Precision in Progress: Iowa Juniors Deliver Big at ACME-Sponsored Clinic

Precision in Progress: Iowa Juniors Deliver Big at ACME-Sponsored Clinic

Apr 4th 2025

ACME Machine, in partnership with the Veteran’s Family Brigade and Civilian Marksmanship Program, proudly hosted a free Junior Highpower Rifle Clinic in Van Meter, Iowa, on March 29–30, 2025, training 20 youth shooters in fundamental marksmanship. With support from decorated military instructors and sponsors like Hi-Lux Optics and Black Hills Ammunition, the clinic featured impressive performances—including a perfect match-winning score by Wyatt Grieser and standout debuts from juniors across Iowa and Missouri. The event also marked the unveiling of the Sydney Beiswanger Trophy, honoring top junior competitors at future clinics, and reinforced ACME Machine’s commitment to building the next generation of disciplined, confident shooters through access to elite training, quality equipment, and community support.

Empowering the Next Generation: ACME Machine’s Junior Highpower Clinic in Iowa

On March 29–30, 2025, ACME Machine proudly sponsored a two-day Junior Highpower Rifle Clinic at the Van Meter Rifle Range in Iowa, welcoming 20 bright and enthusiastic junior competitors. Co-hosted by the Veteran’s Family Brigade (VFB), the event delivered elite-level instruction to youth who are just beginning their journey in the world of marksmanship—and already making waves.

Dwayne Lewis of VFB with Sydney Beiswanger at the Iowa Junior High Power Rifle Clinic with support for the Civilian Marksmanship Program

A Community Effort in Marksmanship Excellence

With support from an incredible team of volunteer instructors—including John Wilson, Jonathan O’Neal, Julia Watson, Dwayne Lewis, Ken Foster, Dan Duitsman, and special assistant Nash Neubauer—the clinic focused on building fundamental rifle skills, safety, and sportsmanship. Each instructor, many of whom are distinguished national champions, gave their time to ensure every student walked away more confident and capable than when they arrived.

Dwayne Lewis of VFB training on Firearm Safety and fundamentals of equipment handling at the Iowa Junior High Power Rifle Clinic

Powered by ACME Machine, Hi-Lux, and Black Hills

This clinic wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contributions from our sponsors. ACME Machine proudly provided the rifles used throughout the training—custom-built AM-15 20” service rifles—and also donated two competition-grade upper receivers (valued at $899 each) to the top-scoring competitors. Our partners at Hi-Lux Optics generously donated 15 scopes for future clinics, and Black Hills Ammunition supplied the match-grade rounds used at the event. Together, we’re arming the future with more than just equipment—we’re providing opportunity.

Junior marksman training and practicing on the firing line at the Iowa JHPRC with ACME Machine & ACME Rifle quality and custom design

Standout Performances from Iowa’s Youth Marksmen

Among the many impressive participants, several juniors stood out with remarkable performances on the 200-yard line using 5.56 AM-15 service rifles with 4.5x scopes and targets featuring a 13-inch aiming black.

  • Wyatt Grieser of Adel rose to the top, claiming overall match winner with a perfect score of 400-17X, first in the prone rapid fire aggregate, and second in slow-fire prone. His disciplined approach and quick mastery of the fundamentals—guided by mentor Lopaka Radona—made his debut truly unforgettable.
  • Paxton Luvaas of Van Meter earned second place in the new shooter category with an impressive score of 391-6X, showcasing strong fundamentals and a focused mindset.
  • Cousins Zachariah Engleman and Logan Skinner of Harrisonville, Missouri, turned sibling rivalry into championship-caliber shooting. Zachariah earned second in rapid fire and placed second overall (398-17X), while Logan won first in slow fire prone and claimed third overall (395-15X). Both trained under national service rifle record-holder Jonathan O’Neal.
  • Sydney Beiswanger, ACME Machine Junior Ambassador, was fierce competition, earning third in slow fire prone, third in the new shooter category, and top female shooter. The new Sydney Beiswanger Trophy, unveiled at this event, will be awarded to top juniors at future clinics.
  • JJ Wilson of Ankeny, son of VFB’s John Wilson, was awarded the New Shooter Award with a solid 395-11X—an incredible start in his first tactical AR competition.

Wyatt Greiser training and practicing on the firing line at the Iowa JHPRC with ACME Machine & ACME Rifle quality and custom design wins competition

Paxton Luvaas training and practicing on the firing line at the Iowa JHPRC with ACME Machine & ACME Rifle quality and custom design wins competition Cousins Zachariah Engleman and Logan Skinner of Harrisonville training and practicing on the firing line at the Iowa JHPRC with ACME Machine & ACME Rifle quality and custom design wins competition Sydney Beiswanger training and practicing on the firing line at the Iowa JHPRC with ACME Machine & ACME Rifle quality and custom design wins competition JJ Wilson training and practicing on the firing line at the Iowa JHPRC with ACME Machine & ACME Rifle quality and custom design wins competition

Additional Outstanding Marks

Several juniors delivered standout stage performances:

  • Alex Lewin (Manchester): 199/200 slow fire
  • Sarah Balsmeier (Stuart): 97/100 rapid fire; 2nd overall female
  • Aiden Carter (Van Meter): 99/100 slow fire
  • Nathan Martinez (Van Meter): 98/100 slow fire
  • Tommy Turner (Winterset): 99/100 rapid fire with 4 Xs
  • Dawson Wiebelhaus (Winterset): 96/100 slow fire, 97/100 rapid fire
  • Jackson Heimdal (Van Meter): 96/100 slow, 94/100 rapid
  • Hunter Kusel (Maxwell): The youngest shooter present, scoring 90/100 in both stages

Additional attendees received Certificates of Completion for participating in the training portion: Andon, Ainsley, Avey, and Xander Watson, and Jacob Martinez, all from Van Meter.

Juniors with Julia Watson-Carlson training and practicing on the firing line at the Iowa JHPRC with ACME Machine & ACME Rifle quality and custom design wins competition

Building Future Champions, One Shot at a Time

This free event was made possible through the joint efforts of ACME Machine, the Veteran’s Family Brigade, and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Additional support came from Hi-Lux Optics, Black Hills Ammunition, Davenport Guns, Casey’s, and a host of private donors.

The Veteran’s Family Brigade—a non-profit comprised of former military champions—continues to elevate junior training across the country. ACME Machine is proud to stand at the forefront of this mission, ensuring every young shooter has access to elite mentorship, quality gear, and meaningful competition.


Juniors with Dwayne Lewis training and practicing on the firing line at the Iowa JHPRC with ACME Machine & ACME Rifle quality and custom design wins competition

Get Involved

For more information on youth shooting sports in Iowa, contact:

  • Wayne Marker, Iowa State CMP Director: mikeonefour@yahoo.com or visit www.thecmp.org
  • To inquire about joining a junior rifle team: John Wilson at jmdistro@gmail.com
  • Interested in sponsoring future clinics? Contact Julia Watson-Carlson at (801) 380-7027 or juliawatson.acme@gmail.com

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