2008 Illinois Service Rifle Championship

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We could not have asked for nicer weather this weekend as the skies were blue and temperatures were warm.

Starting with 200 yard standing, Konrad Powers edged out retired All Guard shooter Lee Wells 195 to 194. Last year's Service Rifle Champion John Holliger was close behind with a 193 and retired State Trooper Joe Julian and junior Dillon Sloneker both had 192's.

We are all used to Ed Mank displaying his prowess in sitting and today was no exception. His 200-15x, containing a 100-9x on the second string (and he challenged the 10), won the 200 yard rapid fire from Powers' 200-13x. Bill Guess and John Holliger both dropped one point and four other shooters had 198's. Powers now took a three point lead over Holliger, a four point lead over Wells, and an eight point lead over Mank.

Mike James put away his match rifle this weekend and had the lone 200 score at the 300 yard line. Mank dropped two and five other shooters had 197's. Powers had an ugly first string and allowed Holliger to get within one point. Mank was five points behind the leader and Guess was back six.

In typical fashion no one was dominating going back to 600 so it would be slow prone that decided the championship. Holliger and Julian were the top performers each with 199's. Mank dropped two with Maj. Jon B. Casillas, USAR, Powers, and Ken Mahl dropping four here.

John Holliger's 600 yard performance iced his eighth state Service Rifle Championship and his third in a row.

Big thanks go out to Dan Stone, Mike James, Jeff Marienthal, Paul Mazurski, Joe Julian, John Holliger and everyone who was able to help this weekend. I.S.R.A. Highpower matches are well run because of all the people that step up to make a difference in our sport.