Russ & Vickie Evans

Ohio Local Bryan Scott Earns Nationally Recognized Marksmanship Badge

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

Bryan Scott, 55, of Clyde, Ohio, has reached an accomplishment many set out to achieve but never attain – earning a Distinguished Rifleman Badge. It came unexpectedly through a hobby that started as a mere suggestion and blossomed into a persistent passion.

Distinguished Badges are the highest individual awards authorized by the U. S. Government for excellence in marksmanship competition. Badges, offered in a number of disciplines, are presented by the CMP after an individual receives at least 30 Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) “leg” points at qualifying matches. It’s a symbol of consistent skill on the range and is a merit that is looked upon with great reverence in the marksmanship world.

Bryan first became involved in marksmanship as an adult through shotgun trap and skeet while in the Air Force at the Tyndall Air Force Base range in Florida. He had always liked firearms and shooting, so he decided to give it a try, just to pass the time.

“I became hooked and within a year was shooting some good scores,” he said. “My best scores were a pair of 98 out of 100 clays in registered matches in both trap and skeet.”

He soon moved on to Germany and a new base for three years where, unfortunately, they were without a recreational shooting range. As quickly as it began, his shotgun career had ended.

It wasn’t until 2012 when a coworker told him about the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Small Arms Firing School held during the annual National Matches at Camp Perry that he got back into the sport.

“Being a resident of the local area all my life, I knew that Camp Perry held the National Matches, but other than that, I really had no idea what they entailed or how to enter or even if it was open to novice shooters,” he admitted. “I did [SAFS] for a couple years but didn’t really get involved in competitive shooting other than that.”

The Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) courses for rifle and pistol have been staple events at the National Matches since 1918, educating over 1,000 pistol and rifle participants each year. Formulated for those of any age, especially those new to marksmanship, the school is led by members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and other qualified civilian and military professionals. SAFS utilizes both classroom and live-fire training that covers basic instruction as well as a scope of competition skills, with an EIC match held at the conclusion of the course.

Knowing the benefits of SAFS, Bryan decided to introduce his oldest son to the course after he had enlisted in the Marines in 2015, in the hopes of preparing him for basic training. The positive experience during that trip motivated Bryan to sign up for other National Matches competitions, like the popular .22 caliber Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “I wanted to shoot more matches, so I purchased a Rock River NM rifle at Perry in 2017.”

Though now equipped with a service rifle suitable for the many prestigious events of the National Matches, Bryan found himself stuck.

“I still knew nothing about the Distinguished Rifleman Badge and really didn’t even know where to go to shoot matches,” he said.

He decided to dive into the unknown and became a member of the nearby Sandusky County Sportsman’s Club, where member Jesse Bragg held a monthly service rifle match. It was there that Bryan met other local marksmen who told him about the Toledo Area High Power Rifle League that got together twice a month for competition, from September to March. Bryan became a regular in the League and started to build his comfort and abilities with service rifle.

At Camp Perry that next summer, he showcased his hard work by earning his first four leg points in the SAFS EIC match and followed them up by earning 10 more a few days later in the National Trophy Individual match.

Despite reaching 14 points so quickly, it took two years to earn his next points. The following year, in June of 2023, his final three points to finish the journey to his Distinguished Rifleman Badge came from the place where it all started – Camp Perry.

But just because he was finally Distinguished didn’t mean his marksmanship adventures ended. Bryan continues to compete in 30 to 35 matches a year through the Toledo League and competes in monthly matches at the Lima SABRES range. He even makes the hour drive to the Ashland Lake Gun Club’s highpower matches as often as possible, along with the two-hour drive to the Alliance Rifle Club in Malvern to take part in its fall match. If that wasn’t enough, he goes even farther to the Miami Rifle and Pistol Club near Batavia in Southern Ohio – a three-and-a-half-hour excursion.

Clearly, competitive shooting can be a big commitment. Whether its the hours in the car to spend hours on the range or the years of dedication to reach the highest honors the sport can give, Bryan doesn’t mind. For him, it’s not the accolades that keep him coming back for more – it’s the people.

“The best part of shooting is the camaraderie of the other shooters,” he said. “And, of course, I just like competing.”

Find a Local Club: If you’d like to try competing on your own, you can find CMP Affiliated Clubs local to you by visiting the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/clubs/search-clubs/.

