This is our last set of interviews from the 2009 USPSA Limited-10 Nationals. Enjoy the read, as you get to know the BEST L10 Lady Shooters in the country a little better …
2nd Place - Julie Golob
9-Time USPSA National Champion, 2009 NRA Bianchi Cup Champion, 2009 Steel Challenge Production Champion, 2009 IRC Revolver Champion
WoUSPSA – You shot a very impressive match, Julie … Congratulations! That makes for back-to-back 2nd place finishes! Tell us how it felt to finish the L10 match knowing that.
Julie – Thanks so much! I am so proud to place second at both of these matches. The competition in these divisions is fierce!!! To think we have women who are sponsored and even some that are true pros, just shows how far our sport has developed. To place so high among these talented women is very exciting.
WoUSPSA – You shoot so many different types of matches throughout the year, ICORE, Steel Challenge, Bianchi, IDPA. What did you do differently to adjust to shooting a back-to-back USPSA Nationals?
Julie – Unlike many of the other shooting sports, USPSA really exposes how well a shooter moves. Whether it’s target to target transitions, set ups into positions or shooting on the move itself, conservation of movement is critical. To get ready for USPSA, I focused what time I had on these skills as well as my reloads. Shooting L-10 and Production with only 10 rounds in the magazine, I knew that how well I could consistently reload could make or break me on any number of stages. Finally, I chose to keep the same platform for both matches, Smith & Wesson M&P’s. Originally I had hoped to shoot the M&P in .40 for L-10, but after shooting with a tendon injury in the Production match, I felt I would perform better with my M&P Pro, 9mm minor. The back-to-back format is like a marathon for our sport. The key is to keep focused and take one stage at a time. It makes for a long, challenging week. At the same time it’s a lot of fun!
WoUSPSA – Wow, thanks for all that great info! What was your primary goal for the Limited-10 Nationals?
Julie – I like to set my goals for each match right at the beginning of my season. This year I wanted to place in the Top 3 Women at each of the events on my schedule.
WoUSPSA - Mission accomplished … good job! You and Randi both posted some amazing runs, back and forth. It was a lot of fun to watch. How do you approach each new stage when you have such close, tough competition?
Julie – Shooting neck and neck in a match is always tough, but so exciting at the same time. The competition in this match was fierce with a great showing of impressive women; Kay Miculek, Kippi Leatham and Randi Rogers, all multi-time national champions. In this situation, I try to stay positive and aggressive on each stage and tackle them one at a time. I pick my plan, remind myself to stay flexible and then do my best to shoot my sights.
WoUSPSA – So, how do you feel you performed in the second of the two events?
Julie – I am very happy with my performance in the match. I had a couple of sub-par stages, but also had a number of good runs too. Randi shot very well, and to come so close to the win shooting minor is something I am very proud of.
WoUSPSA – Can you give us a day by day account of your match?
Julie – Absolutely! The first day of the match I felt I was a bit “loose.” I shot some D’s and had a miss but in all I was pretty happy with my times. I knew I would need to shoot better points if I was going to stay in the running. With that in mind going into the second day, I really honed in on my front sight. It paid off and I made up some ground until my last stage of the day, Stage 2 – Timeout Again. I was so focused on getting my hits on the steel and swingers on this stage that I pulled a shot into one of the many no-shoots in the match. I earned one of those dreaded no-shoot/miss combos. My time was good enough that it wasn’t too catastrophic, but it certainly didn’t help my standings. The last day I knew that I needed to shoot strong. I pulled out all the stops and shot a solid match. My last three stages, I was able to move up nearly 25 points and I felt like this was the best last day I have had at a USPSA Nationals.
WoUSPSA – Did you know you were in contention going into the last stage? If so, how did that affect your performance?
Julie – Going into the last stage, I knew if I shot strong, I might have a chance for the win. I have been in this position before and I think having that experience was beneficial. The most important thing for me was to tackle the stage with everything I had. I didn’t want to leave the range with any regrets. Win or lose, I gave it my all and that’s what really matters.
WoUSPSA – What was your best stage?
Julie – My best stage result was Stage 7 – Spinnin’ Star. Texas Stars are always a challenge, but this one was spinning before you even got a round off! There was so much going on in this stage between the no-shoots, a critical standing reload and of course the star. I placed in the Top 16 and it was very exciting to post such a high score.
