Willie O'Connell earn the distinction as the top collegiate shooter at NRA National High Power Rifle Championship at Camp Perry, OH. Willie, a native of Grand Forks, ND and a student at UND-Grand Forks, shot a score of 2320-66X to clinch the title for the 1999 Matches. The championship competition covers 4 days and a 240 shots for record at ranges of 200, 300, and 600 yards. Willie was tied, with a score of 2320, with another shooter, the tie breaker of X count gave the title to Willie. Willie was also a member of the NDSSA rifle team, which won the High Master State Assn. category in the team competition.
Willie is a Distinguished and hold a High Master Classification. Willie first competed at Camp Perry in 1990. Willie was the youngest ND shooter to earn his Distinguished Riflemen's Badge. Willie's a member of the Forks Rifle Club, where he is a NRA Certified rifle instructor. He now coaches junior shooters in the junior program. From Tom Reiten in Grand Forks