September 12, 2021
CMP Report submitted to George Kuhne, Everett Junior Rifle Club. Norris Diefenderfer is retiring after nearly 50 years of coaching junior athletes. Diefenderfer, now 85, began his coaching career as a coach in May 1973, when the leader of the Washington County 4-H rifle club, Maryland, became ill. He was unable find a replacement. Norris took over the role. Norris is now retiring after 48 years of coaching hundreds talented young shooters.
Norris instructing his shooters about the standing position. Norris was determined to teach a standing shooting position that doesn’t put unnecessary stress on the spine.
Norris (left, seated), with his team members at 2021 National Matches in Camp Perry. Norris brought his first team of juniors to Camp Perry’s 1982 National Matches. This started a tradition that has been continued ever since.
77 of Diefenderfer’s Shooters have been awarded Division 1 College Scholarships
After 48 years of coaching, Norris decided this summer to retire at the 2021 National Matches in Camp Perry. His dedication left a legacy for hundreds of young athletes, including 77 who went on to receive Division 1-college shooting scholarships. These scholarships amount to millions of dollars and have made college possible for many people who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Many of his athletes went on to earn All-American honors at collegiate level.
The 4-H rifle club met only during the summer months. Their season culminated at the annual 4-H rifle match. Norris began to be interested in getting his juniors involved with additional matches as time went by. Norris was able to use the nearby Chambersburg Rod and Gun Club range, Pennsylvania, and held weekly practice sessions. He alternated between smallbore and the air rifle. The young athletes would shoot a college format match once a month. It consisted of a course fire of 60-shot 3P (three-position) smallbore and a 60-shot standing air rifle.
Norris moved his practice to the North American Rod & Gun Club, Hagerstown, Maryland for outdoor shooting at 50 yards. He maintained a personal philosophy that shooting outdoors would result in better indoor results. Norris also supervised week-long smallbore summer camps for the Hagerstown Club.
This photo is from a report about 2013 Antietam smallbore camp led by Norris Diefenderfer, and rifle Coach Kelley, U.S. Naval Academy. Click HERE to see a complete report and more photos
Norris changed the name of the club to Antietam Junior Rifle Club after he retired from employment in 1996. His junior athletes began to travel to matches outside their club, such as the state Junior Olympic Rifle Competition(JORC), sectionals of the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Palmyra Invitational, and other open collegiate matches.
Diefenderfer’s teaching methods are well-known and have been used by many coaches in other training programs. He emphasizes shooting positions that are safe and sound for juniors and avoids the often-caused back and spine problems that can result from poor training. His warmth and encouraging attitude with his athletes will be missed.
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Tags: Antietam Camp, Camp Perry Maryland Youth Program, Noriis Diefenderfer Youth Smallbore
