Tom McGovern Jr
by senior correspondent Jennifer Martens
It seems Tom McGovern Jr was destined to be a sporting shooter. His father, Tom McGovern Sr, is a lifelong sporting shooter, past president of the SSAA Oakey Branch and a level 1 shooting instructor. He’s also the organiser of the St Marys School Sports Program, which introduces high school students to the shooting sports.
As a young boy, Tom Jr tagged along to many such activities and they served as his introduction to the sport. While his dad’s activities in the Association may have been the driving force in his interest in shooting, the 17-year-old’s continued involvement comes from pure enjoyment of the sport.
Tom has been a member of the SSAA for seven years. He is a strong offhand shooter, who is handy in a range of disciplines including Rimfire and Centrefire Field Rifle, Rimfire and Centrefire Metallic Silhouette, 10m Air Rifle, Service Pistol and SSAA Target Pistol (NRA Bullseye). Club competitions are a part of his weekly schedule and state and national competitions are something he endeavours to attend as often as possible.
He is one of Queensland’s top junior shooters, having claimed state junior titles in 2006 and 2008. He placed second overall in the 2008 Queensland SSAA State Field Rifle Championships and he has posted scores greater than 390 in Rimfire Field Rifle.
The coaching he has received from his father has paid off. In fact, Tom Sr might say a little too well. This year, Tom usurped his dad’s title of SSAA Oakey Branch record holder in the Rimfire Field Rifle event.
“From a coaching perspective, Tom has come a long way,” said his father. “But I believe his strongest points in shooting are that he can understand why he pulled a bad shot and learn from his mistakes.” He is also adept at controlling his emotions under pressure.
As a shooter, Tom Jr has learned much more than just how to hit a bullseye. “Shooting has taught me a lot of self-discipline and respect,” he said. “Being a junior, I am surrounded by mature adults who have all played a part in my development as a person.”
A few people in particular have taken Tom under their wings; Mal Smith, Alan Murray, Gary Lindenberg and Les Armitage have all been influential in his shooting career. “What I find great is the general support from most of the SSAA target shooters in Queensland,” said Tom. “SSAA Queensland Inc must also be thanked for the support they offer all of the juniors in the state.”
Tom’s skills have impressed many people, including his sponsor, Dave Armstrong, from The Open Range gunshop in Toowoomba. Through the sponsorship, Tom receives most of the ammunition he needs for his training. With this direct support and the encouragement from fellow club members, Tom is hoping to improve enough to eventually win a national event in both Metallic Silhouette and Field Rifle shooting.
Tom Jr and his family are renowned SSAA Oakey Branch members. Not only are the men in the family, including Tom’s two younger brothers Lachlan and Patrick, top shots, they were heavily involved in the building of the Oakey range. Tom Sr was the branch president at the time and the main driving force behind the construction. His wife Jeannie helped cater for the volunteers on the weekends and Tom was one of a few members who attended every working bee held by the branch.
When his guns are tucked away in his safe, the Year 12 student turns his attention to his plumbing apprenticeship. He also spends time working on cars and mingling with fellow members of a local vintage car club.
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