Youngsters shoot for the top
Dalby Herald, Page 16. Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Two young Dalby riflemen have begun to make their marks in the competition scene.
Brennan and Riley Dempsey will head off to Bateman’s Bay in October to contest the National Silhouette Championships after success at recent Zone 1 and Queensland events.
Riley (14) won both the centrefire and rimfire events in the U15 age group in the Zone 1 championships held at Belmont on July 18.
He was also named overall winner for all divisions on the day setting a record for the most centrefire shots by a competitor under 18 years of age in the process.
Riley’s recent run of success began with a gold medal in the U15 division at the Queensland Junior Championships held at Bowen earlier this month.
Brother Brennan (12), who had only been shooting since December last year, claimed the silver medal in this event.
At the National Junior Challenge held over three days from July 11 to 13, Riley won three gold medals and the overall award for best junior, while Brennan brought home two silver medals.
The boys are year seven and nine students at Dalby Christian School.
They have always been interested in guns and ammunition, often shooting at their grandparent’s farm.
The pair are members of the Dalby branch of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia and have been guided by senior club members Jan and Dan Linsley, Mal Smith, Allan Murray and Matt Everingham, who have always found time to help the boys hone their skills.
Club secretary Jan Linsley said the sport was a good one for youngsters, as it taught them discipline and self control, and while the gold medals were an attraction, the challenge of producing personal best performances became a driving motivation for shooters as they mature.
Riley told the Herald, “I just want to go out and do my best, and keep improving”.
The boys have strong support in parents Stewart and Cathy who are proud of their achievements so far.
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