Erik Wheat, looking sharp. (Photos property Bayside Armory)
They were sure shots for a good cause.
Bayside Armory, owned and operated by Coupeville grad Erik Wheat, teamed up with the Central Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association for a recent charity shoot and demo day which benefited the Gifts from the Heart Food Bank.
The event brought in an estimated $623 and 50 pounds of nonperishable food.
More than 100 people showed up to take part, with shooting competitions, firearm demos, vendors, raffles, and prizes filling the day.
The Sportsman’s Association, founded in 1947, provides range access, firearm education, NRA programs, and regular shooting competitions.
Erik Wheat, who played football and baseball during his CHS days, joined the Army as an Armored Tank Crewman after graduation and spent 12 years in the service.
Now a father of three, including current Wolf soccer ace Aiden, he is married to his high school sweetheart, Coupeville Sports Hall o’ Famer (and crack photographer) Julie (Swankie) Wheat.
After being a firearms instructor in the military, Erik Wheat launched Bayside Armory to “teach you and the one you love to be safe and well educated when it comes to firearms.”
He offers private and group instruction and teaches educational courses throughout the state.
For anyone interested in shooting lessons or attending a class, Erik Wheat can be reached at baysidefirearmsed@gmail.com.
