ACJA chapter aims for Top Gun award

 

Trine's handgun team to compete

 

ANGOLA, Ind. – Trine University’s handgun competition team is gearing up for the regional American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA) Regional Conference, which will be Oct. 14-15 in Flint, Mich. Advisor Craig Laker and co-advisor John Milliken will take 13 students to compete against 10 other Midwest universities and colleges in marksmanship, crime scene investigation, physical agility and written exams.

The team’s 14 new members and 15 returning members went through a rigorous training schedule on gun safety, marksmanship and live fire exercises to prepare for the contest.  The new members performed beyond Laker’s expectations. 

“I believe we have the best shooters since Trine’s chapter – Tau Alpha Omicron (TAO) – was formed in 1994,” said advisor Craig Laker, after a successful training day at the Steuben County Sheriff’s Dept. and the Angola Conservation Club.

Last year’s regional performance was the best in the chapter’s history, taking home 22 awards including the coveted Sweepstakes and Spirit awards. 

“The elusive Top Gun award is in our sight(s),” Laker said.  “I have faith this year we will dominate the handgun competition at the team and individual level.”

Currently , Trine’s ACJA chapter has 47 paid and active members with majors in criminal justice, psychology, forensic science, golf management, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and general engineering.

Chapter members include Preston Howard, Dylan Forbes, Hailey Mabrey, David Nichols, Brandon Cosby, Rachel Easter, Elizabeth Wentz, Shandra Clawson, Ryan Goodhew, Seth Hunter, Mona Atar, Sam Deckard, Josh Buchs, Ruth Feliciano, Erika Rockwell, Elizabeth Huff, Tara Gschwend, Amiee Huston, Ryan Combs, Austin Carmony, Zachary Terrell, Matt Flynn, Scott Flory, Julia Nell, Rebecca Sutton, Kate Wegert, Heath Anderson, Travis Turpin, Nathan Allen, Andrew Wilhelm, Amy VanBonn, Kyle Piercy, Katie Finch, Nate Konzen, Bonnie Miller, Jason Maier, Colin Arona, Brandon Beattie, Dylan Snyder, Marc Edwards, Ryan Townsend, John Kidd, Arnold Diaz, Jeremiah Hardwick, Andrew O’ Connor and Leisha Beutler.                           

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.