102: Olympians Coaching Kids?! Inside the CMP’s Shooting School for Everyone | No Lowballers

On this episode of the No Lowballers podcast, host Logan Metesh dives deep into one of the most historically significant and community-focused organizations in the shooting sports world — the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Joined by CMP leaders Jerry O’Keefe, Christie Sewell, and Brad Donoho, plus a surprise appearance from Olympic legend Gary Anderson, this episode explores the roots, growth, and enduring mission of CMP.

From the historic grounds of Camp Perry to the cutting-edge shift to electronic targets, the crew covers everything from vintage Garands to youth outreach. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just curious about how to get started, there’s something here for everyone.

🔍 Episode Highlights:

• What the CMP really is and how it was born from federal legislation in 1996
• Why the U.S. Army sends M1 Garands to CMP — and how those sales fund the mission
• The National Matches at Camp Perry: history, scope, and why it’s called the “Super Bowl” of shooting sports
• Camp Perry’s unique range experience — including delays caused by boats, bald eagles, and even the Goodyear blimp
• Commercial Row and the shooting sports vendor scene during matches
• How the Small Arms Firing School brings beginners shoulder-to-shoulder with Olympians and world champs
• New shooter access: training, clubs, and junior programs that make CMP uniquely welcoming
• The growing popularity of vintage military rifle competitions — Garands, Springfields, Carbines and more
• Growth of the air gun and smallbore rifle programs, including major junior participation
• The end of an era: saying goodbye to the Camp Perry “pits” and moving fully to electronic targets
• How CMP is driving participation nationwide through traveling games, club outreach, and range partnerships
• The origins of the National Matches at Sea Girt, NJ and how Camp Perry became their permanent home
• Gary Anderson’s legacy, from Olympic gold medals to shaping the CMP’s modern identity

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