Olita Alford
Seems that Texas always had a history of developing top Lady shooters in Skeet. Back in my early career, I had the luck to attend the Pan American Skeet shoot, first at the old Dallas GC, then later, at the current one. Always one of my favorite events, I had the pleasure to meet Olita at one of the first shoots I attended there. She at this time, was one of a group of Lady shooters that traveled the skeet circuit and shot well. Her performances as you will see shortly were legendary.
From Dallas, Olita began shooting skeet at age 41, just so she could join her late husband, Fred and son, Fred Jr. on hunting trips. As of September of 1948, Olita not only gave the men in her family some competition in the field but she also became an All American; World Champion and World Record holder.
Beginning her career at age 41, she used the great Remington Pro, D.Lee Braun as her mentor. She would frustrate Braun from time to time with her clumsiness but the biggest issue was that she shot righthanded with the left eye being dominant. Nevertheless, these issues were overcome and she was selected in her second season of competition and would continue to be chosen to the Ladies All American team for 19 consecutive years!!!!
She won the 12 gauge Lady Championship in 1953 with 248×250 and the Ladies 410 in 1956, with a 96×100 – a new Ladies record. Other World titles would include the Husband and Wife Championship in 1953 with a record of 497×500 and Five Lady World Team Championships in 1966 and 1967.
In addition to her 410 record of 96, she also set a Lady World Record of 150×150 in 1955 and with her husband, set a Husband and Wife Team record of 299×300, also in 1955.
Olita Alford was truly one of the top lady shooters of that era and can be considered a Clay Target Legend on her accomplishments.
Provided by Phil Murray
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