Tyler Officer Wins State Championship
Posted/updated on: October 13, 2011 at 2:22 am
TYLER — Tyler Police Officer, Justin Utley, seen on the left in the photo, has won his third consecutive Texas State Rifle Association Championship in the service rifle category. He won it during the competition held at Camp Swift in Bastrop, TX.
Utley competed using an AR-15 with iron sights at several different distances, varying firing speeds, alternating standing or sitting and magazine changes. Out of a possible 800 top score, Utley received 782 points to take the win. The trophy he received is named in honor of his late mentor, well known shooter, match director and gunsmith, Richard P. Crawford, on the right in the photo.
Utley said, “this was a very special win for me because Rick had mentored me since I first started when I was 14. Rick taught me almost everything I know about the sport, and he coached me to where I am today.” On June 1, 2011, Crawford passed away from a sudden heart attack.
