While I was at the 2014 Indoor Nationals this past February, I was chatting with Joyce Wilson, Executive Director of IDPA and I had a flash in my brain (which happens a lot when I'm chatting with "Industry People" about the things I am most passionate about- women and the shooting sports). I asked her if there had ever been an all ladies squad at Nationals, she said no, I immediately said can I bring one? She gave her blessing and sent me over to IDPA HQ for the final approval and logistics.
I made the announcement at the A Girl & A Gun Women's Shooting League National Conference a few weeks later. With over 2000 members in our organization, filling 12 spots on a squad was not going to hard, but I wanted it to be fair and something that everyone had a real opportunity at. The rules were simple: Be a member of AG & AG and IDPA, Shoot the 1 stage qualifier... and that is it. We did not keep record of time/points, it was just a matter of participation. Then the names of the women who participated were in the pot for a random draw. By July we had our squad and were ready to make history (or Herstory)
My main goal was to introduce the amazing experience of a major match to our members who didn't know what they were missing out on! I successfully met that goal! The 12 woman that were on the team were in different stages of their competitive shooting journey. Some new to the sport with 6 months experience, others with a few years under their belts. None of them had been to a Nationals. I was extremely proud of them for so many reasons, but most impressive was how well prepared they were. For weeks they were chatting as a team about what to bring, best equipment, best clothing, best food choices as an athlete, best travel practices, and just about any other thing 12 girls can talk about. It was like going to camp!
Our Squad shot 15 stages in one day. I was worried about them hanging in there for such a long day, but the weather was wonderful, and with all the preparations they took, they sailed through the day like champs. They asked questions... boy did they! I called them my chickens. Our Team Coach Randi Rogers was on hand to make sure they understood how to best approach each stage safely and efficiently. It was a huge treat to have Randi spend the day with us, she is a wonderful role model and just a really kind person.
I was on staff for the rest of the match and spent the next two days with two other squads with shooters from around the US and Puerto Rico. It is always such a fun and rewarding job being Squad Safety Officer, or "Squad Mom" as the shooters call you. My welcome talk includes that I am there to make their match a great experience, if you need anything I'm your girl.... water, food, potty breaks, to bitch at someone! I did get to full fill all those needs....but we will leave that story for another time.
All in all this was my first IDPA Nationals too. It was amazing experience and I am so happy I got to share it with my AG & AG sisters and dear friends in the sport. See ya next year!
Additional thanks goes out to:
Smith & Wesson and Comp-tac for making it possible for Randi Rogers to be our Squad Coach
Allison Neil and Robert Ray, IDPA HQ for guiding us through the process
Brett Russo, Blade-tech gave the girls a swag bag.
Team member Christy Ross and Husband Gene have wonderful pictures on their blog The Couple That Shoots Together
I made the announcement at the A Girl & A Gun Women's Shooting League National Conference a few weeks later. With over 2000 members in our organization, filling 12 spots on a squad was not going to hard, but I wanted it to be fair and something that everyone had a real opportunity at. The rules were simple: Be a member of AG & AG and IDPA, Shoot the 1 stage qualifier... and that is it. We did not keep record of time/points, it was just a matter of participation. Then the names of the women who participated were in the pot for a random draw. By July we had our squad and were ready to make history (or Herstory)
My main goal was to introduce the amazing experience of a major match to our members who didn't know what they were missing out on! I successfully met that goal! The 12 woman that were on the team were in different stages of their competitive shooting journey. Some new to the sport with 6 months experience, others with a few years under their belts. None of them had been to a Nationals. I was extremely proud of them for so many reasons, but most impressive was how well prepared they were. For weeks they were chatting as a team about what to bring, best equipment, best clothing, best food choices as an athlete, best travel practices, and just about any other thing 12 girls can talk about. It was like going to camp!
Our Squad shot 15 stages in one day. I was worried about them hanging in there for such a long day, but the weather was wonderful, and with all the preparations they took, they sailed through the day like champs. They asked questions... boy did they! I called them my chickens. Our Team Coach Randi Rogers was on hand to make sure they understood how to best approach each stage safely and efficiently. It was a huge treat to have Randi spend the day with us, she is a wonderful role model and just a really kind person.
I was on staff for the rest of the match and spent the next two days with two other squads with shooters from around the US and Puerto Rico. It is always such a fun and rewarding job being Squad Safety Officer, or "Squad Mom" as the shooters call you. My welcome talk includes that I am there to make their match a great experience, if you need anything I'm your girl.... water, food, potty breaks, to bitch at someone! I did get to full fill all those needs....but we will leave that story for another time.
All in all this was my first IDPA Nationals too. It was amazing experience and I am so happy I got to share it with my AG & AG sisters and dear friends in the sport. See ya next year!
Additional thanks goes out to:
Smith & Wesson and Comp-tac for making it possible for Randi Rogers to be our Squad Coach
Allison Neil and Robert Ray, IDPA HQ for guiding us through the process
Brett Russo, Blade-tech gave the girls a swag bag.
Team member Christy Ross and Husband Gene have wonderful pictures on their blog The Couple That Shoots Together
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