Burt Pearson, a custodial specialist in Kedzie Hall, has a hobby that sets him apart from the modern man.
He is a member of the Single Action Shooting Society, which is an organization created to preserve and promote cowboy action shooting.
“It’s really fun,” he said.
According to the group’s Web site, the members of SASS wear costumes and adopt an alias that represents a character or profession of the late 19th century.
“There’s people that spend thousands of dollars on costuming,” Pearson said.
He has been a member of SASS for about four years, and has gone to Missouri and Oklahoma to participate in meets.
The Capitol City Cowboys, part of the SASS organization, is having a Grand Army of the Frontier Mini-Muster on Sunday, July 23, and Pearson is excited to attend, he said.
The Frontier Mini-Musters bring people from all over the United States and Canada.
Pearson said at one meet, people from Canada brought their servants to carry their guns.
“I meet a lot of well-to-do people,” Pearson said.
These shooting matches are open to anyone who wants to attend, and the Mini-Muster will take place at the Capitol City Cowboys gun range in Topeka, off of NW Fourth Street.
“Everybody’s not only invited, but they’re welcome to come out,” Pearson said.