New representative wins 'top gun' award in shooting contest
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Freshman legislator Mathew Wollmann is the South Dakota Legislature's "top gun."
The Madison representative scored two perfect rounds Thursday at an annual legislative shooting contest, hosted by the attorney general's office and the Division of Criminal Investigation.
With the highest possible score, firing 10 shots into the center of the target, Wollmann narrowly beat fellow Republican Rep. Herman Otten.
"I think this fits South Dakota ... pretty well," Wollmann said of the contest, which was part of a fundraiser for the Court Appointed Special Advocate program.
Wollmann's victory cements the House's dominance in the contest for the fourth year in a row. House Speaker Dean Wink took the title last year.
"I hope he doesn't hold it against me on the House floor for speaking privileges," Wollmann said with a laugh.
Sen. Billie Sutton, D-Burke, urged more of his Senate colleagues Thursday afternoon to join the contest and end the House's winning streak.
"That's four years in a row," he said on the chamber's floor Friday. "Next year maybe we have to do a little practice shooting beforehand."
The event was held at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center, which houses the attorney general's office and the Division of Criminal Investigation. New officers in the state undergo law enforcement training at the facility, which also offers advanced instruction.
Wollmann walked through door of the shooting range holding his target Thursday and was greeted by his colleagues' applause.
"Our new champion," Wink said.