Aiming High: Zechariah Steiger’s Growth Through Action Shooting
Written by Stephanie Gordon
Zechariah Steiger’s path to Hillsdale wasn’t traditional. The 2024 graduate knew that college wasn’t for him in 2016. He served in the United States Army for four years, and came to Hillsdale College in 2020 because he was ready to obtain his bachelor’s degree at an institution that remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic. An accomplished action shooting athlete, Zechariah is grateful for the Freedom Scholarship and the opportunity to experience shooting sports at the collegiate level.
The Arkansas native said he grew up shooting pop cans with BB guns and paper targets with other firearms. “I didn’t shoot handguns until I joined the Army back in 2016,” Zechariah said. “I understood firearms and how they work, but I was just starting out when I joined the action shooting club.”
Zechariah explained that the action shooting team began as a club made up of veterans. “I joined it during my first semester, and we were just shooting for the fun of it,” he said. “But then in 2021, we had a generous donor provide the funding to move the club to varsity status.”
The relatively new sport for the College is also new for collegiate sports in general. The Chargers action shooting team stands out among the rest. In March of 2024, the team brought home a third national title from the Scholastic Action Shooting Program College Nationals in Talladega, Alabama.
According to the Chargers Athletic Department, Zechariah won the individual national title in the Centerfire Optic division with a time of 41.56 to help the Chargers take the win. He also finished second in the 1911 Division with a time of 44.4 and took third in the Centerfire Division with a time of 45.76.
While being an outstanding competitor for the Chargers, Zechariah said being on the team was a fantastic experience. “I’ve made some really great friends. Some of my best action shooting memories were in Talladega with my teammates.”
Zechariah also praised Chargers Action Shooting Coach Adam Burlew. “He really knows his stuff and knows how to communicate what he’s trying to teach,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what someone’s learning style is, he has the experience to help overcome any difficulties. He’s just a really great guy.”
For Zechariah, his action shooting skills can be applied to everyday life. He learned to be process-oriented when working toward achieving a goal. “I’ve learned this through shooting sports,” he said. “If you’re not process-focused while shooting, then you’re not going to get the results you want.”
Zechariah said he was always excited to compete and will definitely continue to shoot to improve his skills. “The culture of the action shooting sports world is friendly and full of great sportsmanship,” he explained. “I was always excited to compete, and I will definitely continue to shoot. I would love to shoot with other alumni someday. Seeing more people experience action shooting would be great.”
Since graduating in May, Zechariah has planted his roots in the Hillsdale area. He hopes to work in the security field. “When I get south of the Mason-Dixon line, I feel at home, but Hillsdale has a great community both in the College and the city. There’s a strong draw to stay here.”
And for anyone else contemplating joining the action shooting team, Zechariah said you have to attend Hillsdale for the education first. “The academics are rigorous and a priority. You’re held to a standard, and it’s achievable if you put in the work. I am forever grateful for this varsity sport funded by the College.”
Stephanie Gordon, a lifelong Hillsdale native, is the managing editor of Virtue and Valor: The Official Blog of Hillsdale College. She is married to chiropractor, Dr. Matt Gordon, and has three children – Eloise, Flora, and Jack. When she has a spare moment, she enjoys paleo baking, floating on Baw Beese Lake, and breaking a sweat at the gym.
Published in May 2024