Jan. 2023 USA Shooting Newsletter

January

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USA Shooting Eyes Paris 2024 Olympics

Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun Athletes Posted Tremendous Performances Internationally in 2022

By John Parker, Editor-in-Chief, Shooting Sports USA

With more than a year to go before the cauldron is lit at the Paris 2024 Games opening ceremony, the talented athletes at USA Shooting have wasted no time in preparation on the firing line, capturing medals and U.S. Olympic quotas with eyes firmly set on podium finishes.

From beginning to end, last year’s international season was a banner one for USA Shooting. At one competition alone—the November 2022 Confederacion Americana de Tiro Championships in Lima, Peru—the team garnered a staggering 44 medals and 10 Paris Olympic quotas, the latter out of 12 up for grabs. Here we recap some of the best moments for Team USA in 2022.

Rifle & Pistol

At the 2022 ISSF World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, in February, Spc. Alison Weisz of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit won the bronze medal in women’s 10-meter air rifle.

On the other side of the globe in April at the World Cup in Rio De Janeiro, Spc. Sagen Maddalena, also a U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit competitor, earned her first-ever ISSF medal—a bronze—in women’s 3-position smallbore rifle. Next, the men’s air rifle team gold medal went to Rylan Kissell, Lucas Kozeniesky and Will Shaner after defeating the Czech Republic, 16-12. Not to be left out, Will Shaner teamed with Alison Weisz to earn bronze in 10-meter mixed air rifle. Next, the women’s smallbore team of Sagen Maddalena, Mary Tucker and Morgan Kreb earned silver, while Ivan Roe, Tim Sherry and Lucas Kozeniesky landed bronze medals on the men’s side. Finally, Henry Leverett took the bronze in men’s 25-meter rapid-fire pistol. He was nine points behind gold-medal winner, Christian Reitz of Germany in the final.

A few months later at the 2022 ISSF World Cup in Changwon, South Korea, in July, Kozeniesky earned silver in men’s 10-meter air rifle.

Returning to Egypt with Team USA in October, Alison Weisz topped the women’s 10-meter air rifle leaderboard and landed the U.S. an Olympic quota at the 2022 ISSF

Alison Weisz earned gold in Women’s 10m Air Rifle and an Olympic quota at the 2022 ISSF World Championship in Egypt. Photo by Garyang Kim

World Championship in Cairo. The Tokyo 2020 Olympian defeated Yuting Huang of China in a thrilling shot-forshot final. Her teammate, Maddalena, earned the U.S. another Olympic quota plus two medals, including a silver with Alison Weisz and Mary Tucker in the 10-meter air rifle women’s team event.

Shotgun

In March, the U.S. shotgun team was on fire at the 2022 ISSF World Cup in Cyprus, capturing seven medals, more than any other country at the match. Among them: Dania Vizzi, Caitlin Connor and Austen Smith earning silver in women’s skeet, along with Connor and teammate Adam McBee taking silver in mixed skeet. Dania Vizzi, Caitlin Connor and Austen Smith also topped the women’s skeet team leaderboard at the 2022 ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru, in April after defeating the Italian team, 6-0, in the gold medal final. Not to be outdone, Aeriel Skinner, Kayle Browning and Rachel Tozier followed with a gold medal performance in the women’s trap team event, taking down Guatemala, 6-4, in the final. In men’s trap, Derrick Mein, William Hinton and Casey Wallace also claimed victory with gold in the team event. The mixed trap team bronze medal went to Kayle Browning and Derek Haldeman. In mixed skeet teams, Smith and Dustan Taylor earned silver. As for the individual medals, Vizzi picked up another gold in women’s skeet, Mein a bronze in men’s trap, and Browning silver in women’s trap. In all, the U.S. shotgun team left Peru with 11 medals, four more than in Cyprus a month earlier.

Caitlin Connor gave USA Shooting its firstever ISSF skeet sweep in April after winning three golds at the 2022 World Cup in Lonato, Italy. Her medals were in the women’s skeet individual, women’s skeet team and mixed skeet team events. In the women’s skeet team event with teammates Amber English and Dania Vizzi, the trio triumphed over Italy in the gold medal final with a comfortable four-point margin, 7-3. Connor’s next gold medal was in the

Derrick Mein won gold in Men’s Trap and the first USA Shooting Olympic quota for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at the 2022 ISSF World Championship in Egypt. Courtesy photo.

