Restricted 18+ in CA in compliance with CA State Assembly Bill 2571 prohibiting the marketing of firearms to minors in the State of CA.

Skip to content

Civilian Marksmanship Program

  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • MeWe
  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos
  • Home
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • NM SUPPORT TEAM – NEW MEMBER FORM
    • RETURNING NM SUPPORT TEAM FORM
    • Privacy Policy
    End of Navigation Section
  • About
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Director Emeritus
    • Director of Civilian Marksmanship
    • Board of Directors
    • Programs Chief
    End of Navigation Section
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Matches
    • College Resources
    • Aces Postal
    • American Legion Junior 3PAR Tournament
    • JROTC 3PAR Matches
      • National JROTC Air Rifle Championship History
    • Junior Rifle Camps and Clinics
      • Junior Air Rifle Camp Counselors
      • Application to Host a CMP Summer Camp
      • Junior Rifle Camp Counselor Resources
    • Junior Distinguished Badge
    • Postal and Regional 3PAR CMP Matches
      • CMP 3PAR Regional Championships
      • CMP 3PAR State Championships
    • CMP National 3PAR Championship
      • State 3PAR Junior Olympic Championships
      • CMP National 3PAR Championship History
    • National Trophy Junior Team Match
    • 3PAR Shooting information
      • 3PAR FAQs
      • Sanctioning 3PAR Matches
      • National 3PAR Council
      • 3PAR Forms
      • 3PAR National Records
      • National Standard 3PAR Rules
    • CMP Scholarship Program
    • CMP-USMC Highpower Rifle Clinic
    End of Navigation Section
  • Clubs
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Club-Related Forms
    • CMP Affiliate Rifle Purchase Program
    • Club News
    • Become Affiliated with CMP
      • CMP Affiliation Application Form
      • Benefits of Club Affiliation
    • CMP MOU's
    • CMP-Affiliated State Associations
      • M1 Garand Fund Development Program
    • Club-Sanctioned Clinics and Matches
    • Find a CMP-Affiliated Club Near You
    • Form a CMP Marksmanship Club
    End of Navigation Section
  • Compete
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • ACES POSTAL COMPETITION
    • CMP National Records
    • CMP Smallbore Program
      • CMP Smallbore Postal Program
    • CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Program
    • CMP League Matches
    • Get Started
    • Matches
      • Air Gun Matches
      • CMP Match Award Donors
      • Talladega Matches
      • Camp Perry Matches
      • Military Matches
      • Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches
      • All Upcoming Matches
    • Register for a CT Number
    • Distinguished Badge Program
      • Distinguished Marksman Badge
    • Competition Rulebooks
    • Forms
    • CMP Pistol Program
      • CMP Bianchi Cup
    • CMP Live Target Images
    • CMP Travel Games
    • Marksmanship Forums
    • Junior Highpower Support Program
    • CMP Rifle Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • National Matches
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP Industry Day
    • National Smallbore Matches
    • National Air Gun Matches
    • National Matches Junior Camp
    • National Matches Support Team
    • Long Range Matches
    • National Trophy Pistol Matches
    • Awards & Trophies
      • Vintage Sniper Match
      • CMP Game Events Awards
      • Long Range Awards
      • Individual Pistol Awards
      • National Trophies
      • National Trophy Individual and Aggregate Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Team Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Infantry Team Rifle Awards
      • Team and Special Aggregate Pistol Awards
    • National Matches First Shot Ceremony speakers
    • National Matches Air Gun Events
    • National Matches Welcome Center Information
    • National Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match
    • National Matches Spectator Events
    • National Matches Camps, Clinics, and Schools
    • National Trophy Rifle Matches
    • Directions to Camp Perry
    • Area Lodging Info
    • CMP National Championship Matches
    • National CMP Games Events
    • National Matches Archive project
    • Commercial Row Information
    End of Navigation Section
  • Education
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Basic Archery Course
    • Advanced Maintenance Class
    • Basic Pistol Course
    • Advanced Highpower Clinic
    • GSMM Master Instructor Training and Certification
      • GSM Master Instructor Resources
    • Armorer's Corner
    • Clinics
    • NM COLLECTOR SOFTWARE - CMP EDITION
    • Other Resources
    • Range Officer Training Course
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Rifle
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Pistol
    • Shooting Tips from the USAMU Service Rifle Team
      • USAMU FAQs: Equipment and Ammunition
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Positions
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Techniques and Tactics
    • Information on CMP Target Systems
    • Basic Rifle Class
    • Introduction to Shotgun Class
    • JROTC Marksmanship Instructor Course
      • JMIC- Master Instructor Resources
    • State Directors
      • CMP State Director News Submission Form
      • CMP State Director Application
    • Small Arms Firing Schools at the National Matches
    • Rifle and Pistol Training
    • Coaching Resources
      • Air Rifle Target Stand Plans
    End of Navigation Section
  • News & Media
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • National Matches Results Bulletins
    • CMP Podcasts
    • CMP Media Kit
    • ON THE MARK Newsletter
      • An On the Mark Series by: Gary Anderson
    • Customer Comments/Feedback
    • CMP Publications and Training Materials
    • The First Shot
    • CMP Shooting News Archives
      • Join Our Email List
    End of Navigation Section
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Ordering Information
    • CMP Program & Sales Specials
    • Rifle Sales
    • Creedmoor Rifles & Accessories
    • CMP Gift Certificates
    • 1911 Sales Information
    • Videos - M1 Garand
    • CMP Purchase Eligibility Requirements
    • Club Sales Index
    • Custom Gunsmithing
    • Firearm and Parts Sales Links
    • Guns on Auction
    • How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations
    • Visit CMP Stores
    • CMP Target Sales Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • Ranges
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Competition Centers
      • Anniston, Alabama Lodging
      • CMP Monthly Match Program
      • Open Marksmanship
    • CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park
      • Talladega Matches & Events
      • CMP Talladega Pro Shop
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Shotgun Events
      • 5K Range Run & 1K Fun Run
      • 3D Archery Range
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Sponsorships
      • Paver Project
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park area lodging info
    • CMP Targets at Petrarca Range
      • CMP Petrarca Monthly .22 Bench League
    End of Navigation Section

