The Post-Journal

Whalen Inducted Into State Trapshooting Hall Of Fame

CICERO - Brian Whalen marked another career achievement by being inducted to the New York State Amateur Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame at the home grounds in Cicero.Nomination and acceptance into the ATA Hall of Fame is in recognition of a person's lifetime achievement, expertise of marksmanship, promotion, and contribution to the sport of trapshooting.

Whalen began shooting at the age of seven with his father, Pat Whalen, at the Celoron Rod & Gun Club. Being no stranger to high level achievement in both trap and skeet, in 1978, Whalen took the New York State and Eastern Zone Skeet Champion and in 1991 the New York State Trap Championship.

Brian Whalen
Brian Whalen

Whalen is currently the only person living to have won both skeet and trap championship titles in New York State.

In 2005 he competed in the Eastern Zone that resulted in a shootoff scoring 574 out of 575 targets. This established a record for the longest consecutive shootoff in Eastern Zone history.

A member of the ATA since 1979 and a life member since 1984, Whalen now serves as the ATA New York State Delegate on the Board of Directors which is a volunteer position.

Whalen is recognized as an AAA-27-AAA shooter which is the highest title a trap/skeet shooter can achieve. On Feb. 8 he was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame. Induction is in recognition not only for his shooting skills, but also for his community and volunteer efforts in promotion of trapshooting.

Whalen has served for five years as president for the Celoron Rod & Gun Club and is currently vice president. He is a coach and instructor with the Southern Tier Youth Scholastic Trap League.

Whalen and his wife, Bonnie, own and operate Chautauqua Shooters Supply in Jamestown.


The additional financial assistance of the community is critical to the success of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and organizations for their generous support.