Governor Welcomes SPP to Its First Indiana State Championship
Governor Michael R. Pence of Indiana welcomed the Scholastic Pistol Program to its first Indiana State Championship with a proclamation, declaring shooting sports as “enriching the lives of young Hoosiers by instilling discipline and responsibility while also promoting liberty.”
Eight squads participated in the state’s inaugural SPP State Championship on June 15. Hoosier Daddy’s SPP team hosted the match at the Hoosier Hills Rifle and Pistol Club in Columbus, IN. A total of $9,800 in endowment funds were awarded to the participating teams.
In the Junior Rimfire Division, the Bluegrass Sportsman League squad took 1st place honors, with Hoosier Daddy’s Squad 2 taking 2nd and Smokin’ Dragons Squad 1 coming in 3rd. Smokin’ Dragons Squad 2 took Gold in the Junior Centerfire Division with Hoosier Daddy’s Squad 1 taking Silver. In the Senior Centerfire Division, the Target Busters won the Gold medal, and Hoosier Daddy’s Squad 3 took 1st in Senior Rimfire.
“The state of Indiana recognizes the sport of shooting for enriching the lives of young Hoosiers by instilling discipline and responsibility while also promoting liberty,” the governor stated. “Indiana is bettered by the talents of its young people, and the state is proud to recognize the dedication of each and every participant in attendance this weekend.”
His statement continued, “I would like to thank the members of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, MidwayUSA Foundation, and the Indiana Youth Shooting Sports Foundation for hosting this event and taking time to promote the sport of shooting to young people. Thank you to the many instructors, families, and volunteers who provide training and encouragement to the participants.”
“We are really excited that SPP is growing in Indiana,” said Jack Parker, Hoosier Daddy’s SPP assistant coach. “As a professional educator, I see the huge value of programs such as SPP as it requires athletes to not only be good citizens and work hard to succeed, but it also teaches safety and respect at a level few other programs can match.”
Serving as Match Directors were Jack Parker and Nick Mason, and they were assisted by Safety Officers Mike Miller and Tom Brummett. On hand to assist were SPP National Director Scott Moore, SPP Program Manager Tammy Mowry, and GLOCK SPP liaison and SSSF Board member Ed Fitzgerald.
“Jack Parker, Nick Mason, and the entire coaching staff of Hoosier Daddy’s have made this inaugural Indiana State Championship a great success,” said Mowry. “We look forward to continued success here in the Hoosier State!”