About the Distinguished Badge Program:                                                       

To earn a Distinguished Badge, a competitor must earn 30 Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) points or more in a qualifying competition. Individuals earn the 6, 8 or 10 “leg” points based on score and a percentage of match participation, with at least one “hard” leg, worth 8 or 10 points. Currently, the CMP administers Distinguished Badges for:

• Service Rifle
• Service Pistol
• .22 Rimfire Pistol
• Junior Air Rifle
• International Shooter
• Smallbore Rifle
• Distinguished Marksman Badge
• Distinguished Air Rifle and Air Pistol
• Distinguished Service Revolver Badge

For others interested in learning more about the Distinguished Badge Program or how to earn one (or several!), find all the info on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/distinguishedbadges/.

CMP Offers Junior Air Rifle Training to Youth, Taught by Former NCAA Athletes

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – After last year’s successful run, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will again host a youth club focused on introducing the shooting sports (three-position sporter air rifle) to local juniors – the Junior Rifle Club. The 2023 club will present the same beneficial training sessions as in the past, though restructured to better accommodate those interested in participating. 

Air rifle is a sport open to a wide range of individuals. With no recoil, air rifles are a perfect introductory firearm to new marksmen and women, a safe activity for those with disabilities and a fun way for older adults to stay active. Dedicated youth athletes are even eligible for college scholarships (with many schools hosting NCAA rifle programs) or trips to international competitions held around the world – including the Olympic Games.

CMP’s Junior Rifle Club, intended for youth ages 10 and above, will operate through a semester format, with the fall session beginning Tuesday, Oct. 3. Each training will be held within the 80-point electronic target indoor air gun range at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center – located on the grounds of the Camp Perry National Guard Training Base, just west of Port Clinton. 

Those involved in the Junior Rifle Club will experience 10 weeks of instruction, covering: 

• Firearm safety, 
• Basics of the sport, 
• Strategies to compete successfully, 
• Tips on becoming a well-rounded athlete and
• More information on how to take air rifle skills and apply them toward college scholarships, travel or even the Olympic stage.

Each training is led by former NCAA Division I rifle athletes, including CMP’s junior rifle camp coordinator Ryan Hinson, who was an athlete at Morehead State University, along with CMP program coordinator Alana Kelly, who was previously a member of the University of Mississippi team. 

At the conclusion of the 10-week semester, participants in the Junior Rifle Club will compete in a real air rifle competition against other youth athletes from across the country. Participants will also receive a special shirt designed just for Junior Rifle Club members.

Don’t own an air rifle? No problem. The CMP will provide all equipment, with participants only responsible for the cost of rifle pellets available at the range.

If you’d like to become involved in the Junior Rifle Club or if you have questions, contact Ryan Hinson at rhinson@thecmp.org or call 419-635-2141 ext. 707. You may also, simply, attend the open public range session held on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m. at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. 

Additional Open Marksmanship Times. For all ages and experience levels, the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center is open by appointment only Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with open periods every Tuesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. (no appointment necessary). The CMP Competition Center is also available for local groups to hold meetings or conferences. 

For questions or to make an appointment at the Camp Perry location, please call Catherine Green at (419) 635-2141, ext. 704.

Outside of the range, guests to the facility may also browse the filled displays of authentic Olympic and other memorabilia from the career of celebrated American marksman, Gary Anderson, or shop the retail center for equipment and memorabilia needs. Learn more about the CMP’s air gun competition centers at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.

Club Feature: Ohio’s Pickaway Diabolos

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

For being a small patch of Ohio, Pickaway County has a lot to offer. Part of the Columbus metropolitan area, its home to a world-famous pumpkin show, beautiful state parks and, for young firearm enthusiasts, its own marksmanship club.

The Pickaway Diabolos is a youth-orientated organization located in the Everts Center in Circleville, Ohio – Pickaway’s county seat. The Diabolos club was started in 2013, simply, to give local youth the opportunity to compete in the shooting sports. 

“There was the local 4-H and Boy Scouts that had basic introduction and safety shooting programs, which is good, but I felt that more opportunity to compete was needed,” said Pat Cherry, club leader and instructor. 

He personally invested in several rifles and equipment to get the program started and since then has relied on supportive donations from the National Rifle Association Foundation and MidwayUSA Foundation grants. 

“American Legion Post 134, VFW post 7941 and Hilltop Sportsmen’s club have been generous to us, as have the Pickaway County Sportsmen’s Inc., which gives us range time and equipment use,” he added. 

The Diabolos host one 10-meter air gun range with seven firing points that’s rented by the hour. This past summer, the club teamed up with Pickaway County Sportsmen’s Inc. and moved some of its more experienced competitors into outdoor conventional prone and three-position .22 smallbore shooting. The club has also considered starting an outdoor summer smallbore 60 shot and Dewar Course league.

