Staff Reports
Eli Edwards, 18, of Columbus, who is a second-year cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, recently won the Lt. Paul J. Roberts Memorial Trophy while competing in the 2019 National Trophy Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.
The 2018 graduate of Columbus Signature Academy — New Tech High School was the only cadet competing against 11 other Air Force active, reserve or National Guard competitors. Edwards won with a score of 481 out of a possible 500, including seven bull’s-eyes.
The competition involved 10 shots each of offhand slow-fire and sitting rapid-fire at targets 200 yards away; 10 shots prone rapid-fire at 300 yards; and 20 shots prone slow-fire at 600 yards with a service rifle.
Edwards is a recognized expert marksman with high-power rifle and air rifle. He is a graduate of the Hoosier Hills Youth Marksmanship program in Columbus that is sponsored by Hoosier Hills Rifle and Pistol Club.
Edwards has been a competitive rifle athlete since age 11, and has competed in state and national competitions, in which he has received high awards. In 2018, Edwards qualified for and attended the National Junior Olympic Air Rife Championship competition at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He is the son of Nancy and the late Ward Edwards.