Aeriel Skinner, Kayle Browning, and Rachel Tozier after their silver-medal performance in Women’s Trap Team at the 2022 CAT Games in Peru. Photo by Andy Cruz Maza

mixed skeet team event. Paired with Vincent Hancock, they earned first place, rocketing past France, 7-1. A terrific performance for their first time shooting together as a team. In all, the U.S. secured four medals in Italy.

In June at the 2022 ISSF World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, three-time Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock went three-for-three in skeet finals competition. His first gold came in men’s skeet after defeating Nicolas Lejeune of France in the final, 34-29. Next for Hancock was the men’s skeet team event with Phillip Jungman and Adam McBee, taking down Greece in the gold medal final, 6-0. The third gold for Hancock was with Austen Smith in the skeet mixed team event, defeating Germany, 6-2, to complete his trifecta. On the women’s side, Caitlin Connor, Austen Smith and Dania Vizzi secured a silver medal in the women’s skeet team event. USA Shooting departed Baku with a total haul of eight medals, including four golds.

In September, Derrick Mein notched the first Paris Olympics quota for the United States after landing a spot in the men’s trap final at the 2022 ISSF Shotgun World Championship in Osijek, Croatia. Mein triumphed over British shooter Nathan Hales in the gold medal final, 33-31. The last time a U.S. competitor won an individual men’s trap world championship title was 1966—Kenny Jones at Wiesbaden, Germany.

2022 CAT Games & ISSF President’s Cup

Before last November’s CAT Championships in Lima, Peru, U.S. rifle and shotgun

Katelyn Abeln and Henry Leverett with their gold medals at the 2022 CAT Games in Peru. Photo by Andy Cruz Maza

athletes were riding high after netting a combined 19 medals and five U.S. Olympic quotas at two ISSF World Championships in Croatia and Egypt. Without skipping a beat, at the 2022 CAT Games Team USA remained formidable, with our pistol, rifle and shotgun athletes earning a whopping 44 medals and 10 Olympic quotas for Paris 2024.

Finally, in December the ISSF President’s Cup in Cairo concluded the 2022 international season. In Egypt, Alison Weisz and Sagen Maddalena tied for third place in 10-meter women’s air rifle. Caitlin Connor led the way for Team USA in shotgun, winning women’s skeet gold after defeating Martina Bartolomei of Italy, 7-3, in the final. Connor also received the Golden Target award for her victory. In all, U.S. athletes earned six medals at the 2022 ISSF President’s Cup to close the year out strong.

Road To Paris 2024

As of this writing, the United States has secured 15 quotas in shooting events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. For each event, a country can earn up to two quotas. Here are the 10 events the U.S. has earned quotas for thus far: women’s 10-meter air pistol, women’s 25-meter pistol, women’s 10-meter air rifle (two), men’s 10-meter air rifle, women’s 50-meter rifle 3-position (two), men’s 50-meter rifle 3-position, men’s trap (two), men’s skeet (two), women’s trap and women’s skeet (two).

The ISSF world rankings at the close of 2022 placed two U.S. shotgunners at the top of their respective disciplines—Vincent Hancock the No. 1 skeet shooter and Derrick Mein the same in trap. In women’s 10-meter air rifle, Alison Weisz is the No. 2-ranked competitor, and Nick Mowrer holds the same rank in men’s 25-meter rapid-fire pistol.

Next up for USA Shooting are back-to-back ISSF World Cup matches, first Shotgun in Rabat, Morocco, from January 11-24, followed by Rifle and Pistol in Jakarta, Indonesia, from January 27 to February 8. For the latest updates, follow SSUSA on Twitter: @SSUSA_Magazine.

