WATCH: 2009 Single Stack Nationals & Back in Action
Rob Leatham once again showed us all that he is officially a Single Stack 1911 deity and remains undefeated in 15 years! Rob dominates this division in ways that cannot even be comprehended. Even though Rob still came out on top the battle was heated. Mike Voigt, Taran Butler, Todd Jarrett, and my teammate BJ Norris rounded out the top five.
“Every year this gets more and more difficult,” Rob said in his acceptance speech and the top shooters certainly poured on the pressure. Congratulations Rob, you live up to the sport’s name for you – The Great One.
It will probably go overlooked just how close the women’s race was. Just six points separated the top two women, Lisa Munson and Kippi Leatham, both multi-national champions. In USPSA where scores are posted by both match points and percentage, that’s just .56%! Kippi and Lisa battled back and forth throughout the entire match for a nail-biter finish with Lisa claiming the national title. Congratulations to both women on their performances!
Also in the mix for the women was Kay Miculek who opted to shoot minor in the match, scoring fewer points for non-center hits. She delivered fierce scores on high disaster factor stages using 20+ years of match experience to place third. Other women posted impressive scores too. Nancy Huspek is always a dark horse contender in the Single Stack 1911 division. Like Kay, she also opted to shoot minor. Placing an impressive 6th place, Nancy also volunteered as a chief range officer and worked the entire event. TD Roe, a lady relatively new to the competition circuit, finished 5th Lady.
I have had the pleasure of shooting with T.D. at Smith & Wesson Ladies Action Shooting Camps in the past and it is great to see her performing so well. Here’s some video of the Ladies Squad at the match
I am very proud of my 4th place finish in the match with my S&W 1911. Just my third match back from time off having my daughter (ICORE Southern Regional and a club match) I posted some stage wins in the ladies division. It was as they say “like riding a bike.” I jumped in, and was a bit wobbly at first but then posted some good scores. I fell over a few times (thankfully just figuratively) and, after the match was said and done, was already looking forward to my next competition.
In some ways, I felt I was being tested. My luggage didn’t make it on my connection and after it finally arrived, I had to make up a couple of stages throughout the remainder of the match. It was also the first time I had been away from my little one and it was more difficult than I thought it would be. After the long break from being pregnant, I had nerves like it was my first nationals and made many rookie mistakes.
Despite all of that, I had an amazing time and am very pleased with my finish. The match staff was so helpful in getting me caught up. My squad-mates and fellow lady competitors offered me words of encouragement throughout the entire match. I felt so welcome and am ever more convinced that shooters in general are some of the nicest people you will meet. I have a laundry list of things to work on and am looking forward to competing at the NRA Bianchi Cup in a couple of weeks!
Thank you again to all the range officers and match staff who made the event possible and to everyone for supporting me throughout the match. It’s wonderful to be back. Of course, a big thank you also to my sponsors and their top-rate products: Smith & Wesson – SW1911, Atlanta Arms & Ammo – 230gr. .45ACP, Rudy Project – Rydon II’s with Impact X, Warren Tactical Sights, Blade-Tech – Drop Offset Holster & Pouches, CR Speed – Competition Rig.