WoUSPSA – What was your favorite stage and why?
Julie – My favorite stage was Stage 1, even though it was arbitrated and removed from the match. This stage was only 12 rounds and that made every element critical, from the draw and first shot, to a well executed reload and a critical set up to see the final targets. Several no-shoots gave it high disaster factor and made it one of those stages that can really shake up the results. Stages like this are exciting to both shoot and watch.
WoUSPSA – Overall, what did you think of the stages?
Julie – I liked the stages. Many of them, at first glance looked very similar to the Open/Production match. The changes were subtle, but I shot several stages differently than I did in the first match. In a perfect world, I think it would have been neat to have an entirely new set of courses. With only a few hours to change things up after working long hours all week in the desert sun, the RO’s and USPSA Staff did a wonderful job. Like the Open and Production match, the stages were deceptively difficult and there were a significant number of no shoots and tough shots.
WoUSPSA – We appreciate your time and comments, Julie. Do you have anything you would like to add before we go?
Julie – I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive of me coming back on the circuit. Your warmth and encouraging words mean so much. I am so lucky to have amazing sponsors and to be a part of the extremely talented Team Smith & Wesson. Thank you also to my partners in crime Kippi Leatham and Sharyn Cohen for working so hard to break ground on the Women of USPSA project. Your work to promote the women in our sport has my deepest appreciation. Finally I can’t thank my husband enough. Jumping into a full competition season and working with the challenges of caring for our 1 year old through it all haven’t been easy. His love, honesty, support and friendship throughout this year are greatly cherished.
WoUSPSA - Congratulations again on your successful season and your 2nd place finish at the Limited-10 Nationals!
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1st Place - Randi Rogers
2009 USPSA Limited-10 National Champion
WoUSPSA – You shot such a strong, aggresive match! Congratulations, Randi! Tell us how it felt to win the 2009 USPSA Ladies Limited-10 Title.
Randi – I think that I am probably more proud of this title than just about any other. It was such a challenge coming back from the Production match and shooting against so many talented and accomplished shooters. I feel honored to have won.
WoUSPSA – You shoot primarily production throughout the year. What did you do differently to adjust to shooting a major caliber pistol?
Randi – Well, funny you should ask. I actually did a really dumb thing. I went and had the grip on my G35 stippled about two weeks before the nationals. Well, the gunsmith did a good job, but when I tried to shoot with the stippling it was so rough that is tore up my hands. I practiced with it and my left palm and the fingers of my right hand were cut by the stippling. I ended up missing a couple of practices and having to wear band-aids during the Production Nationals. I know better than to change things right before a match, but knowing better doesn’t always stop a person. Take it from someone who knows, don’t change things before a major match!
As for shooting preparation, I just tried to alternate practices between my Production set up and my Limited-10. A lot of dry fire to get used to the different holster and practice to get used to the recoil. Fortunately, the G34, production, and the G35, Limited-10, are identical besides the recoil, so switching up wasn’t too hard.
WoUSPSA – Seems to have worked for you! Did you have a goal going into the Limited-10 Nationals?
Randi – My goal is always to shoot my best. I was lucky this time that my best was good enough to win.
WoUSPSA – You and Julie both posted some awesome runs, one after another, and often, you and Jessie are quite close when competing. How do you approach each new stage when you have such tough competition?
Randi – I always just try to shoot my game. Ultimately, I am competing against myself. If I am doing the best that I can do then whatever happens happens. I approach each new stage as the most important stage of the match. I try to disregard what my competitors do and remember that I am me and there is nothing else that matters. My goals are to hit the targets and be smooth. If I can do that, I am happy
WoUSPSA – And how do you feel you performed in the second match?
Randi – I felt that my performance in the match was adequate. I believe that there never has been and never will be a shooter who is happy about the way they shot. Each person feels that there is something they could have done better. It is the same for me. There are a couple of shots that I would like back. However, I am pleased with the results so I can’t complain too much. Shooting for me is a leaning process and I just try to learn as much as I can to make my shooting better.
WoUSPSA – Would you give us a day by day account of your match?
Randi – Well, I shot both matches, so after the Production match I was really determined to shoot better. On Wednesday, I tried to take it easy. I went and registered, and I went to the indoor range, where we shipped our ammo, to fire a few rounds. I shot groups and tried to get myself back on an even keel.