Past CMP Scholarship Recipient Becomes Collegiate Pistol Competitor

July 21, 2016

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸Past CMP Scholarship Recipient Becomes Collegiate Pistol Competitor

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

Irina Andrianova’s entire marksmanship career has been cultivated from conquering her fears.

Though afraid of the sport at first, Irina (fourth from left) quickly found the fun in it.
Though afraid of the sport at first, Irina (fourth from left) quickly found the fun in it.

Now going into her junior year at The Ohio State University, the 20-year-old is majoring in biology and is also a member of the Ohio State Pistol Team. Though a dedicated member of the team and passionate about marksmanship, it wasn’t always something that interested her. In fact, it frightened her.

“I was, initially, scared of guns and didn’t want to go anywhere near them,” she explained. “My dad got a gun and I said, ‘Keep that thing away from me!’”

Her father, Anatoly Andrianov, happens to be an accomplished marksman himself – Distinguished in both Service Pistol and .22 Rimfire Pistol. One day, when she was in middle school in Schaunburg, Ill., he convinced her to join an “archery club” – which actually turned out to be an air gun club (a detail she had missed while speaking to her dad in Russian).

Fearful of the guns in front of her, she managed to give them a chance. Then, her fear turned into infatuation, which eventually flourished into a lifelong love. Irina tried both rifle and pistol, unsure of which discipline she wanted to pursue. She carefully studied the details of each, right down to the wardrobe.

“In rifle, you get to hold these cool guns, and it seems so intricate. And the gear and the clothing – it looks kind of cool. Which, in pistol, we don’t have any special uniform to wear. But at the same time, they have a lot more luggage to carry around. So there’s a benefit with pistol – we have less stuff,” she joked.

Outside of the accessory aspects, it was the intensity of pistol that kept her interested.

For Irina, the challenge pistol presents is what keeps her interested in the discipline.
For Irina, the challenge pistol presents is what keeps her interested in the discipline.

“Pistol is a challenge. You have to use one hand. You have to have a strong arm! With rifle, you get help with your stance, but not with pistol. That’s the reason I chose it.”

Irina started with air pistol, then after watching her dad shoot larger caliber firearms, she became intrigued and wanted to try something new. That was when she became involved with .22 pistol shooting before moving on to sport pistol and bullseye.

