American commercial firearms manufacturer Springfield Armory recently agreed to a four-year commitment to fund remitted scholarships for members of the Hillsdale College Action Shooting Team. The company also supplies the team with all of their firearms, which includes their XD-M Elites and Prodigy firearms.
“Our action shooting sports team is only a few years old. To date, most of our athletes have been walk-ons, and we have been very successful,” Head Coach Adam Burlew said. “Now, with Springfield’s help, we can recruit high school shooting sports athletes who want to help us win more championships, take advantage of Hillsdale’s rigorous academic offerings, and grow in heart and mind.”
The Hillsdale Action Shooting Team began as a club in 2017, before reaching varsity status in 2021. Members of the team shoot 9mm handguns at steel targets in a test of speed and accuracy. Last March, the team won its second consecutive national championship at the Scholastic Action Shooting Program’s College Nationals. The team currently has eleven members.
Springfield Armory has also supported the team by providing access to world-renowned competitive shooter Rob Leatham. “It has been my distinct pleasure to work with the Hillsdale College Pistol Team,” said Leatham. “Having been in the firearms training industry for so many years I have seen it all. From beginners to winners, I’ve trained the most talented and dedicated shooters throughout the world. None have been more satisfying for me to work with than these young people.”
Last year, the college announced the construction of the Ailes Action Shooting Range, which features four 30-yard pistol bays, a 40-yard pistol bay, and a 100-yard rifle range. “Over the last several years, the Hillsdale College Halter Center has become a major hub for the shooting sports — especially the shotgun sports,” Rich Péwé, Hillsdale College’s chief administrative officer, said. Now, with our new Ailes Action Shooting Range and with Springfield Armory’s support, I think people will begin to see the Halter Center as a home to the pistol sports, as well. We are very grateful for Springfield’s support of our work.”