Thursday I shot late so I slept in and ate a big breakfast. My shooting on Thursday felt really strong. I shot stages 9-13. The stages were similar to the previous match which made the shooting a little easier. I didn’t make any mistakes on the first day.
Friday we shot early. I normally like to shoot early because it is easier for me to stay focused early. I had two no shoots and one mike on stage 16 and then I had a Mike on stage 2. Stage 16 was a couple of challenging shots that I pulled, and stage 2 I didn’t put enough shots on a mover. I think I had gotten a little too confident the first day and pushed too hard the second.
Saturday was my final day of shooting. I shot in the afternoon again and I was ready. I dry fired that morning and concentrated on staying relaxed and focused. It was a little nerve racking, but I held on and came out victorious.
WoUSPSA – Did you know you were in the lead going into the last stage? If so, how did that affect your performance?
Randi – I was pretty sure that I was in the lead going into the last day. For that day I just tried to shoot my sights and get my points. For the last stage I knew that it was close. I knew that I needed to get my hits, but I also knew that I needed to stay aggressive and not give up anytime. I wanted to be aggressive and I got a little too aggressive and popped a no-shoot, but I got the hit so it all worked out.
WoUSPSA – What was your best stage?
Randi – My best stage was stage 12, Flippin’ Out. I worked really hard on this stage because I had gotten a mike on it in the last match and I didn’t want to do that again.
WoUSPSA – What was your favorite stage and why?
Randi – My favorite stage was the Texas Star stage, stage 7. I like shooting steel and I thought it was fun and challenging the way they made the star spin.
WoUSPSA – So, what did you think of the stages in general?
Randi – Overall I thought the stages were OK. It is tough shooting a back to back Nationals because the range can’t change all the stages, but they can’t really leave them all the same either. I wish that there would have been more diversity and standards.
WoUSPSA – Do you have any comments you would like to add in closing?
Randi – I would just like to thank everyone for coming out and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
WoUSPSA – We’ll be there! Congratulations again, Randi, on winning the 2009 USPSA Limited-10 Nationals!
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That wraps it up for the L10 Nationals coverage. We have one more to report upon, the Limited Nationals, and there are quite a few new names in the Top-8! We’re excited to be bringing you their stories …
Continuing coverage of the USPSA Limited-10 Nationals – To follow are interviews with the women who finished third through fifth…
5th Place - Debbie Keehart
Member of Gold Team USA – IPSC WS XIV Standard Division Gold Medalists, 2009 USPSA Area-2 Limited Champion
WoUSPSA – Congrats on your Limited-10 Nationals finish this year, Debbie! You usually shoot a mixture of Limited and Production throughout the year. What did you do differently to adjust to shooting a major caliber, 10-round pistol?
Debbie – What’s key for me is to alternate frequently between the two guns. I do that for about 3 months. Then the time it takes to adjust is maybe just a magazine or two.
WoUSPSA – What was your goal for the Limited-10 Nationals?
Debbie – First, to perform to my current ability after having some pretty good practice sessions, and second to at least bring home a stage win.
WoUSPSA – So, how do you feel you performed in the match? Did you attain your goals?
Debbie – Well, I got my stage win….and had a few good runs, too!
WoUSPSA – Nice job! What is it like shooting in the Ladies’ Squad?
Debbie – My first time was scary! (That was a long long time ago, though.) Now, I look forward to shooting with my friends! Many of us have been shooting together for a long time and enjoy doing things together off the range as well! The ladies squad is a group of the best female shooters supporting and cheering each other on! I wouldn’t want to shoot with anyone else!
WoUSPSA – Can you give us a day by day account of your match?
Debbie – Day 1, “Oh crap Deb, relax! It’s not the end of the world”. Day 2, “Ok, so you’re off to a bad start. Get it out of the way and the rest of the day will be better” ….it was! Day 3, “Now I’m feeling good. May I shoot day 1 & 2 over again please? I’m so glad I’m here!”
WoUSPSA – You have a great attitude, Deb! ; )
What was your best stage of the match?
Debbie – That would be #2, the one with the two swingers that we had to shoot at through the low port.
WoUSPSA – What was your favorite stage and why?