Two female Diabolos have already done particularly well in the smallbore discipline, including 13-year-old Avery Hines who placed in the Central Ohio Rifle League Regional and Ohio State Championship. Additionally, 16-year-old Anna McComb won the Ohio Junior Trophy in the Ohio State Championship. Both the Regional and State Championship were fired on Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) electronic targets – technology the Diabolos hope to one day own once funding is secured.

Though the Pickaway Diabolos club is geared toward youth, it’s open to debilitated marksmen as well, including disabled veterans, with the potential to involve interested adults – but only if Pat approves.

“Adults are too much trouble,” he joked. “Also, there are other adult clubs in the county.”

The Diabolos currently hold 20 juniors, with 14 traveling to various events at the Germania Singing & Sport Society in Columbus and CMP matches at Camp Perry.

Over the years, many of its members have not only come from far reaches of Pickaway County but from across Central Ohio, with some traveling from as far as Bexley (33 mi), Delaware (63 mi), Galina (52 mi), Pickerington (25 mi), Springfield (73 mi) and Xenia (63 mi).

Several Diabolo alumni have gone on to bigger stages, including one who joined The Ohio State University rifle team and is now an engineer in the Pickaway County Engineers Office and another who fired for the Akron Zips rifle team and is an ER Nurse. Other careers from past members include an Army Doctor, an accomplished musician as well as an individual studying agriculture engineering on a high-tech farm.

“Most all our members graduate as National Honor Society members,” Pat said. “We believe in the journey being as important as the destination. The self-control and self-discipline required in shooting carries to other endeavors. Many of our members have multiple interests.”

Avery Hines has a small herd of cattle and a desire to be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, specializing in large animals, and likes to hunt – with several deer and turkey to her credit. There was even a Diabolo who designed an electric-powered pellet rifle for a high school science fair, which earned him a full-ride scholarship in engineering.

“I find that all of our young members are unique, and those that stick with it seem to do very well,” Pat said. “One of recent members that stands out is Mr. Tyler Goodwin. Aside from being a good shot while in high school, Tyler attended fire department training, as his father was a Battalion Fire Chief in Pickerington (Ohio). Of his mother’s family, her father and brothers were all fireman, and she operates the local fire museum.” 

“Tyler was also an outstanding student and was given a congregational scholarship to the military academy of choice,” Pat went on. “Wishing to be a helicopter pilot, he chose to take an Army ROTC scholarship at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in which he graduated from and has been commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to Army Helicopter School.”

With an already remarkable legacy, the Pickaway Diabolos are currently accepting new members, so long as the individuals, “show the maturity to follow direction,” Pat said. 

Keep up with the Pickaway Diabolos through their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pickawaydiabolos/.

If you’d like to find your local club, visit the CMP Competition Tracker Page at https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=clubSearch to become involved.

Have an article to share or want to highlight your CMP Affiliated Club? Send us your photos, reports and articles to highlight in The First Shot – email abrugnone@thecmp.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

A Note from the CMP: At the CMP, we are not only dedicated to an increasing number of those involved in marksmanship within our own programs but are also devoted to supporting the efforts of those who are creating their own legacies in their own ways. Our Club News articles are our way of displaying the successes of our clubs, in the hopes of encouraging others to take the same respectable paths – both in marksmanship and in life. We are proud of our clubs for all their endeavors and are honored to show them off within our news feed.

CMP Offers New Laser Shot Simulator, Other Open Activities This Fall

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Those searching for unique activities during the fall months should look to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), headquartered on the grounds of Camp Perry near Port Clinton. Dedicated to firearm safety and training for all, the CMP has designed a variety of competitive and learning opportunities available to the public that aren’t just for practical purposes – they’re also fun!

Indoor Air Gun Range and Olympic Displays:

The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, located on Camp Perry, is the perfect location for visitors of any age to explore. Open to the public each week, the facility houses an indoor 80-point electronic air gun range formatted for the use of both air rifles and air pistols. The air guns are propelled by compressed air, expelling virtually no kick back and little sound, making them ideal for young and old participants alike. Guests may bring their own air guns (as long as they are .177 cal. with muzzle velocities of 600 fps or less) or rent from the CMP. Outside of the range, the building offers several displays of Olympic memorabilia from the career of two-time gold medalist, Gary Anderson, as well as other amenities. The facility may also be rented for parties, group building sessions and more! Visit https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/ for more information.

