USPSA Handgun Nationals – Getting To Know Your Top 8 – Cindy Noyes, 7th Place Production

Courtesy of our friends at the Women of USPSA blog.

WoUSPSA: Cindy, congratulations on your TOP 8 finish at the S&W USPSA Production National Championships!  As a match director yourself, what did you think of the stages at this year’s Nationals and did you have a favorite?

Cindy: I really enjoyed the stages, although a few less no-shoots would have been fine with me! I think they were a good test of everyone’s ability. My favorite was ‘Aces All Around II’.

WoUSPSA: That was a fun stage! What do you think of the range/match location?

Cindy: The range has plenty of room and I do like Las Vegas as a location.

WoUSPSA: Certainly lots to do in Vegas. How would you describe your performance? Were you happy with your match?

Cindy: My performance could have been much better. There were several stages that I wish I could have done over, Straight Swingers in particular, where I had an ICE (Immediate Cranial Evacuation) where, after the timer goes off, your brains drain out into your earmuffs.  I almost forgot a target at the end of that one!

WoUSPSA: ICE – haven’t heard that term before, although most of us are familiar with the concept!
Did you learn anything about yourself as a competitor at the match?

Cindy: I still have the ability to concentrate when I am shooting and I still enjoy the game.

WoUSPSA: That’s great, Cindy … You are very active within the Georgia Section and Area 6. With such high participation at your local club level, do you think it helps you prepare for matches like the Nationals?

Cindy: Absolutely, we have so many clubs in Georgia that put on quality Nationals-level matches that it helps to prepare for those competitions.

WoUSPSA: How fortunate for the shooters!  As a Top 8 contender, do you feel you should always have the choice to shoot with whomever you like? In the past, you have frequently shot with the Ladies Squad. What are the pros and cons of shooting with them?

Cindy: I can’t really think of a con, but there are a lot of pros such as the ladies always seem to help each other. You also get to see different ways of running the course, and you can decide which way is best for your strengths. I also enjoy the camaraderie of the group.

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

Cindy: Right now the only remaining match for me will be the Area 6 Multi-Gun in a couple of weeks. I am not sure if I will shoot it because I am also the Match Director and I will probably be busy with my duties there.

WoUSPSA: It’s certainly difficult to do both … when the A6 Multi-Gun is over, what will you do to unwind?

Cindy: I enjoy time with friends and family. I have a grandson and another one on the way, so the holidays should be a lot of fun.

WoUSPSA: Congratulations – grandchildren make the holidays all the more special!  What are your long-term competitive shooting goals?

Cindy: I want to continue as long as I am competitive.  Even after I am not competitive, I want to continue to shoot because I enjoy the group of people that are in the sport.

WoUSPSA: If you weren’t a competitive shooter, what do you think you would be doing?

Cindy: This year was my first year working the Nationals. I worked the Multi-Gun and I worked the Open/L10. I really enjoyed doing that and I think I will continue to help with matches, nationally and locally.

WoUSPSA: That’s great to hear! What kind of reactions have you had when you tell people that your hobby is competitive shooting?

Cindy: Amazement mostly, and some respect. I have not really had any negative reaction. People sometimes seek me out for advice on firearms, and gun related issues.

WoUSPSA: You’re an extremely busy lady with Glock Sport Shooting Foundation, your Match Director duties, and your position with theWOMA.com. How do you find the time to juggle it all?

Cindy: I have a very understanding husband and my children are grown, leaving me the time to concentrate on it all. And I keep an eye on my calendar. I have gotten the travel thing down pretty well and I make lots of lists so that I don’t forget things!

WoUSPSA: Lists are great for organizing. Can you tell us a bit about the Women’s Outdoor Media Association and how being involved with WOMA has enhanced your life?

Cindy: Our mission statement sums it up: “The Womens Outdoor Media Association focuses on increasing media coverage of women who are active in the traditional outdoor sports, expecially shooting, hunting, fishing, and archery.” When we started the group, there was very little being done specifically for media coverage of women. Being involved with the WOMA has given me the ability to work with a dynamic group of ladies (and men) throughout the industry. It has given me the opportunity to begin to do a little writing and story telling. I have gone to Media Day at the SHOT Show for the past few years and written an article or two about new products I have seen. I will be doing that again in 2011. We have just received ‘Non-profit’ status and we will have a booth at the SHOT Show for the first time! Along those same lines, Women of USPSA has made great progress and I want to thank you too!

WoUSPSA: That’s very nice to say, Cindy – thank you for your contributions also.  Congratulations again on your Top 8 finish in Production!  We look forward to seeing you in 2011 on the range and at SHOT!

Editor’s note:  Cindy did not shoot the Area-6 Multi-Gun Championship, but did successfully follow through with her Match Director tasks! Congrats on another match well-run, Cindy!