Debbie – I know there was one because I remember saying “that was fun”. But without looking at the book, I couldn’t tell you what it was now.
WoUSPSA – What did you think of the stages?
Debbie – I thought they were all challenging, interesting and designed so shooters of all skills levels could shoot them at their own pace. Maybe the Texas star wasn’t the best choice due to prop failure issues …
WoUSPSA – Did you enjoy being in Las Vegas?
Debbie – Absolutely! I would tell you more, but “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, and I’m back in Phoenix now!
WoUSPSA – Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Debbie. Do you have any comments you would like to add?
Debbie – For all of you readers who have not been to a Nationals yet, GO! It is a great time, you meet great people and you’ll love the challenge. If you haven’t started competitive shooting yet, get to a local club and you’ll find just about everyone is willing to help you get started. And then set your sights on the next Nationals!
WoUSPSA – Congratulations again on your Limited-10 top 5 finish!
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4th Place – Kay Miculek
9-Time USPSA Open Champion, 13-Time USPSA Multi-Gun Open Champion
We have contacted Kay and are awaiting her reply. She’s been extremely busy with her Ladies Shooting Camps and travel. We hope she’ll get back with us soon and when she does, we’ll update her responses right here.
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3rd Place – Kippi Leatham
4-Time USPSA National Champion, 2009 Area-2 Production Champion
WoUSPSA – Being married to arguably one of the best shooters ever, Rob Leatham, managing his business, working to promote women in the sport, and being a mom, needless to say, you stay very busy. How do you manage it all and what do you do to work on your shooting and personal goals?
Kippi – I do stay very busy, but I also consider myself extremely fortunate to have “jobs” where I work from home. Have you witnessed the traffic in Phoenix? ; ) Seriously though, it’s the same kind of juggling act that we all do. There’s too much on the plate, so we prioritize and then re-prioritize! Somewhere in the mix of business and family time, I go to the range to practice a couple of times a week. I also try to shoot at least one match each week. I’m so very lucky to live in a location where we can shoot quality matches year-round. Personal goals, unfortunately, have been low on my totem pole. I occasionally take time to enjoy yoga, golf, exercise, and friends, as I know it’s beneficial to my overall well being.
WoUSPSA – This year you gave us a nail-biter finish at the USPSA Single Stack Nationals and finished 2nd Woman. As someone who shoots primarily single stack (and really well!), what do you do differently to prepare for Limited-10 courses of fire?
Kippi – Thanks for the compliment … I so love the simplicity and the challenge of the iron-sighted, single stack & production-type guns! Preparing for the L10 Nationals was not much different than preparing for the Single Stack Nationals. I shot the same gun, but with 10-round mags. Having TWO more rounds seems huge - 25% more ammunition – but in reality, it just gives you different options as to how to shoot a stage. Your rounds are still very limited at each position. Rio tends to hold high-round-count stages, which I take advantage of by simply breaking [the stages] into smaller sections. When I only have 8 or 10 rounds in my magazines, I don’t look at a stage as 30 rounds, I address it as three or four mini-stages in one. I consider every shot, every reload, every movement within each section of major importance and try to execute as planned.
WoUSPSA – Do you feel that by focusing primarily on one gun throughout the year, you have an advantage going into Limited-10 and Single Stack competitions?
Kippi – Gosh, it should be an advantage! Wish my overall results supported me on that hypothesis! ; ) I certainly don’t think it hurts to shoot one type of gun throughout the season. However, with the variety of matches offered during the year and the level at which the top contenders compete, I think it’s critical to be able to change gears quickly and shoot more than one type of firearm. I’m trying to be more open to the concept of shooting different firearms and disciplines. Julie G has been trying to get me to shoot Bianchi for years now. I’ve just never made the effort, but I certainly see the value. If you look at our top lady shooters, you’ll notice they have one major thing in common … they all shoot a variety of guns and a cross-section of matches.
WoUSPSA – What was your goal for the Limited-10 Nationals?
Kippi – 1 – To not distort and strain my face : ) when the buzzer went off; 2 – To shoot with confidence to the best of my ability;
WoUSPSA – How do you feel you performed in the match? Can you give us a day by day account?