Suman Sanghera, center, won a gold medal and a U.S. Olympic quota in Women’s 10m Air Pistol at the 2022 CAT Games. Lexi Lagan, left, earned silver in the event. Courtesy photo

Skeet Athletes Earn Five Medals at Rabat World Cup

L to R: Christian Elliott, Dania Vizzi, Katie Jacob, and Conner Prince with their silver and gold medals for Mixed Skeet Team at the 2023 Rabat Shotgun World Cup. Photo courtesy of the ISSF

The USA Shooting skeet athletes earned a total of five medals at the 2023 International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Rabat Shotgun World Cup in the following:

• Kimberly Rhode: gold in Women’s Skeet

• Katie Jacob and Conner Prince: gold in Mixed Skeet Team

• Dania Vizzi and Christian Elliott: silver in Mixed Skeet Team

• Christian Elliott, Conner Prince, and Dustan Taylor: gold in Men’s Skeet Team

• Kimberly Rhode, Katie Jacob, and Dania Vizzi: silver in Women’s Skeet Team Rhode’s medal in Women’s Skeet is her 34th gold medal ever won in World Cups, Pan American Games, Continental American Championships and Olympic Games combined. The six-time Olympic medalist also made history by becoming the first ever USA Shooting athlete to medal at a World Cup while being an active member of the ISSF Executive Committee. Rhode was elected as an ISSF vice president in December of 2022.

Jacob and Prince’s victory over their fellow USA teammates in the Mixed Skeet Team gold medal match marks Prince’s first non-junior ISSF World Cup medal.

The Men’s Skeet Team faced Kuwait in the gold medal match where they were ultimately victorious.

The Women’s Skeet Team fell short to Kazakhstan in their gold medal match face off.

Up next for the shotgun team is the trap portion of the Rabat World Cup. Follow @ USAShooting on social media for updates and to cheer on Team USA.

Rifle Team Kicks off 2023 With International Competitions

Six USA Shooting rifle athletes are competing in back-to-back international competitions this month in Europe.

The first competition is the Meyton Cup in Innsbruck, Austria, Jan. 20-25, and the second is the H&N Cup is in Munich, Germany, Jan. 24-29. The following men will be representing Team USA at the competitions:

Brandon Muske: 2022 Championship of the Americas (CAT) gold medalist and U.S. Olympic quota earner in Men’s 10m Air Rifle

Tim Sherry: 2022 ISSF World Championship bronze medalist in 300m Standard Rifle

The following women will be competing for Team USA: Sagen Maddalena: Five-time medalist at the 2022 Championship of the Americas and earned a U.S. Olympic quota in Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions at the 2022 ISSF World Championships

Alison Weisz: 2022 ISSF World Championships gold medalist and U.S. Olympic quota earner in Women’s 10m Air Rifle

Ginny Thrasher: 2016 Olympic Games gold medalist

Jeanne Haverhill: 2022 Dixie Double Champion

The rifle team is going into 2023 after seeing many accomplishments last year. The team earned 21 medals at the 2022 CAT Games, 10 medals at the 2022 ISSF World Championships and a total of six U.S. Olympic quotas for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the following: Men’s 10m Air Rifle, Women’s 10m Air Rifle (x2), Men’s 50m 3 Rifle 3 Positions, Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions (x2)

Follow @USAShooting for competition updates, results and to cheer on our athletes.

Brandon Muske with his gold medal in Men’s 10m Air Rifle at the 2022 CAT Games. Courtesy photo

Athlete

Spotlight: Caitlin

Connor

Caitlin shoots Women’s Skeet and is the 2022 ISSF President’s Cup Champion and Golden Target Winner.

Where are you from?

Winnfield, Louisiana. I now live in Hillsdale, Michigan, because I am the assistant shotgun coach at Hillsdale College.

How did you get into the sport of shooting?

I started in 4-H shooting sports in Louisiana when I was 15 years old. 4-H led me to the Scholastic Clays Target Program (SCTP) and from there I learned about the Olympic style of shooting. I help coach through SCTP now.

What is your favorite aspect about the sport?

I love that it challenges me, and I get the opportunity to meet new people who have the same dreams and goals that I do.

What was it like to compete at the 2022 President’s Cup?

Being able to see the pyramids and to shoot in Cairo’s new facility was great. It was really cool because the world’s top 12 ranked athletes were battling it out. It was a lot different than any of the competitions I have even competed in. You had to requalify during every day of competition to move on.

What has been your favorite competition thus far?

I won the World Championships in 2018; that has been the top for me. Right now, the 2022 Lonato World Cup is definitely a close second. I won gold in every event that I shot in: individual women’s skeet, 3-man team skeet, and mixed team skeet.

What is your favorite part about working for Hillsdale College?

