D
David K
Guest
There was something interesting that happened last week. In the beginning of the world championships last week the USA team was put together with a misconception that there would be a Team Agg award. That was not the case so the shooters were assigned on team based on if they would be shooting all week or not. After things were clarified then the team roster was made up each day of the top 9 shooters based on the previous days results. But the most interesting thing I saw developed as the week progressed. We shoot week in and week out as individuals with the attitude it's every man for himself. I saw individuals working together as a team. Guys that were usually competing head to head for position were sharing equip, loaning things to other competitors with a smile on there faces. This is truly what our sport should be more about. I for one had a good time even in the 100 degree heat we had. I saw more folks with a smile on there face and having fun moving flags rotating benches sharing equipment than I can ever remember. The game we played last week is a very different game than we normally play. I cannot say that I agree with every part of this game but it had some cool parts. I believe the countrymen that visited our country understand more what its like for us here in the US to compete with each other. But we also should learn from their game as well. I hope some new type matches develop from this. Having a good time is what our shooting is all about not just simply who wins. Now about our USA team. If I counted correctly we acquired 35 of the total 39 awards given. It was a success from where I stood and we maybe would have even had a few more if I had not made a few poor decisions early on in the week. I have to tell you what happened to a few guys on the team. Last Monday we had fifteen shooters shooting but we were only allowed nine Team shooters so some had to shoot as individuals. Three of these guys (Tony Blosser, Dennis Drake, and Bill Buskey) shot like wild fire. Had they been in the a,b,or c team they would have won medals the first two days. The third day I put them on a team together and they still would have won something if it was not for a bad round for a minus 4 point shot. Tough luck to some very tough guys. They should have gotten more for there efforts but it was not unnoticed as everyone gained more respect for the sportsmanship they displayed. Even our Junior shooter (Joe Oats) shot great. We had guys step up all week long. I was very proud of all the shooters and the way they represented our country. I could go on and on. Thanks to everyone for supporting our efforts. A special thanks to Joe Friedrich, and the RBA org for there donations. Our guys were able to focus on there shooting and not so much the cost because of you. David K