Kippi – Day 1 – Yuk – Nothing feels “right” for me. Coffee wouldn’t brew, don’t like our condo (advice – avoid renting from Las Vegas Retreats), and I’m not settled in. I am feeling a little anxious about the match, as I never bothered to look at the stages before hand. Our first stage is the “house” stage, “Stand Still Bob”. I’m nervous, as I usually am on the first stage, and I [stupidly] change my game plan at the last minute. Needless to say, I don’t execute the stage well. 2 misses, 1 no-shoot. For whatever reason, I am unable to “leave the last stage behind”, like I know I should. I drive away from the range with four misses and two no-shoots total. By far, my worst first day of a Nationals ever … again, yuk!
Day 2 – It’s a new day. I wake up with a smile, letting go of yesterday’s performance. We have an early start, coffee machine worked (yay!). I feel much more settled. I shoot like myself, actually grab a stage win and finish 2nd to Julie G on another stage.
Day 3 – Late start, but I’m looking forward to the afternoon. I am a bit disappointed that I’m not really “in contention”, but know that I need and want to shoot strong. I manage to win two more stages and finish toward the top on most of the others.
WoUSPSA – You really poured on the coal for the last day and made up a lot of ground. Can you tell us what its like to come from behind and what you did in this match to propel you into 3rd place?
Kippi – Well, I knew I was no where near Julie or Randi for the win, but definitely wanted to be next in line. I focused on my stage execution and my sights and got through the day with no penalties. Funny thing … if I’m not in contention, I’m not nearly as nervous. ; )
WoUSPSA – Tell us about your best stage.
Kippi – Based on my overall percentile, Stage 10, “Get Your Gun”, was my best stage, but Julie beat me out by a hair. We both shot 66 points. It took me 9.32 seconds and Julie 8.87 seconds. Good shooting, girlfriend! My best OA finish was on the Spinnin’ Star Stage.
WoUSPSA – What was your favorite stage and why?
Kippi – I actually liked “Start, Swing & Finish”, Stage 4. It was a 29-round movement course with a swinger and an activator, and it required a tiny bit of aiming. I like to shoot stages with options. The ladies in our squad executed this stage several different ways. I love stepping up to the line, knowing I’ve figured out the best way for me to shoot a stage. I think that’s what makes a course of fire fun, challenging and interesting.
WoUSPSA – As someone who has had a very successful shooting career that spans 20+ years, how would you compare this year’s match to other Nationals?
Kippi – This was a strange Nationals. Due to the layout of the range, there was a very isolated feeling. I always enjoy watching friends and other competitors shoot, but it was difficult to do that with the deep bays and widespread stages. I never saw my husband shoot a single stage, never took one photo or video of him. There also wasn’t the typical group of “spectators” watching the event. In that respect, it did not really “feel” like a Nationals to me. The stages were good, some were great! I’m old school, though, and prefer to follow the IPSC format of 3 small, 2 medium, 1 large stage. I think it’s a better test of shooting skills because you can easily incorporate standards, strong & weak hand, gun manipulation, standing reloads, etc., but we haven’t held matches like that in many moons. Regardless, I do think a National event should test as many shooting-related aspects as possible and I don’t think this year’s event quite accomplished that.
WoUSPSA – Any comments you would like to add?
Kippi – I just want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of the ROs and match staff. I imagine it was NOT much fun being at the range all day long, all week, in the dry, hot, dusty & windy conditions. Our sport could not exist without the dedication and time commitment of our ROs and match organizers, and I thank them again for all they do.
WoUSPSA – Here, here! Thanks for talking with us, Kippi, and congratulations again on your 3rd place finish.
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Don’t go far … later this week, we will post interviews with the top 2 Limited-10 women shooters in the country, Julie Golob and Randi Rogers!
We’re on to a different match! Interviews with the sixth through eighth women of the 2009 USPSA Limited-10 Nationals…
8th Place – Kandi Blick
Law Enforcement, Military, & Civilian Firearms Instructor
WoUSPSA – Kandi, it was great being squadded with you at this year’s L10 Nationals. How many USPSA Nationals have you shot in total?
Kandi – 3 Nationals: 2008 Production, 2008 L-10 & the 2009 L-10.
WoUSPSA – You unfortunately did not get to finish the 2009 Production Nationals due to a DQ. Our hearts were certainly with you. : (
How did you regroup and what was your approach to shooting the second, Limited-10 match?
