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

What It’s Like to Shoot in College – And How to Get There, Part 1 – Michael Steinel, OSU

April 22, 2016

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸What It’s Like to Shoot in College – And How to Get There, Part 1 – Michael Steinel, OSU

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

For some juniors, moving their shooting careers from high school into college is an indispensable goal. It’s the chance to compete at an even higher level of competition, while also gaining a worthwhile and valuable education. But a lot of juniors, coaches and parents have absolutely no idea where to start in getting their athletes onto college teams – or what to expect when they get there.

The following series highlights questions asked of current college student athletes and coaches – some of whom are alumni of the Civilian Marksmanship Program. The series will cover how juniors can gain college attention, what they can expect in college as both athletes and students, as well as the sort of qualities coaches look for in their athletes – answered by those with first-hand experience.

Headshot, team shots, and poster shots of the OSU Rifle Team on Thursday, August 29, 2015. Photo courtesy of Ohio State Athletics.
Headshot, team shots, and poster shots of the OSU Rifle Team on Thursday, August 29, 2015. Photo courtesy of Ohio State Athletics.

 Michael Steinel, The Ohio State University, Freshman

 

1.)    What is your hometown? Marietta, Ohio

2.)    What is your shooting background? What team(s) did you previously shoot for? Any accolades?

Shot for Great Trail Musketeers in Ohio

·         Air Rifle Distinguished, 2013

·         2014 Ohio Junior Olympic champion

·         First place overall, 3×20 and 60 Shot Rifle – 2015 Monthly Match League

·         Second place 3×20 – 2015 Camp Perry Open

·         Overall Open competitor – 2015 Camp Perry Open

Among many other accolades

Headshot, team shots, and poster shots of the OSU Rifle Team on Thursday, August 29, 2015.
Headshot, team shots, and poster shots of the OSU Rifle Team on Thursday, August 29, 2015.

3.)    Current Major: Security and Intelligence (International Studies) Minor: Russian

He hopes to go into the FBI after college. He also admits that learning a Foreign Language his first semester has been tricky! But also exciting.

4.)    How did you go about deciding which college was right for you to attend?

“I kind of looked at what teams were shooting what kinds of scores, and then I narrowed it down to my favorites. I visited with my favorites, then decided which teams I felt the most comfortable with. You can’t thrive in an area that you’re not comfortable in.”

5.)    What do you feel are the differences between shooting in college and shooting in high school?

“First off, I train on Megalink targets every day, which is great. No more paper targets,” he joked.

“One major difference for me is that every time I go into practice, I’m practicing with teammates. We have open practice, so you can come in any time of the day and practice, but we have a big enough team that there’s always someday in there.

For me, as a junior, I was only able to practice in the evenings with one or two teammates, maybe four. So that was a big change for me – always having people around me, practicing. For a while, I spent a lot of nights just Dad and I at the range.”

“[Being in college] is just a different atmosphere. We’ve got teammates that all get along. We know where everyone struggles. So if someone needs help with air rifle, we can talk it out a little – with kneeling or whatever.”

At the 2015 Camp Perry Open, Michael was in shock when he learned he had defeated two Army Marksmanship Unit members during the Rifle Open final – one after an exciting tie-breaking shoot-off.
At the 2015 Camp Perry Open, Michael was in shock when he learned he had defeated two Army Marksmanship Unit members during the Rifle Open final – one after an exciting tie-breaking shoot-off.

6.)    Smallbore is another part of being on a collegiate team. What did you think when you learned you’d have to shoot smallbore as well? What are the challenges of having to practice/shoot both air rifle and smallbore?

“I hadn’t shot it much before, but I was more of an air rifle person. I was up at CMP all the time – at least once a month. At my range, it was kind of challenging to practice smallbore.

All of a sudden, I had to go from training in smallbore once a week and air rifle the rest of the week, to balancing it out. That is a different thing. If you get there and you’re the person who really shot air, don’t be discouraged if your air goes down and your smallbore slowly comes up. They’ll both level out.”

7.)    What are some things about college (shooting or outside of) that surprised you, that you may have not expected?

For me personally, the amount of time that you need to spend outside of a class studying, not just doing homework, but studying – that was a big change between high school and college. From a shooting aspect, we (coach and I) kind of knew where I was with everything. We had a plan.”

But, to find out about what it’s like at a particular college, “Talk to your teammates. See what their advice is on anything. To me, you have to have a team that will do anything for you. And you you have to be a teammate who will do that for them.”

8.)    What do you enjoy about shooting in college?

“My team is great. Also, one of the reasons that I went to Ohio State is the atmosphere that even if your team hasn’t (5:00) …they’re waiting for you to. The football team, basketball, all of these other sports are doing great, and then there are teams that haven’t yet, but you still expect, ‘This is Ohio State. We can do this.’ It’s kind of a cool thing.”

He added, “I love the campus. I love my team.”

But admittedly…

“I grew up in Ohio, and I never wanted to go to Ohio State. I was always anti-Ohio State because it was such a stereotype for people in my area to go there. And then, coach came four years ago, and he’s a really good coach. He’s recruiting good shooters that are my friends. Then I visited, and I just loved campus.”

9.)    Any advice for other juniors who may be looking to take their shooting career onto college? How should they get started?

“The biggest thing is getting in contact with coaches, and don’t be discouraged if they don’t email you back. Sometimes there are NCAA rules as to why they won’t – sometimes they’re just really busy. Coaches are overworked. But you can’t let that discourage you.

I know a lot of shooters who had given up on schools, and then later on the coach goes, ‘Well I was really interested in you! You stopped emailing me…’ and you can’t really say whose fault that is, but definitely don’t get discouraged with that.”

He added, “And go to where you’re comfortable.”

10.) How did the CMP help prepare you for collegiate shooting?

“CMP, especially Camp Perry, but also Anniston – I kind of learned how to handle the stresses of a match, because I was shooting there once a month. And, there for a while, I was at nearly National-level competition once a month. That’s where I learned to shoot finals – that’s where I got good at finals. Perry definitely, definitely trained me for that.”

11.) What are you looking forward to in your future? (Shooting or otherwise)

“I’m looking forward to helping build our program. (This year) was the first time we’ve made NCAAs since 1991 – the first time in my lifetime.”

“I’m really excited to get better at Russian. I’m really looking forward to actually being able to speak Russian, instead of these little bits and pieces.”

“Working with the team and academics the next four years – it’s all really exciting. I’m really excited.”

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.