CEDAR CITY, Utah (July 19, 2025) - Garnering one of the largest turnouts for a shooting event in Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games history, the practical shooting match on July 19 at Iron County Shooting Range blew first-year expectations out of the water.

The event marks the final competition on the USG schedule — excluding a United States Tennis Association tournament in late August — and closes out the 2025 program year on a positive note.

Unlike a typical target shooting event, which prioritizes accuracy, practical shooting incorporates speed into the mix. The objective is to hit targets both quickly and accurately while maneuvering around or through the course.

The event offered six practical shooting stages across which athletes could test these two skills in varying formats. Sport Coordinator Patrick Brower designed each course, in addition to his other duties in operating the event.

Brower stated, "The best part of [designing layouts] is that, while there are regulations on what you can set up, it leaves a lot of room for creativity in what you can do when setting up stages."

While Brower was thrilled to create a fun and challenging event for a community excited to be involved, the practical shooting match didn't turn out to be a walk in the park. While attempting to set up the stages the night before the event, a rainstorm flooded the six bays that make up the venue space.

"We did what we had to do to get the match," Brower explained. "This community is fantastic, and there were people who were able to help us out and get a pump. They stayed until two in the morning to help, and it was awesome to have their support."

Thanks to the late-night efforts of the team and those who volunteered to help out, the match's first year turned out to be a successful one.