Kandi – What a learning experience! After all of the practice, mental game, visualization and all around prep, one doesn’t expect to DQ, so when it happened, I definitely had an emotional response. I did my very best to hold everything in until I was alone and then let go. Also, this was the first time I was fortunate enough to shoot in the ladies Super Squad, and so I felt even more pressure and the let down even greater. Wow, was I lucky to be in that squad. Everyone gave me so much support and great advice. It never crossed my mind that this had also happened to “those great shooters”! Of course, it got around to the other squads, and even more top shooters shared their own experiences. I want to personally thank everyone for their kindness and especially Kippi for taking the time to call me and talk right after it happened…thank you my friend!
WoUSPSA – So after all of that, how do you feel you performed in the match?
Kandi – Overall, my performance was what I expected, considering the circumstances and current skill level. I was VERY happy to finish the match! ; ) I love to compete and shooting with so many great shooters who have such a professional mindset about the shooting sports was real inspiration to my competition game. I definitely stayed focused on my personal goals and HAD FUN!!!
WoUSPSA – What was your favorite stage and why?
Kandi – My favorite stage was the Texas Star stage! While I don’t necessarily agree that the “star” should be in a major match, because I don’t think it’s a fair piece of equipment to use to test skills across the board for all levels of shooters, it did crystalize very quickly gut reactions! I liked how the stage represented the gamut of emotions from “No problem to how the heck?” I liked the movement, quick shooting, moving targets, and of course the many options one could apply. I personally don’t get much chance to shoot stars throughout the year and so my anxiety level was higher. I probably asked more questions, and spent a lot of time watching other top shooters from other squads shoot it than any other stage. When I stepped up, I was slightly nervous, but I felt very focused and dedicated, with no doubt about my plan and it went off without a hitch. I felt great satisfaction with my performance at my current skill level. That stage helped me realize that I should be concentrating at that level or higher every time I step up to shoot and/or practice.
WoUSPSA – What did you think of the rest of the stages?
Kandi – This year’s Nationals were more of a speed shoot than anything else. I would have liked to have seen more long range shots, standards, weak/strong hand shooting and different shooting positions.
WoUSPSA – Is there anything you would like to add about the match?
Kandi – I am very grateful to all the ladies who have been at this a long time. Thanks to all of my squad mates for your support and continued friendship. Randi Rogers…thank you for all of your help throughout this match. Thanks to the match staff and USPSA staff, and ALL of the sponsors! I couldn’t finish this without thanking my sponsor Safariland, Scott Carnahan, Captain of Team Safariland and the love of my life for his support, and to Mike Voigt who has truly helped my shooting game on a regular basis…thanks guys!
WoUSPSA – Kandi, thanks so much for your input and congratulations once again on your Top 8 placement at the L10 Match.
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WoUSPSA – Hi Diana! You’re a fairly new name to some of us. How many USPSA Nationals have you competed in?
Diana – This year was my first attendance.
WoUSPSA – Well, welcome! We hope you enjoyed your first Nationals! Did you have any goals for the match?
Diana – To watch the best of the game shoot, and have fun shooting the Nationals without caving from the pressure of a big match.
WoUSPSA – It appears that you didn’t “cave”. How do you feel you performed in the match?
Diana – For Open Division, I was very satisfied with my performance. As for Limited-10, I had my good, my bad, and my very ugly moments. All I can say is that I have complete new found respect for competitors who can trudge through two Nationals with the same accuracy and aggressiveness.
WoUSPSA – It does make for a long week. What stage ended up being your best?
Diana – Stage 13 “Making Extra Money”.
WoUSPSA – What was your favorite stage and why?
Diana – I have to pick the house stage (Stage 9, “Stand Still Bob”) as the best stage out of the whole match. My favorite stages have three things: required movement, swingers, and A LOT of walls. Who can beat that?
WoUSPSA – That was a fun stage … what did you think of the stages overall?
Diana – Since I started shooting in 2007, I’ve downloaded and taken a peek at Nationals stages (2007/2008). This year, the stages thankfully did not have too many rounds per stage (average was around 15-24 rounds). Though high round counts give the necessary high fun factor in some other Level II/III USPSA matches, I do not think they have a place in the Nationals arena. The stages gave competitors options (required in my book) in terms of routes and positions, plus there were always those white targets to keep us in check. Though I think the no shoots were a little overkill this year. : ) Overall, I couldn’t have asked for more in terms of stage quality for a 1st Nationals!
