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Smith & Wesson supports WMA riflery

Date: 5/29/2015

WILBRAHAM – The Wilbraham & Monson Academy riflery program has been awarded a $1,200 grant by local firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson.

The grant will be used to purchase Anschutz butt-plate hooks for two rifles. Simulating metal arms that protrude from the rear of the rifle stock, the hooks help a competitive shooter to aim more effectively, providing added support and a reference point to the back of the rifle. They help return the shooter to the same precise location each time he or she is in the firing position.

“The rifle hooks will give us a distinct legal upgrade to our competition equipment, and will give our students more confidence in their rifles. Hopefully with the addition of these hooks, the shooters will be able to focus more heavily on the human elements of shooting, things like mindset, breathing, form, trigger control and follow through,” head riflery coach John Lombard said.

Smith & Wesson President and CEO, James Debney, said, “We are honored to support the riflery program at Wilbraham & Monson Academy.  By developing their skills and participating in competitive shooting events, the students enrolled in this program learn important disciplines, while carrying forward the long-standing tradition of competitive shooting. We are proud to have them represent our community.”

“The Academy is grateful to have Smith & Wesson join us as one of many local corporations who support our mission of educating tomorrow's global citizens and leaders,” Head of School Brian Easler said. “WMA has been bringing students from our local community together with students from around the world for many years. Without community support, our work would not be possible.”

An Olympic sport, riflery has been a competitive program offered at Wilbraham & Monson Academy for more than 60 years. As such, it is one of the few remaining rifle programs offered in Massachusetts at the high school level.