USPSA Sectional Championships and our sport truly special.
MATCH OVERVIEW
The match wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated efforts of both the regular staff and the specialized “staff staff” volunteers. This unique concept, implemented by the Harper family, involves a separate group of volunteers who work as staff on Saturday, running the shooters through the match, who will then staff the main match on Sunday. The “staff staff” then shoots the main match as well on Sunday. This system ensures consistency in how each stage is run and contributes to the smooth operation of both days.
Early Saturday morning, all “staff staff” and regular staff met at their designated stages for briefings and a quick meeting with the range master to ensure each stage would be run efficiently. This preparation was crucial for maintaining the high standards expected at the Inland Empire USPSA Sectional Championships. The match featured 10 challenging stages plus a chronograph stage, offering a total of 265 shots for a maximum of 1285 points. With a variety of stages, from comstock long courses to fixed time and Virginia count exercises, shooters faced a well-rounded test of their skills.
The meticulous planning and execution of the stages, designed to test both speed and precision, was evident throughout the event. Competitors navigated through a mix of wide-open targets and challenging shots that required a disciplined approach. The fixed-time stage was particularly exciting, with shooters racing against the clock, providing ample opportunities for capturing dynamic photos. As the match photographer, I enjoyed capturing these moments, trying to freeze the action and excitement in each frame.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
The competition was fierce, with several shooting performances that highlighted the high level of skill present at the match.
Christian Sailer, a multi-national and world champion shooter, dominated the match, winning the overall title and the Carry Optics division by a significant margin.
Other notable winners included Todd Anderson in the Limited division, Adam Zelik in Limited Optics, Tanner Breen in Open and Gary Chan in Pistol-Caliber Carbine. The race for the title in the latter was particularly close, with Gary Chan narrowly edging out Jack Lapham by a slim margin of only 30 points.
Special recognition goes to Gage Winden, who won Top Junior, Rachel Harper as Top Lady and Gary Chan, Mike Czebotar and Brandon Higbee who won Top Senior, Top Super Senior and Top Law Enforcement, respectively.
2024 INLAND EMPIRE USPSA SECTIONAL RESULTS
CARRY OPTICS
- Christian Sailer, 1275.8472
- Trent Miller, 1118.5681
- Nathan Barnes, 1088.8635
- Top Lady: Rachel Harper, 1001.0558
- Top Junior: Gage Winden, 1043.0984
- Top Senior: Greg Purcell, 902.1478
LIMITED OPTICS
- Adam Zelik, 1224.2337
- Jesse Clausse, 1192.2369
- Top Senior: Mark Bradley, 1105.1482
OPEN
- Tanner Breen, 1206.4346
- Loke Tan, 1147.2572
- Aaron Laws, 1107.3918
PISTOL-CALIBER CARBINE
- Gary Chan, 1192.1800
- Jack Lapham, 1163.2860
- Mike Czebotar, 1090.6907
LIMITED
- Todd Anderson, 1225.6184
- Marcel Englmaier, 1225.1411
- Eric Beerbaum, 1132.6579
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT: THE HEART OF USPSA
What truly sets this match apart is the deep involvement of families. The Harper family—Pam, Warren and Rachel—were instrumental in organizing the event. Pam served as Match Director, Warren as Range Master and Rachel as part of the staff staff. Their dedication and hard work, from stage designs to competitor registration and overall match management, exemplify the family spirit that drives this sport.
The Harpers’ attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the match. They ensured that stages were not only challenging and fun to shoot but also safe and efficient for the range officials to manage. Their efforts in balancing short and long courses, optimizing the flow of squads and maintaining a smooth schedule were crucial in making the event a success. The feedback from competitors consistently praised the quality of the stages and the professionalism of the staff, a testament to the Harpers’ commitment and expertise.
The Practical Edge Junior Team also played a vital role, with many family members competing and helping to run the match. For instance, the Langston family embodied the spirit of teamwork and dedication—Deborah and Jason, along with their son Blake (age 16) served as range officers, while daughter Felicity (age 11) eagerly helped reset stages, showcasing how every member, regardless of age, can contribute to the success of the event. Their involvement didn't stop at competing; they actively participated in ensuring the smooth operation of the stages, blending family bonding with their passion for the sport.
Similarly, the Winden family brought their collective energy and enthusiasm to the match. Gage, who took the Top Junior honor, worked seamlessly alongside his sister Makynna, as their parents and grandpa cheered them on. Their collaborative effort, both in competition and in support roles, highlighted the strength of family unity in achieving common goals.
The Ince family’s story is another testament to the power of family in this sport. Keaton and Kevin, a father-son duo, not only competed but also helped manage one of the stages. Their teamwork exemplified how shared interests can bridge generations, creating lasting memories and strong bonds. The Bradleys, with Christina making staff and competitor shirts and helping with lunches, along with Mark serving as the head coach for the junior team and acting as the match Mr. Fix-it, with both competing, highlighted the multifaceted contributions families make, demonstrating how families can work together to make an event successful by blending support and participation seamlessly.
The Washam family also extended their support beyond the shooting line. Daniel catered delicious lunches for all participants, while his sons DJ and Brady competed and lent a hand wherever needed. Their contribution was a perfect example of how family involvement enhances the overall experience of the match. Similarly, the Plumlee family, with Darrell and Lane both competing and working as range officers, and Mindy cheering them on while assisting with lunch, showed how every family member can find a way to be part of the action.
My own family, the Blossers, were deeply involved as well. My parents David and Ann along with my brother Ryan all competed and served as Chief Range Officer and range officers for Stage One. My husband Shane Hill was also a Range Officer and assisted with various tasks throughout the event. Our family's multi-generational involvement showcased how these events are more than just competitions—they are opportunities to strengthen family ties and create shared experiences.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Having grown up on this range and competed for more than a decade, this match is a significant part of my life. Sharing this passion with my family—my parents, brother and husband—and now with the junior team, has been incredibly rewarding. The match itself was a perfect blend of speed and precision, with stages that challenged even the most experienced shooters. As the match photographer, I enjoyed capturing moments of joy, teamwork and the unique dynamics that make our sport special.
One of the most memorable moments was watching the fixed-time stage. Shooters had to balance speed and accuracy, trying to get all their shots off within the given par time. This stage provided some of the best photographic opportunities, capturing the shooter, the brass flying, the targets and the picturesque hills in the background. It was fun to see how many pieces of brass I could capture in the air at once, showcasing the fast-paced nature of the competition.
The atmosphere was electric with the energy and enthusiasm of families working together. The camaraderie and support among competitors were also a highlight. Despite being an individual sport, practical shooting fosters a strong sense of community. Competitors often engage in stage debates, discussing the most efficient ways to run a stage. They support each other through highs and lows, celebrating successes and offering encouragement when things don’t go as planned. This dynamic creates a unique atmosphere where everyone is rooting for each other, even as they strive to perform their best.
CONCLUSION
The Inland Empire USPSA Sectional Championships showcased not just the skills of individual competitors, but the heart and soul of USPSA—family involvement. This aspect of our sport strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories. I encourage all shooters to invite their loved ones to join them, whether as competitors or in supportive roles. Next time you’re at a match, take a moment to appreciate the family connections that make our sport truly special.
The camaraderie, support and shared experiences make practical shooting more than just a sport—it’s a way to build stronger family bonds and create a supportive community. Whether you’re competing, running a stage or simply cheering on your loved ones, the involvement of families adds a unique and invaluable dimension to our matches. Let’s continue to foster this spirit and encourage more families to join us in this incredible sport.
Article from the September/October 2024 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
