Shooting Industry Masters Raises $5,200 For USA Shooting Team

The USA Shooting Team (from left, Jacob Turner and Sean McLelland) with Team Shooters Supply.

San Diego, Calif. — When members of the industry convened in Park City, Ky., for the 2011 Shooting Industry Masters, they did more than break targets, scare steel and support industry programs. The Ninth Annual Masters raised $5,200 for the USA Shooting Team.

“A big thank you goes out to FMG for its tremendous support of the USA Shooting Team,” said Buddy DuVall, USA Shooting Team Foundation executive director. “With the 2012 Olympics fast approaching, FMG’s support is extremely timely, and will help our athletes in the final stages of preparation for London. We appreciate everything FMG does for the shooting industry, from supporting our Olympic shooting team to supporting the NSSF’s First Shots program.”
The Masters, held July 22-23 at the Rockcastle Shooting Center, Park Mammoth Resort, in Park City, Ky., hosted a record-breaking 370 shooters, and raised funds for the USA Shooting Team two ways.

A live auction, emceed by Roy Huntington, publisher of FMG’s consumer publications, was held on the concluding night of the Masters. Bidders competed for the items up for auction, including: a Benelli Super Vinci 12 Gauge; Smith & Wesson Bodyguard; Kimber Solo; a set of Academy of Excellence Winner Engraved Knives, from Benchmade; and a Rapid Reticle, from Pride Fowler, with all proceeds benefiting the USA Shooting Team.

Funds were also raised during the match through the Rent-A-Ringer program, in which industry teams bid to have members of the USA Shooting Team shoot on their team. Seven USA Shooting Team members offered their “guns-for-hire” services, including Jamie Beyerle, Amy Sowash, Keith Sanderson, Brian Beaman, Jason Turner, Sean McLelland and Jake Turner.

“While Sean and Jake were definitely outstanding coaches, they were also wonderful teammates,” said Ron Buschmann, owner of Shooter’s Supply & Law Enforcement Equipment. “They bring respect and honor to us all, and present themselves without arrogance. We are all proud the USA Shooting Team has these two young men representing our country.”

USA Shooting Team members also volunteered their time to assist with the Masters First Shots seminar held during the event.
“It was great to have Olympic shooters from the USA Shooting Team be instructors for the First Shots program,” said Shari LeGate, World Cup medalist. “2008 Olympians Jamie Beyerle and Sean McLelland helped out teaching rifle and shotgun. We had over 27 participants who couldn’t believe Olympians were taking the time to teach them. Donating their time to the Masters’ First Shots program shows what outstanding athletes they truly are.”

In addition to the $5,200 raised for the USA Shooting Team, the Masters also raised $37,000 for NSSF’s First Shots program.

The event was held in conjunction with the presentation of the 2011 Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Awards presentations. The Shooting Industry Masters is owned and operated by FMG Publications.

For more information on the 2011 Shooting Industry Masters, visit www.shootingindustry.com or contact Elizabeth O’Neill at 1-888-315-3641 or elizabeth@shootingindustry.com.