The Open Nationals was held on 21-23 July, in historic Barry, IL. This year the Nationals were held back to back allowing shooters to shoot two divisions. This format may have been the reason for the biggest USPSA Nationals to date, drawing a total of 711 competitors! This match is the most anticipated match of the year and it always brings the best from around the world!

As I said before, the Nationals were held back to back, so my entire team left early to compete in the Limited/Production portion while I stayed home. I did however leave on Tuesday the 19th so I can have a day to rest and check out the stages. I showed up on the range in just enough time to watch the Super Squad shoot the last stage. It was very close but Robbie pulled out his 16th title! Man, I have a lot of catching up to do. Any way, I decided to stay at the Ice House Inn again. I know it's not your five star hotel but I love being so close to the range, and I really took advantage of it this time.

On the 20th I just kind of slept late and relaxed as the range was not open until 2:00pm. After taking some time to get things in order, I went out to the range to check my zero. My guns were perfect and I shot a very nice group! I felt really good. Once, I felt good with my zero I jumped in the golf cart and checked out the stages. The stages were not that complex or difficult but there were a couple of shots that could bite you if you didn't respect them.

Well, here it is summer time in Barry, IL. This year went by fast and I was very excited to get things underway. The Super Squad started on stage 15 and believe me, there were lots of us on the squad, 19 to be exact! When I first realized this I though it would be a pain, but everyone really helped out and we had a great time! The competition this year was probably at its all time best with names like, Todd Jarrett, Chris Tilley, JJ Racaza, Saul Kirsch, JoJo Vidanes, Jamie Craig, Adam Popplewell, Henning Wallgren, Jorge Ballesteros and more. I talked to Todd before the match started and told him I was happy to see him shooting Open, as he is the best in the country and who ever wins can honestly say that they are the real US Open Champion. I also talked to Saul in the morning and let him know that my wife Jen, would be tracking our scores and he asked me If I was going to track Jorge. I kind of shrugged my shoulders, as I have never heard of him (he is a top shooter from Spain) and he said, you really should watch him. I thought, well, I'll keep my eye on him and see how it goes.

Soon after everyone arrived we got underway. I knew with such great competition this was going to be a very close match through out its entirety. After the first stage I thought to my self, Saul was right! This kid, Jorge from Spain, is good! Needless to say, we decided to track his scores. We shot 4 stages in the morning and had a 3 hour break! I was good to go as the hotel was only 1 mile or so from the range. I went back and relaxed in the air conditioning and believe me, it was HOT! This was probably the worst weather conditions I have ever shot in. It was over 100 degrees each day, not to mention the humidity. Any way, we went back after lunch to shoot our last 2 stages and I felt very refreshed from my break. At the end of the day we had a very tight match. I was leading, Jorge was 5 points back, and Todd, Chris, JJ, Saul, and Adam were all within 25 points or so.

Day 2 would be a much bigger day for the squad as we shot 9 stages. We shot 4 stages again in the morning and had a short lunch. I was really glad to break for lunch as I wasn't having my best stages and wanted to regroup. I went out and found some shade away from everyone and relaxed. Before I knew it, it was time to get back to business. After lunch we shot 5 more stages and the results we starting to spread out a bit more. At the end of day 2; I was leading, Chris was 20 points back, JJ was 35 points back and Jorge was about 40 points back. When I went home that night I felt pretty good. 20 points with only 3 stages left is all I can ask for. I would have liked to have a bigger lead, but like I said, these competitors are the best in the world and I knew it was going to be a battle the whole way!

Day 3, the final day has arrived. I knew I was in good shape with a 20 point lead with only 3 stages to go but I wanted to make sure I didn't give up any points. The first stage was a medium course and Chris was before me in the rotation. Chris shot it very well, not taking any extra shots but he shot a couple of D's. I knew if I shot my game I could pick up a few more points. I shot a very good run with only 3 points down and a slightly faster time, which gave me about a 30 point lead. The second stage was a very small speed shoot only worth 40 points. Chris was before me again and he had a little trouble with the steel. JJ shot after him and had a perfect run. I had a pretty good run as well and won the stage. At the breaking point before our last stage I had a 40 point lead with JJ and Chris nearly tied. Our last stage was a very big course and the most complex for sure. There were a couple of swingers, bear traps, and some very tight shots. As we were walking through the stage I could hear the guys saying, "Oh, Max is just playing it safe on this one". Little did they know I always shoot as fast as I possibly can by keeping them in the center of the target! Chris and JJ both had very respectful runs on this course and now it was my turn. For some reason I felt very relaxed and in control on this stage. I actually felt the best on this stage, almost like I knew I was going to win. It was a great feeling and the shooting definitely showed it! I ran the course about a second faster than JJ and Chris with pretty good points as well to win the stage. As soon as I was done shooting and I heard the RO call out the time I knew I had won! I pumped my fist and was very excited! Everyone congratulated me and it really meant a lot to see everyone so happy for me.

At the end of the match, here were the top 10.
Results US Open:
1. Max Michel 100%
2. JJ Racaza 96.85
3. Chris Tilley 96.54
4. Todd Jarrett 92.96
5. Adam Popplewell 92.23
6. JoJo Vidanes 92.14
7. Saul Kirsch 91.79
8. Henning Wallgren 90.40
9. Shannon Smith 90.07
10. Jorge Ballesteros 89.70

Jorge shot a great match and probably would have placed around 95% but on the last stage he had some problems with his scope. It was very unfortunate to see that happen to anyone. I think Todd had some scope problems as well. I know how that is and hope that these two great shooters get the gear running before the WS!

The staff did an amazing job. I was only in town for about 5 days and couldn't stand the heat. These guys had been there for an entire week before I even showed up! They definitely deserve a big thanks next time you see them. Let's not forget that they set up a separate National in one day! Wow, what a great staff! Also, the Open was probably one of the best officiated I have ever seen. No one on the Super Squad got away with anything. Everyone walked away with what they deserved. Great job guys!

Until next time,
Max Michel, Jr.
2-Time US CHAMP '04&'05!