SIDNEY – The drive for rifle shooting success by brothers, Aaron and Blaine Simpson, 12-year-old twins, have reached an all-new level by achieving the titles as national champions.
The Anna Middle School sixth-graders captured the National Scholastic Action Shooting Sports Championships held recently in Columbus, Ohio.
Blaine Simpson earned the Rookie Division-Optic Sights No. 2 with Aaron Simpson capturing Rookie Division-Iron Sights- No. 2 of the National Scholastic Action Shooting Championships. The competition is sponsored by the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, based in San Antonio, Texas.
Over the summer, the brothers scored well in the “rookie” division, according to their mother Lori Simpson. Blaine was first in the Iron Sights competitions in both Ohio and Michigan state championships. Aaron was fourth in the Ohio and second in Michigan.
Lori Simpson said the championships didn’t signal the end of a busy season for her sons. The boys continue honing their shooting skills throughout the year in several venues.
During the summer, the boys participated in the Scholastic Action Shooting Matches throughout the Midwest. Their shooting team name is “Two2Shoot.” Those events are outdoor shooting matches that consist of speed shooting on steel targets. They use a rifle with either Iron, or Optic sights, both of which both boys utilized.
Their mother said this winter they will focus more on accuracy and less on speed. In October, they will begin a 3-position shooting competition that includes standing, prone and kneeling positions. Most matches will be held most matches at the Ohio State University, as part of the Buckeye Junior Rifle League.
Lori Simpson said, her boys need “Patience, patience, patience, and even more patience.”
Grandpa Don Simpson is the most important person in their lives, according to Lori. Her father has built the boys an outdoor and indoor practice range, and they practice with him during the competitive months three or four times a week.
“Both my father and I are certified coaches, and travel with the boys to all their shooting competitions in the summer,” said Lori about the family aspect.
The boys are members of Ducks Unlimited, and attend the Ducks Unlimited banquet every year. They are also active in two different Friends of the National Rifle Association banquets. Blaine and Aaron attend NRA Conventions every year, promoting youth shooting sports.
They are active in the local 4-H program with show dogs and market rabbits. They compete on a local winter swim team, and are active members of the Anna Boy Scout Troop 301.
The boys continue to set their sights on eventually getting a shot of the U.S. Olympic team.