I believe that we share the same views and values and I really like the community of people here. They are definitely pro-Second Amendment, as I am, and it is a very good fit.

What or who motivates you when it comes to competing?

Women’s skeet is so dominant not only in the U.S. but overseas. We have so many talented and motivated Women’s skeet shooters so you have to keep pushing yourself to be better or you will get left behind. Trying to keep up with the rest of them keeps me motivated.

What do you do in your free time?

I go fishing and hunting if I have time. I go for walks with my dogs and enjoy reading and watching new shows on Netflix.

Caitlin shooting as a child. Courtesy photo

Caitlin with the three gold medals she won at the 2022 Lonato World Cup. Courtesy photo

USA Shooting Representees Elected to ISSF Executive Committee

The ISSF held their 70th General Assembly meeting in Egypt Dec. 1, 2022, where USA Shooting representatives were present and elected to the new ISSF leadership team.

Kimberly Rhode, six-time Olympic medalist, was elected as one of four ISSF vice presidents and Dr. James Lally was re-elected as chairman of the medical committee. Robert Mitchell and Susan Abbott announced their retirement from the ISSF.

Chad Whittenburg, Chairman of the USA Shooting Board of Directors, and Jim Mitchell, member of the USA Shooting Board of Directors, attended the assembly and represented the USA Federation.

“It’s great to see the world shooting community unite for change and press for peace and transparency,” said Whittenburg. “We worked hard over the last year to put the USA in a good position within ISSF. I would like to sincerely thank Chairman Susan Abbott, and Vice President Robert Mitchell for their long and dedicated service.”

USA Shooting won several awards at the assembly: Best Showing at the 2020 Olympics, Silver Plate for Overall Performance in 2020, Best Dress Code, Best Internet Audience

The ISSF also had their presidential election. Luciano Rossi defeated Vladimir Lisin, the former president, 136 votes to 127.

Upcoming Events

Meyton/H&N Cups

Jan. 20-25

Austria & Germany

ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup

Jan. 11- 24 Rabat, Morocco

Shotgun Spring Selection Match

Feb. 3-8 Tucson, Arizona

ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup Feb. 17-24 Cairo, Egypt

Kimberly Rhode was elected as one of four ISSF vice presidents. Photo courtesy of the ISSF

Contact us

Craig Kozeniesky, Chief Executive Officer

Craig.Kozeniesky@usashooting.org

Brent McPherson, Chief Operating Officer

Brent.mcpherson@usashooting.org

Alex Szablewski, Director of High Performance

Alex.szablewski@usashooting.org

Bernie Axelrod, Operations Administrator

Bernie.axelrod@usashooting.org

Reya Kempley, Operations Manager

Reya.kempley@usashooting.org

Brittany Nelson, Comms and Public Relations Mgr.

Brittany.nelson@usashooting.org

Andrew Traciak, Mgr. of Competitions & Membership

Andrew.traciak@usashooting.org

Jay Waldron, National Shotgun Coach Jay.waldron@usashooting.org

Sharee Waldron, Shotgun Program Mgr. Sharee.waldron@usashooting.org

Peter Durben, National Rifle Coach Peter.durben@usashooting.org

Brenda Silva, National Paralympic Coach & Mgr.

Brenda.silva@usashooting.org

USA Shooting Accepting Applications for National Pistol Coach/ Manager

Job Title: National Pistol Coach / Manager

Department: High Performance Reports to: Chief Executive Officer & Director of High Performance FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position: Full-time Salary Range: $65K - $100K annually

Comprehensive benefits package: including insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and work holidays

Send Resume and Cover Letter to: hr@usashooting.org. Please include three references. Job Posting Closes: January 31, 2023

Organizational Mission Statement:

Prepare American athletes to win Olympic and Paralympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S., and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country.

Organizational Mission Statement:

Prepare American athletes to win Olympic and Paralympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S., and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country.

Job Summary:

USA Shooting (USAS) is currently looking for a dynamic individual who is passionate about the Olympic Shooting Sports. The National Pistol Coach/Manager is responsible for the long-range planning, development, and execution of all facets of the USA Shooting National Pistol Program. This includes, but is not limited to, coaching the technical aspects of international pistol shooting, administrative duties, as well as communications, travel planning, and the competition aspect of the international shooting sports. This role is located at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and requires significant domestic and international travel. In addition, many domestic and international competitions will be during weekends requiring significant hours with our USA Shooting Team. The ultimate measure of success for this position is podium presence on the international stage.

