The Hough Theater stage saw many people crowned as Smallbore 3-Position champion Saturday night. Specialist Joseph Hein of the United States Army won the title of National Overall Champion. Leonard Remaly was named Senior Champ.
And while the stage honored all accomplishments equally, it was Any Sight National Champion Greg Drown that drew the only standing ovation from the crowd. One reason was because of his score.
The other is because he shoots from the seat of a wheelchair.
“I developed multiple sclerosis gradually between 1995 and 2000,” explained Greg. “It was a shock.”
A lifelong competitive shooter, his first serious exposure to competition came at The Ohio State University as a four year letterman (2 as captain) on the school rifle team. "It was a great educational experience. Believe we won 3 Big Ten Rifle Championships during my time there and I can't thank them enough for what they taught me in the classroom and on the range."
Greg earned a number of titles over time – but nothing on the scale of an NRA National Championship. “I”ve won state titles, regional titles, even qualified for the 1984 Olympic Trials, but this was a surprise. I think it was Friday, when the weather turned, that’s when I knew I had a chance.”
Weather plays an important part in every tournament Greg shoots. Because of MS, his ability to shoot is often hampered by fatigue. “It plays havoc on the body,” said Greg. “Hot muggy days, like we had here in 2008, those are really tough. But this year it was raining and cool. The weather was perfect.”
As everything fell into place and the shots found their mark, Greg began to think about scratching another goal off his list. “I have a book,” he said. “List of goals and things I want to accomplish. Coming on stage tonight for this ceremony was one of them.”
When word of the MS came down, family and friends rallied as family and friends do during a crisis. Words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and a helping hand were offered at every turn. But there was one man who convinced Greg to get back on the range.
“Detective Brooks Harris of the Nashville Police Department. That’s the guy.”
After a chance encounter in 2001, Detective Harris made a compelling argument. “You have to do this,” Greg recounts. “If you do this, there might be someone else out there who’ll be inspired [to] try and do more. That’s why you’ll do this.”
Now Greg travels to every tournament he can. With his son in tow to place targets and carry water, every event turns into a family affair. And with a family like his, you couldn’t ask for a better way to spend an afternoon.