Mike McAlpine’s Profile and Experience
When it comes to clay target shooting, Mike McAlpine is one of the most experienced people in the sport. A tournament shooter for over thirty-two years, Mike has shot it all, from trap and skeet to five-stand, sporting clays, FITASC and bunker, he has played the game. With such a versatile background, it is no wonder that he lives and breathes shooting and makes his living in the shooting industry. He is a Master class shooter, and has maintained that class since was first introduced by the NSCA.
Teacher and Coach
Mike has been teaching professionally for fifteen years. He attended the the first level I instructors school held in 1990. When the NSCA held the 1st Level II Instructors School in 1992, again Mike was there. He chose to wait and attend the third Level
Shooter
In 1997, Mike was offered the job of NSCA Chief Instructor which he proudly accepted. His determination and dedication helped the program achieve new heights and almost quadrupled participation. In his roll as Chief instructor Mike created such programs as the
Course Designer
With over almost nine hundred course designs in his career, Mike McAlpine is one of the most experienced designers in the business. He has designed courses for four World Sporting Clays Championships and eleven National Championships, including the prestigious Krieghoff Cup each of those years. He was also the Chief designer of the 2004 US Open and has set the
Management
For many years, Mike was a consultant for the San Angelo Claybird Association, his home club. Under Mike’s guidance SACA has become one of the NSCA’s top clubs when it comes to registered targets thrown. In 2000, SACA finished fifth in the nation for registered targets thrown. In 2002, they finished fourth out of over 600 clubs. The
Equipment Designer
Mike is also a designer of clays equipment. The Attitude Adjuster, a multi angle trap base, is one of his creations. This base can give the range owner or target setter up to thirty degrees of tilt in any direction just by turning a crank. He was the first person to design a counter weighted tower for commercial use. Several companies since have tried to copy his design but you can’t beat the original.
Communicator / Philosophy
It has been said by many people that Mike is one of the best communicators in the business. Because Mike was a salesman for years, he understands what, how, and when to say things. There are times when information is better received. Mike refers to these times as "teaching moments". He believes that all shooters have a natural way or method when shooting a moving target. Mike will build off of this natural method, using it as the foundation of your shooting style. He will incorporate all other methods in your style to make you a complete shooter.
