The Pioneer Sportsmen Club in Epping, New Hampshire, set the stage for one of the Northeast’s most anticipated practical shooting events as 524 competitors arrived for the U.S. Practical Shooting Association’s Area 7 Championship. Over the course of 13 stages, shooters were challenged with a demanding blend of speed, precision and stage strategy—conditions that rewarded discipline and punished even minor lapses in execution. By the end of the match, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit had delivered a performance that stood out across the entire field, earning three division titles and reaffirming the unit’s reputation for excellence.
Eddins Sets the Standard in Open Division
From the outset, Sgt. Aaron Eddins demonstrated the poise and consistency that have become hallmarks of his competitive style. His performance across the match was defined by disciplined shot calling and an ability to convert stage plans into high‑hit‑factor results. Eddins won 9 of the 13 stages, establishing a lead that steadily widened as the match progressed.
He finished with 1516.0015 points, placing him 96.9813 points ahead of the second‑place competitor—a decisive margin in a division where tight scoring spreads are the norm. His victory secured both 1st Place in Open Division (out of 76) and High Overall Champion among all 524 competitors, marking one of the strongest performances of the championship.
Hetherington Excels in a Deep Carry Optics Field
The Carry Optics Division continues to grow as one of USPSA’s most competitive divisions, and this year’s Area 7 Championship reflected that trend with 182 shooters vying for the title. Staff Sgt. Jacob Hetherington rose above the field through steady, high‑level consistency. He placed 2nd on four stages and 3rd on another, maintaining pressure on the leaderboard from start to finish.
Hetherington secured the Carry Optics Champion title with 1552.1828 points in 197.05 seconds, finishing an impressive 122.7715 points ahead of the runner‑up. His performance extended beyond division success: he placed 3rd Overall among all 524 competitors, underscoring his ability to compete at the highest levels across divisions.
Hull Claims Limited Division with Authority
In Limited Division, PV2 Austin Hull delivered one of the most commanding performances of the match. Hull posted 1583.4819 points in 222.88 seconds, earning a decisive victory. His 262.1005‑point margin of victory reflected both speed and accuracy across the 13‑stage course.
For a junior Soldier, Hull’s win marked a significant milestone—demonstrating not only technical proficiency but also the composure required to succeed in a major championship environment.
A Statement of Excellence
The USPSA Area Championships are known for their demanding stage design and deep competitive fields. To leave Epping with three division titles, including the overall match win, speaks to the skill, preparation and professionalism of the USAMU Action Shooting Team Soldiers representing the U.S. Army. Their performances highlight the unit’s mission: advancing marksmanship excellence, supporting Army readiness and demonstrating the capability and discipline of America’s Soldiers on the national stage.
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