NSU's Trammell makes mark in national rifle competition

(Tahlequah, OK)--ROTC Cadet Kelli Trammell, an Akins freshman at Northeastern State University, scored a 561 to finish fourth in the National Rifle Association's 2010 Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship, April 8-11, at the Purdue University Armory in West Lafayette, La.

Marybeth Brewer of Michigan was first with 569, Clayton Peck of Michigan State scored 566 for second and Lee Wellborn of North Texas was third at 564.

Trammell qualified with a second-place finish during sectional competition Feb. 13 at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where she competed as an individual representing NSU and recorded a score of 571 the highest score recorded among ROTC competitors (earning her the ROTC Champion honors) in the NRA's intercollegiate sectionals. Wellborn scored 577 to finish first.

Trammell explained that the NRA's competition involves precision shooting from a standing position with air rifles using open sights. Shooters are permitted 10 minutes rifle preparation before competing.

"This allows time to get your equipment and gun set up, as well as zero in on your mental focus," she said.

Competitors then have 105 minutes to sight and fire 60 rounds. Ten points are scored with a "centershot" on a target the size of a dot from a pencil lead.

"The farther a shot is off center, the less points a shooter accumulates," Trammell said. "A score of 571 is an average of 95 or better on each set of 10 bullseyes."

The sectional and national competitions are not Trammell's first successes. During 2009, her first year of competing, she was Arkansas state champion and also finished 28th in a field of 226 in the three-position event at the National Junior Olympics in Camp Perry, Ohio.

"I tried out for the rifle team my junior year in high school and developed an immediate love for competitive shooting," she said. "My second year I advanced to precision shooting and was made captain of the rifle team. I owe the success I have experienced to Master Sgt. (ret.) Johnny Martin, my high school coach, as well as a very important mentor in my life; and to my family who has supported my rifle habit along the way."

Trammell said precision shooting is enjoyable as a contest and as a chance to travel.

"It is something I am extremely passionate about," she said. "I wish there were more opportunities for the youth of Oklahoma to experience what I have had the incredible fortune to be a part of."

Now on the path to an Army commission, Trammell said she is considering a career in military intelligence, "but I dream of shooting for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit some day."