Laser Shot Simulators:

The latest installment to the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center is the Laser Shot Simulator – essentially, a hands-on video game for firearms. The simulator offers many options including rifles, pistols and shotguns, which act as the controller of the game. Simply point the adapted firearm to the game projection screen and choose a course. The wide selection features steel target simulations and other entertaining challenges in a controlled and safe environment. The simulator programs are even capable of being used for civilian training, military qualifications and law enforcement purposes – but, mostly, they’re just a lot of fun!

Open Air Gun Competitions:

All year long, the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center hosts a number of competitive opportunities for anyone to enjoy. Such CMP matches open to those of any skill level (from beginner to expert) include the Monthly Air Gun Matches, hosted each month, as well as several Postal events like the Aces Postal and CMP Postal. The Postal matches are fired upon official targets and submitted to be compared amongst others competing in the same match from around the country. Those in JROTC programs may also enter the annual JROTC Postal, which moves on to Regional and National levels. For junior athletes, the Gary Anderson Invitational is a staple event during the air gun season. If you aren’t interested in competing but are curious about the sport, all competitions are open for viewing, free of charge!

Junior Rifle Club:

Youth local to the Camp Perry area may choose to join the Junior Rifle Club, designed as an introduction to the sport of air rifle. Each training session is led by former NCAA Division I rifle athletes, with fundamental instruction on firearm safety, basics of the sport and tips on becoming a well-rounded athlete. There is no initial cost to join, with equipment provided by the CMP in introductory weeks! For more information, please email Ryan Hinson at rhinson@thecmp.org. 

Petrarca Range:

If you aren’t ready to head indoors just yet, Petrarca Range on Camp Perry is an outdoor area open to the public each week through November. The range includes 10 electronic rifle targets set up at 100 yards (though capable of simulating up to 600 yards) and 5 cardboard pistol targets set at 50 ft. or 25/50 yards. Guests may bring their own firearms to use for $10 per hour ($25 for 3 hours), up to a .30-06 ammo caliber. The range will also host a Garand/Springfield/Vintage and Modern Military rifle match on Sept. 23, 2023. Visit the CMP website for registration info!

Whether a seasoned marksmen or purely trying something new, the CMP has so much to offer at Camp Perry! Learn about these opportunities and more by visiting the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/.

CMP to Host Special Air Range Events with Numerous Local Prizes

For those looking for an entertaining night out with friends, family or maybe even on your own, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has created a lineup of exciting air gun events for everyone to enjoy – all set at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Ohio and the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center in Alabama. Whether an expert marksman or someone who’s never tried the sport before, we have a spot for you on the firing line.

The competition centers feature 80-point indoor electronic air gun ranges that regularly hold local, state and national events. Each week, the climate-controlled facilities host Open Public timeslots, where individuals of all ages are welcome to fire upon the advanced target system for practice or fun. The range is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Ohio) and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Alabama) and by appointment Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Ohio) and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Alabama).

Special Events scheduled for 2023 include:

• Date Night Fun!: Come in any time in February to participate in our couples team match – an air rifle event featuring a supported rest (bench) for stabilization. Match fee is $10 per couple.

• March Madness Match, March 16: Competition begins at 6 p.m. Participants face off, with the winner moving on to the next bracket. Match fee is $5 per person.

• Elimination Match, April 18: Competition begins at 6 p.m. Guests fire shots, with the lowest score eliminated until a winner is crowned. Match fee is $5 per person.

Winners of each event will be awarded prizes to local establishments!

If you don’t own an air gun, don’t worry. The CMP has several lightweight, easy-to-use air guns for loan. Sporter class air rifles are free of charge with entry fee, while the National Match Air Rifles (NMAR) are available to rent for a reasonable fee. Participants must supply their own pellets or may purchase them at the range. Individuals who own personal air guns may use them, as long as they are under 600 fps. 

The simplicity of bench rest style shooting allows safe accessibility for all, so the CMP encourages those with disabilities to also attend.

Visitors to the range must complete a one-time CMP Eligibility Affidavit and a Liability Waiver, as well as attend a short safety briefing before reaching the firing line. Children under the age of 18 must have a parental consent form signed. CMP staff members are always onsite to answer questions and to ensure a safe environment for all.

The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center is located at 1000 Lawrence Rd., Building 5042, Port Clinton, Ohio, 43452. The Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center is located at 1470 Sentinel Dr., Anniston, Ala. Learn more about each range by visiting https://thecmp.org/air/cmp-competition-centers/ or give us a call at (419) 635-2141.

Johnathan Dorsten Named CMP’s Overall Junior Scholarship Recipient

Johnathan Dorsten, 18, of Bryan, Ohio, has been chosen as the 2022 Dr. Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship Recipient.