Coordinates & Interacts With:

• USA Shooting staff and coaches

• USA Shooting accounting team

• United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee

• USA Shooting members and volunteers.

• Other outside organizations and/or venues regarding USA Shooting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Background should include at least 3-5 years of experience in the management of organized shooting sports programs, experience in coaching pistol athletes, and knowledge of the technical and psychological needs of pistol athletes in shooting is required. Knowledge of budgeting is necessary. Elite-level competitive shooting experience, as defined as international competitiveness, is desired. Must have the ability to instruct elite shooters, work with boards and committees, and conduct written and oral communications with large groups. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs is required. Financial and planning management skills are required as this position is responsible for the entire National Pistol Team budgets, expense reports, and appropriate and efficient supervision of allocated United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) funds.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Establish, coordinate, and conduct training programs for the National Pistol Team and National Junior/Development Team; Prepare elite athletes for competitive shooting success at the national and international level.

• Prepare the annual budget and operate the Pistol program to accomplish USA Shooting goals within budget guidelines.

• Conduct or advise on the conduct of pistol competitions from record fire for team members and local competitions to USA Shooting Team selections.

• Work with the Director of High Performance (HP) to ensure all selection procedures are adequate, legal, and appropriately meeting all guidelines and deadlines of USAS and the USOPC.

• Serve as the Pistol team leader/coach at domestic and foreign training and competition events.

• Constant communication with the athlete pool ranging from the Olympic level down to grassroots-level athletes.

• Make oral presentations at formal and informal training activities, committee meetings, civic groups, and other public environments.

• Maintain the highest level of technical proficiency in discipline-specific coaching and sports science skills through continuing education opportunities offered by USOPC, ISSF, or other coaching organizations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact and expert on discipline coach development programs, schools, and certifications working with both the Youth Development and Coach programs.

• Coordinate with relevant action parties to include USA Shooting staff, USOPC staff, and shooting athletes.

• Develop and assess trained assistant national coaches.

• Assist in the development and administration of grassroots pistol shooting programs.

• Develop, coordinate, and plan USA Shooting-conducted Junior Olympic camps to include working with the events department on the National Junior Olympic & Paralympic Championships.

• Promote competitive shooting programs.

• Act as staff liaison to the USAS Board of Directors on Pistol-related issues.

• Maintain assigned range and storage areas for proper functioning, neatness, security, and proper signage.

• Ensure all SafeSport guidelines are met.

• Assist in additional responsibilities as delegated to further the organization's overall strategic development.

Education and Experience:

• College degree or equivalent experience

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

• Occasional extended workdays

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. USA Shooting, a National Governing Body of the USOPC (United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee), is an equal opportunity employer.

Sign up for the Junior Olympic Development Shotgun Camp

your

President’s

Development Shotgun Camp at Hillsdale College June 19-24, 2023. Shotgun competitors between the ages of 12 and 20 have an incredible opportunity to hone their skills with instruction from current and former USA Shooting Olympians and National Team members.

The trap and skeet camp will be held at Hillsdale College’s John Anthony Halter Shooting Sports Education Center, a premier facility featuring International/Olympic bunker and skeet installations.

The all-inclusive camp includes:

• Transportation to and from Detroit Metropolitan Airport provided by Hillsdale College shuttle service

• Housing on the Hillsdale College campus (includes bed linens, blankets, pillows, towels, soap, and shampoo)

• All meals

• Local transportation between the main campus and the Halter Center

• Small group coaching

• Clay targets and ammunition, but you must bring your own firearm(s)

• Evening activities on the Hillsdale College campus, including a presentation(s) on Constitutional

• Education from Hillsdale faculty Camp coaches will include Olympians and national shotgun team members.

Sign up today: https://usacamps.webflow.io/?fbclid=IwAR1h6xAfu2jFzudRDuZLYloqpWc2Qu8JClOWzu_lxYyxc3qZrgh1UiPtSg

Mark

calendars! Caitlin Connor, Shotgun National Team Member and ISSF

Cup Women’s Skeet Champion, will be running the Junior Olympic

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