Her senior year of high school, Irina won at the Junior Olympics in sport pistol and traveled to Germany and Spain for even more competitions. With the competitive itch within her, she was ready to look for colleges that would allow her to continue her career.

While a team member at Ohio State, Irina (far left) says she has made lasting friendships and even considers her teammates to be like family.
While a team member at Ohio State, Irina (far left) says she has made lasting friendships and even considers her teammates to be like family.

After searching and searching, the one college she continued to come across was The Ohio State University. Many schools only offered pistol as a club sport, but Ohio State offered more, which made it her top choice.

Unfortunately, she almost didn’t get to attend the school because Ohio State’s coach was unaware that she was even interested in joining the team. Luckily, at the last moment, Irina reached out and talked to her as a way to get noticed.

“It’s also good to practice and be competitive because going out for scholarships, the schools are looking for that,” she said. “Other schools also have clubs that go to the big collegiate events, so that’s definitely an option too. And still a great experience.”

Since she had mostly only shot with her dad back home, going to college was an adjustment. Leaving meant she would have to compete without him – the biggest influence in her life.

“It was so weird not having my dad at matches!” she said.

“He shoots a lot, and it kind of motivates me to compete too and be as good as him because he’s pretty good,” she added with a laugh.

The absence of her dad and walking into the unknown brought back the fear she once felt for the sport. But just as she did at the air gun range when she was young, Irina picked up her reservations and fired towards her future.

“It was kind of scary – getting to know the new people and team, because I didn’t really know any of them, and I was going to be spending a lot of time with these people!” she said. “But now, they’re kind of like my family away from home.”

Irina Andrianova was formerly chosen as a CMP Scholarship recipient before becoming a member of The Ohio State University Pistol team.
Irina Andrianova was formerly chosen as a CMP Scholarship recipient before becoming a member of The Ohio State University Pistol team.

Working with different coaches was also an experience for her. She had to get used to fresh expectations and mentalities, as well as balancing school on top of practice.

“It was fun. It was a bit of a challenge, getting used to the whole schedule because I was getting used to the college and also the team,” she said. “But I still enjoyed it because it’s fun being part of a team, with that whole ‘family’ mentality.”

Her first match at Ohio State, she was extremely nervous. Unlike her teammates, she was unable to explore the range beforehand because she was competing in an international event. She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do with the target system or even where she needed to be.

“I had to kind of look at my teammates and go off of them. They helped me along,” she said.

Her time as a member of the pistol team has, so far, been successful. The year before she arrived at Ohio State, the team won a National Championship. Her freshman year, they repeated the feat, as well as her sophomore year. Individually, she has won multiple times and has even achieved an overall aggregate women’s title.

Last year, she traveled to South Korea for the World University Games as a member of Team USA. Then, in June 2016, she competed in a national competition at Fort Benning, Ga., against adult competitors. Having only been a junior marksman at that point in her career, the experience allowed her to see how she measures up against some of the best shooters in the country – including some Olympians.

“Just to see how other people are shooting their stances, I think about myself, and it just motivates me to do more,” she said. “This summer, I’ve spent a lot of time on training and getting physically ready.”

In the future, Irina would like to become a mentor for the oncoming freshman to her pistol team. She is also training for the next Olympics.
In the future, Irina would like to become a mentor for the oncoming freshman to her pistol team. She is also training for the next Olympics.

In the future, she will be training hard for her ultimate goal: competing at the 2020 Olympics. She is also looking forward to becoming a mentor to the incoming freshman to the team who may be nervous of the what’s to come. Undoubtedly, they will soon leave their fears behind – just as Irina did.

“I want to be friends with them and get to know them so it’s not a scary situation and they find it easier to adjust to different people and a different environment,” she said. “I know I can’t imagine myself anywhere else now.”

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos

Civilian Marksmanship Program

Mission – Promote marksmanship through firearms training, safety, competitions and youth programs.
Vision – To lead the nation in marksmanship excellence providing safe, high quality and innovative programs with a focus on youth.

If you need assistance accessing any of our content or would like it in an alternative format you can contact us via our contact form, click here.

  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • MeWe
  • Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
  • Clubs
  • Compete
  • National Matches
  • Education
  • News & Media
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
  • Ranges
  • Privacy Policy

©2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program. All rights reserved.
Site by West Edge Collective.