Team Smith & Wesson Members Jerry Miculek and Randi Rogers Take Home Titles
SPRINGFIELD, MA --- As frigid temperatures continued across the New England area over the weekend, activity inside the Smith & Wesson Employee Shooting Sports Center only got warmer as competitors arrived to take part in the 18th Annual International Defensive Pistol (IDPA) Indoor National Championships. Greeted by heavy snow accumulations and single digit wind chill temperatures, this year's competitors were sheltered from the elements once inside the range but none were spared from the 13 elaborate stages of fire that would ultimately decide this year's winners. Once the brass was cleared and scores tallied, Smith & Wesson®, along with the IDPA, awarded five division titles and multiple special category distinctions in this first major match of the 2015 competitive shooting season.
"Hosting a match of this magnitude is an honor, and to do it efficiently requires the support of more than just one organization," said James Debney, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson. "For the last 18 years, we have worked alongside the IDPA to host this inaugural event of each shooting season. Its success requires meticulous planning and precise execution on the part of numerous volunteers, sponsors and range staff. Through their talents, teamwork and dedication, we have been able to grow the IDPA Indoor Nationals into a renowned and exciting competition that challenges participants and reinforces the basic principles of IDPA. On behalf of all of us at Smith & Wesson, congratulations to all of the competitors and we hope to see each of you again next year."
In the race for overall honors, competitors undertook 13 stages of fire that sought to combine realism with a hint of fantasy at every turn. After the final round was fired, it was no surprise to see several members of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Team atop their respective leaderboards. Past IDPA Champion and Team Smith & Wesson's own Jerry Miculek was able to defend his home turf and reigning title by capturing the Enhanced Service Revolver (ESR) Division. Undefeated in the ESR Division and a nine-time consecutive IDPA title-holder, Miculek clinched the division using his Smith & Wesson Model 625 revolver.
Also successfully defending her title as High Lady from prior events in the previous two years was Team Smith & Wesson member Randi Rogers. Rogers, who competed in the Stock Service Pistol (SSP) Division using a Smith & Wesson M&P9 Pro Series pistol, finished the match in 10th-place overall within her division. Rogers' recent victory marks the seventh time in her career that she has claimed the High Lady title at the Indoor Nationals.
Elsewhere in competition, Team Smith & Wesson members posted strong finishes using firearms from the company's competition revolver and M&P® Pistol Series. In the Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) Division, Brandon Wright finished in second place behind divisional winner Nils Jonasson. Team member Josh Lentz helped Smith & Wesson secure a one-two finish in the ESR Division after placing second behind teammate Jerry Miculek. In the Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP) Division, team member Dave Olhasso placed second overall using a Smith & Wesson M&P45. Team members Doug Koenig and Julie Golob also competed in this year's match shooting in the SSP Division. This year's match marked a return for Koenig in the IDPA circuit and concluded with an eighth place divisional finish. Team Captain Julie Golob finished twelfth in the division earning her the 2nd High Lady title behind Rogers.
The fastest overall time (181.15) for a sixth consecutive year went to Robert Vogel, SSP Champion. Rounding out the remaining division winners were Glenn Shelby who took top place in the CDP Division and Joseph Linskey who took home the Stock Service Revolver (SSR) championship.
Division Champions and Special Category Winners:
CDP Champion: Glenn Shelby
ESP Champion: Nils Jonasson
SSP Champion: Robert Vogel
ESR Champion: Jerry Miculek
SSR Champion: Joseph Linskey
High Senior: Mark Redl
High Lady: Randi Rogers
High Law Enforcement: Jim Meyers
High Industry: Robert Vogel
High International: George Hidalgo
High Junior: Mason Lane
High Military: David Blazek
High-Distinguished Senior: Lou Denys
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products, and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company's brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P®, and Thompson/Center Arms™. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and Missouri. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.
Contact: Matt Rice
Blue Heron Communications
(800) 654-3766
matt@blueheroncomm.com
