USPSA Handgun Nationals – Getting To Know Your Top 5 – Tammie Bordwell, 4th Place Limited

Courtesy of our friends at the Women of USPSA blog.

WoUSPSA: Tammie, congratulations on your Top 5 finish at the Smith & Wesson USPSA Limited National Championships! What  did you think of the stages at this year’s Nationals, and did you have a favorite?

Tammie: I  really liked the stages this year.  I think the staff really stepped up their  game. Yes, my favorite was stage 5.  Two reasons: the RO’s were so FUN and that stage felt so good to shoot, it just flowed so  well.

WoUSPSA: What  do you think of the range/match location?

Tammie: Great  weather, great views, what else could you ask for?

WoUSPSA: Very true!  And do you like the back-to-back format?

Tammie: It is the only format I have ever shot, so I can’t compare. Back-to-back keeps the cost down and is a good way to get to shoot both.

WoUSPSA: It’s always helpful to minimize the expenses! How would you describe your performances in both matches?

Tammie: Overall  I am satisfied with both.  But if I could do the 1st day over on each, I would. 1st day of  Open I was wound up and maybe pushed too hard, 1st day of Limited, I REALLY missed my dot.

WoUSPSA: It has to be tough making that transition!  How early did you start training for the Nationals, and how much range time did  you put in compared to dry firing?

Tammie: Two  weeks. We were at the range five times during  those two weeks and dry fired the other  days with local matches on the weekends. Our state match was the  3rd weekend of September.  My husband (Cliff) and I helped with building stages, so that took some of our time.

WoUSPSA: Thanks for volunteering at your state match!  So, Limited  is not your main division but you and your husband shot each other’s divisions  this year.  What was your mindset going into Limited match.  Did you shoot your husbands Limited Gun?

Tammie: I have my own Limited gun, I have just been focused on Open for the last 1 ½  years.  My mindset was front sight!!!!!

WoUSPSA: You also won stage 16, “Just Passing Through II” – congratulations!  Tell us about your approach on this stage.

Tammie: I  just shot my plan, no mistakes.  Funny how that works?

WoUSPSA: Ah, it’s so simple isn’t it?  : )  To  stay energized, what is your snack and beverage of choice at a match?

Tammie: Water  or sugar free kool-aid mixed with a little lemon-aid and some sort of cookie.

WoUSPSA: You and Rob Leatham with the cookies!  : )  Did  you learn anything about yourself as a competitor?

Tammie: Just do what you know how to do.

WoUSPSA: That’s good advice for all. As  a Top 8 contender, do you feel you should always have the choice to shoot with  whomever you like?  What are the pros and cons of shooting with another  squad vs. the Ladies?

Tammie: I haven’t had the chance to shoot with the Ladies. I guess there is a comfort level shooting with the people you always shoot with. But I see the reasons for putting the Ladies together…press  and conditions.  I watched you all  shoot and it looks like you really  support one another and have a lot of fun together.

WoUSPSA: We do, thanks!  Was this your last major match of the year or do you still have more competitions on your schedule?

Tammie: No, we have the Monster Match this weekend and then the South Florida Sectional 2  weeks after that.  There is a new “Steel Field Course” match at Frank Garcia’s place in December and then we  start over again with the Florida Open in February.

WoUSPSA: Wow … busy schedule!  So you still have a lot of shooting planned.

Tammie: Living  in Florida we really don’t stop shooting…

WoUSPSA: That certainly will make a lot of people jealous!  What  are your long-term competitive shooting goals?

Tammie: Top 8 in Open.

WoUSPSA: We hope to see you there soon!  If  you weren’t a competitive shooter, what do you think you would be doing?

Tammie: Maybe  a rock star or a ballerina…haha   Who knows?

WoUSPSA: We like that!  When you aren’t on the road or at the range, what’s one of your favorite activities  to do when at home?

Tammie: TV,  I love TV.

WoUSPSA: Before we let you go, what  advice would you give to any new shooters starting out?

Tammie: Just do it!  Great sport, great  people.

WoUSPSA: Awesome! Thanks, Tammie and congratulations once again on 4th Place!  Here’s a video of Tammie racing with her Limited gun.