WoUSPSA – Did you enjoy being in Las Vegas, Nevada for the match?
Diana – Yes…Yes…and did I say YES? I told myself that this could be my first, and last, trip to a Nationals in Vegas, so I decided the day I landed at the Las Vegas airport to treat my credit card like it was a money tree. We did everything from buffet tasting at multiple restaurants, to going casino hopping (and getting a surprising amount from free slot cards), to seeing some awesome shows and sites. Even after a month and a half from the 11-day trip, we are still talking about it. Here’s a very short video clip of our Las Vegas/USPSA trip – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmTQerh4LDs
WoUSPSA – Thanks for sharing the video … it’s a lot of fun to watch! Anything else about the match that you would like to share?
Diana – I seem to be able to say some creepy time predictions on other competitors as they make ready. On one of the stages, in which most of the squad was getting times between 10 to 13 seconds, I jokingly told some other shooters that the next competitor coming up would get 9.59 seconds. I was off by about five-hundredths of a second…their expressions were hilarious!
WoUSPSA – Quite a knack, Diana, though I’m not sure I would necessarily want to know my time up front! ; ) Thanks for interviewing with us and congratulations on your Top 8 finish at your very first USPSA Nationals!
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6th Place – Maggie Reese
2009 USPSA Multi-Gun Open Champion
WoUSPSA – Congratulations on your 6th place finish, Maggie! What was your goal for the L10 Nationals this year?
Maggie – My goal for Nationals was to survive the match!! Having only competed in USPSA for two years now, it’s more about the race than the finish for me. Of course, finishing 6th feels pretty good, too.
WoUSPSA - 6th place is GREAT! How do you feel you performed in the match?
Maggie – Overall, I am happy with my performance. I really focused on having a deliberate and well-focused plan for each stage. I had very few penalties and I was happy with my overall accuracy. My goals for next year include entering and leaving positions more aggressively and pushing my speed without compromising my accuracy. Shooting with the Ladies in the first match really helped me to gauge my performance now and visualize what I want to become in the future.
WoUSPSA – What was your best stage?
Maggie – I didn’t know until you asked, but my best stage was stage 16. It started off with some tight distance shots and ended with the competitor backing up for two close range targets. This was a short stage with only 6 classic targets so where you did your reload was really crucial for L-10 here.
WoUSPSA – What was your favorite stage and why?
Maggie – Stage 12, Flipping Out, was my favorite. Out of all the stages, I spent the most amount of time figuring this one out. There were 6 metric targets and 5 pepper poppers, two with flip-ups. It was all about the timing here. What could you shoot while waiting for the steel to fall and the flippers to appear? Oh, and reload, and do it all from the squatting position! I had the biggest sense of satisfaction when I finished this stage knowing that my strong plan and execution paid off.
WoUSPSA – What did you think of the stages, in general?
Maggie – Some people thought the stages were too simple or easy. They were also the same people who walked away with a lot of misses and penalties! I liked how deceiving things were and how competitors could be lured into making simple mistakes. For me, Nationals is about having a strong mental game to match your shooting ability. Some matches can be overly technical, others fast and easy. Each has its place, but it’s still about respecting the stage in front of you and keeping your focus all the way through. Overall though, I thought there was a good variety of skills and scenarios tested.
WoUSPSA – Did you like being in Las Vegas?
Maggie – I did enjoy being in Las Vegas. One, it’s close to home(!) and two, it wasn’t nearly as hot and miserable as I thought it would be (wink wink). The RO’s and staff did a great job of making sure water was available and everyone stayed hydrated. Also, I think if we can stay there for a few years, we can accumulate a lot of props and really build the match up.
WoUSPSA – Would you like to add anything in closing?
Maggie: I was extremely thankful for Women of USPSA’s coverage of Nationals. It was great for my family and friends back home to be able to track the match with updates and videos hourly! Thanks WoUSPSA!
WoUSPSA – You’re welcome, Maggie, and congrats again on your overall placement!
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Stay tuned for continuing coverage on the Limited-10 Nationals!
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