Volume: 17, Issue: 1 (1st Quarter 2013) - IDPA.com

2012 European Cup
Standing at the top of the world gives
you a whole new perspective. I found that
out while standing on top of a mountain in
Livigno, Italy. That’s in the Alps, if you’ve
never heard of it. I hadn’t until I made a trip
to Italy for the 2012 European Cup. While
standing on that mountain top, taking in the
beauty and grandeur of my surroundings, I
had to ponder the circumstances that led to
my current situation.
The whirlwind trip from Brescia the night
before seemed a little unworldly. I was given
5 minutes to pack for an overnight trip.
Since my computer bag was the smallest
bag I had with me, everything in it got
dumped all over my hotel room so I could
cram a few essentials back into it. When
we left Brescia, we were wearing short
sleeve shirts and some of us were wearing
shorts. We drove through, what seemed to
this flat lander, a blizzard and passed road
signs warning of avalanches. Now, I was
confronted with clear blue skies and snow
as far as I could see. It felt like I could see
forever from that vantage point. For the
first time in my life, I was seeing skiers in
person, not on television. Unbelievable,
awe-inspiring and humbling are a few of the
adjectives that come to mind when thinking
of the scenery.
Shortly after the 2011 Inaugural IDPA
World Championship, I received a call
from Assistant MD Toni “Honey Bunny”
Dandreamatteo. It was decided that he was
to extend an invitation to me to attend the
by Dru Nichols CL139
VOGEL
COMPETITION TRIGGER SYSTEM
2012 European Cup as the head of the stats
shack. I made sure I could take the time off
and then started making plans to attend.
This isn’t like most match reports. I didn’t
shoot the match. I found several years ago
that I’m not quite talented enough to be able
to shoot and work the match like most of our
dedicated safety officers and staff. Since I like
to do the best possible job I can, this means I
don’t shoot matches; I work them. This story
is about the people I met and the experiences
I had. I never imagined going to another
country. I don’t know why. The people I met
were truly gracious and welcoming. They
made this trip one of the best experiences
of my life. After visiting Italy, I want to go
back. If that doesn’t say something about the
people, I don’t know what does.
shoot like a champion
www.glocktriggers.comPHOTO BY
Yamil Sued
16 IDPA Tactical Journal First Quarter 2013