The Hillsdale College action shooting team showed its strength at a home United States Practical Shooting Association match on Saturday, scoring three top finishes and sweeping the podium in two divisions at the Ailes Action Shooting Range.

Hillsdale went 1-2-3 in both the Production and Limited divisions, as competitors raced to complete target courses in the fastest possible time while avoiding penalties. In the Production Division, sophomore Jonah Kirstein led all competitors with the fastest time, followed closely by teammates "Sandy" Alexander Vietor, a senior, and Luke Sempsrott, a sophomore, in second and third place respectively.

In the Limited Division, senior Taylor Chen was the top competitor for the Chargers, edging out teammates Clara Bozzay, a junior, in second place, and Kayla Mullin, a sophomore, in third place.

Hillsdale also got a runner-up finish in the Carry Optics Division from sophomore John Beecher, and a fourth-place finish in the Limited Optics division from junior Joe Grohs. 

The Chargers' performances in specific divisions meant Hillsdale's competitors did well overall as well. Among female competitors, Clara Bozzay took first place in the overall category, with Kayla Mullin placing in third. On the men's side, John Beecher was sixth overall.

Hillsdale hits the road this weekend for their next action, as the Chargers travel to Alabama to compete in the Blue Bullets Alabama State USPSA Championship on Thursday through Saturday.

Photo by Kenneth Gaudet