The Dr. Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship is part of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) annual scholarship agenda. Each year, the CMP awards $1,000 to marksmanship student-athletes who exhibit excellence in several areas including academics, extra-curricular activities and community service. 

Standout candidates are also selected by the CMP Scholarship Committee to receive additional money toward their future endeavors for displaying extraordinary credentials. Those chosen receive $3,000 scholarships, while one $5,000 Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship is awarded to the top overall recipient.

“I am very honored to receive the overall CMP Scholarship,” Dorsten said. “I knew I worked hard and represented myself well in my application, but I was surprised to learn I received it – there were many other strong applicants.”

“I am very grateful for the CMP,” he added. “It has given me many opportunities and helped me become the young man I am today.”

Dorsten’s passion for marksmanship began in the third grade as a member of his local 4-H, when he participated in archery in 2011. He stuck with the group for the next decade – adding smallbore pistol, rifle, crossbow and shotgun to his repertoire. He also served as president of the club for four years.

“Being involved in 4-H has played a fundamental role in my shooting career,” he said. “It gave me my foundation in shooting and introduced me to air pistol. 4-H has also taught me many life lessons and helped me excel as a person. I have learned teamwork, leadership and responsibility, all through 4-H.”

Over his career, Dorsten has been a gold medalist in the Ohio Junior Olympic state qualifying matches in men’s air pistol and has placed second and third, respectively, at the CMP’s Camp Perry Open and the USA Shooting Winter Air Gun Match.

In 2021, Dorsten led the 60 Shot Pistol category of the CMP’s Monthly Match League – topping over 160 athletes entered into the air gun competition. That same year, he was the leading SASP (Scholastic Action Shooting Program) International National Championship male pistol shooter.

His leap into air pistol competition began in 2018 when he represented his team, the Buckeye Bullet Busters, in the event at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska. He had never touched an air pistol before being asked to participate in the match, so it was a tall task to fulfill. 

“It was a challenge and something new, shooting related,” he said of the opportunity. “One of my close friends also went in air pistol, so we figured, either way, we will just go and have a fun time.” 

He quickly acquired a low-end competition pistol and made the 90-mile trek to the CMP’s Gary Anderson Competition Center at Camp Perry to give the sport a try. There, CMP staff members took Dorsten and his teammate under their wings and showed them the basics of international air pistol. The two took easily to the sport and soon invested in some more advanced equipment and regular trips to Camp Perry to practice.

“I love Camp Perry for several reasons,” he explained. “First, it was the first range I ever shot at. I practiced there quite often and learned to get used to the range. It is a state-of-the-art facility and the nicest I have shot at so far. The people at the range are also some of the nicest around. They have helped and supported me from day one.”

After many hours of dry-firing and diligent practice, Dorsten competed in the 4-H Nationals and reached second place overall out of the field of nearly 50 competitors – trailing first by less than a point.

“Coming so close to first was more than a dream come true,” he said. “It was unbelievable at first. I was very young compared to the other shooters, and I could not believe what I had just accomplished.”

He has since grown to become a member of the USA Shooting National Junior Team and has even competed internationally, like at the 2021 El Salvador Junior Grand Prix where he finished ninth overall – missing the final by only three points.

“I enjoy marksmanship because I’m able to practice and excel,” he said. “I have never been a star athlete in high school sports, but with shooting, I can achieve my full potential. I also enjoy the many friends and mentors I have met through shooting. It really is my second family.”

Outside of marksmanship, Dorsten served as co-captain of his soccer team and participated in tennis. He has also been active within his church – volunteering in several service projects over the years. A graduate of Bryan High School, he finished with a GPA of 3.95 and even achieved a score of 30 on the ACT. He reached the honor roll all four years, has kept busy with a local engineering internship and has been a member of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation All-Scholastic Team in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Unsurprisingly, he’s also a member of the National Honor Society.

Looking to the future, Dorsten has committed to The Ohio State University, majoring in agricultural mechanical engineering and earning a spot on the air pistol team. 

“I look forward to the family atmosphere and coaching the team provides,” he said of Ohio State. “I am also excited to take the specific classes related to my career and meet many new friends.”

In the next ten years, Dorsten plans to continue shooting, with the goal of competing in the 2028 Olympic Games. After that, who knows – but no matter what it is, Dorsten will certainly be on the firing line, one way or another.

“Marksmanship has played a large teaching role in my life,” Dorsten has said in the past. “I’m thankful for these lessons – they will not only help me at shooting but will help me succeed in life as well.”