The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) is proud to announce Stephen Summers as SCTP State Advisor in Kentucky. When asked about his new role, Summers had this to say: “I’ve coached trap long enough now that a couple of my former FFA student shooters have become FFA advisors that are now bringing students of their own to my practices and competitions. I view clay target sports as just that, a sport. My emphasis is always on playing the sport as a sportsman, not just the final score. And, of equal importance, having FUN!”
We thank Stephen for his volunteerism and look forward to his contributions in helping grow participation in the Bluegrass State!
Members of the SCTP National Team gathered in Tucson, AZ last month just prior to the USA Shooting Spring Selection Match for some fine-tuning before the competition. Head Coach Terri DeWitt and Assistant Coach Joe Buffa worked with team members making minor adjustments where needed but mostly providing some major encouragement. “The days just prior to a competition is not the time to be making big changes,” stated Coach Terri, “Joe and I were there to put some polish on their performance. And that’s all they needed – these athletes were ready to perform.”
And perform they did. Congratulations go to AJ Nomina, Madelynn Bernau, and Heather Broski for finishing top six in their respective Junior categories and earning the chance to compete in those finals. When all was said and done, Maddy not only captured the Junior Women’s silver medal but secured her place on the 2018 World Championship Team going to Changwon, Korea later this summer.
“I would also like to thank Coach Tom Slaughter for bringing some of the Arizona Outdoor Sports, Inc. athletes to train with us. We really enjoyed having them and we look forward to seeing those young athletes on a future SCTP National Team,” said Coach Terri.
2018 national team members receive ongoing coaching in the international shooting disciplines, a USA Shooting jacket, paid fall selection match fees and ammo, along with an SCTP National Team vest, five cases of NobelSport Quattro Finest International ammunition and more!
By Morgan Scott, Allen Eagles Competitive Shooting Team (Allen, TX)
Philosophically, all men may be created equal. And in reality, it certainly starts out that way. After all, we’re all born helpless and need food and shelter. Our parents provided that for most of us and if you’re reading this, your parents probably go way beyond the basics for you such as providing guns, ammo, shooting lessons, travel, and education. But not everyone has parents and not all parents are able to go above and beyond the way that mine and yours do.
We’ve all heard the pitch about starving kids in Africa before. And, yes. We’re all thankful. But, it didn’t really hit home for me until my SCTP Coach Jason Anderson took some of us to South Africa last fall to see wild game and visit an orphanage. The game ranch we stayed at, HuntSA.com, was fascinating. They rolled out the red carpet for us.
Seeing Africa and the fauna and flora first hand is nothing at all like watching it on TV. Our guide, Etienne, bent over backwards to show us around and taught us many things. We enjoyed a “braai vleis” or South African barbecue. Tried biltong (pronounced bull tongue) which is their version of jerky. We played with the pet warthog named “Bacon,” chased springhaas at night. And, we even saw lions up close in the wild from an open vehicle. (Fortunately, they were more interested in stalking an impala.) It was all part of our African experience and we participated in everything. Well… almost everything. Coach Anderson kind of chickened out of the dung spitting contest. But hey, I figured… when in Rome!
I even got to stalk and harvest an impala! It was nothing at all like sitting in a deer blind. We hiked, tracked, and stalked for miles and miles over rocky, hilly, rough terrain. Several times we were close, but the wind shifted, and they bolted. But, we persisted with determination… like hunting down that second shot on station 4 skeet doubles on a windy day.
But Rufus Luttig, not only owns a game ranch, he uses the proceeds and meat to feed and fund a program called Village South Africa (villagesouthafrica.com) whose primary purpose is to support the Jehova Jireh Haven Orphanage near Alexandria in the Eastern Cape. Visiting the orphanage was pretty much the highlight of our trip. It was truly an eye opener to meet the kids and hear the stories about the struggles they had endured before being taken in and given food, shelter, and education. Many had lived on the streets having to fend for themselves. They had to be taught that dogs and goats weren’t just your next meal. They could be kept as pets. ..that goats could provide milk and chickens could be kept around to lay eggs.
Most of all, these were not faces on a late-night TV commercial. They were (ARE) real people with names and heartbeats. Who were born just as equal as you and I. But, didn’t get the same kind of support growing up as you and I. But fortunately for them, there are people such as Rufus Luttig at HuntSA.com and Molly and Neels Bam who opened up their home to start the orphanage over 15 years ago.
Prior to our trip, we began collecting donations of supplies and such at our school and at one of our Texas SCTP tournaments and I’m proud to say that our shooting community is very generous. The kids at the orphanage were amazingly overjoyed when we brought them a couple of 100-pound suitcases full of school supplies and a truck load of meat from the ranch. You would have thought that they had each been given a Perazzi or Krieghoff shotgun for Christmas.
We were so moved by the experience that when we settled back in at home we got to thinking about what more we could do? We all benefit from assistance from others. Look at how many volunteers it takes to run SCTP. Think about how much the Potterfields and MidwayUSA Foundation have given to us. So, we had the idea of getting Texas SCTP to “adopt” and start sponsoring the orphanage. Thanks to all of the volunteers, our shoots barely cost more than the targets anyways. So, at our Easter League Shoot we collected a few extra dollars and donations. It all adds up and by the end of the weekend, we had raised another $3,500 for Village South Africa!
They were so very appreciative of the donations and asked that we thank everyone from SCTP for their support. It’s such a great feeling to give back that I wanted to share our experience and challenge every SCTP League or Team to do something this year to raise a little money for Village South Africa or for any other charity. It’s a great feeling that you’ll never forget. I can honestly say that it’s just as rewarding as standing on the podium at nationals with a gold medal or making the All-American team. Neither of which I would have ever accomplished without lots of help from others.
The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) would like to recognize long time and continued supporter, Zanders Sporting Goods!
Zanders Sporting Goods, is a 100% wholesale shooting sports distributor, committed to retail dealer service. The Staff at Zanders’ Sporting Goods takes great pride in providing complete retailer support. From same day shipping to the special order of a unique or hard to find item, their goal is to serve the shooting sports retailer.
“The relationship Zanders has with the SCTP is awesome. We are part of organization that not only develops youth shooters, but also helps mold young athletes for greater things to come,” said Michael Sutton, Zanders Sporting Goods, Import Sales. “The coaches/parents over the years have been great and we always look forward to helping them.”
Zanders is the importer of Nobel Sport Ammunition and has been supplying SCTP teams around the country for years. As such, Zanders Sporting Goods has also taken an active role in supporting the SCTP National Team with its International Ammunition as well!
“SCTP is very fortunate to have relationships with companies like Zanders Sporting Goods,” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director. “Zanders has been a longtime supporter of SCTP, our families and our teams. From our new club packages to ammunition and now supporting the SCTP National Team, Zanders has been there with us every step of the way. We couldn’t be more thankful!”
We are giving away 6 guns including a Kolar Max O/U (Total Value of guns $28,000+)!
Guns will be drawn the week of the National Championships July 14-21, 2018
How do SCTP teams make money?
#1 Ticket price is $10 per each ticket SCTP teams sell the National Gun raffle tickets Teams keep $5 for the team and send the other $5 to the SCTP with the stub! The more tickets your team sells, the more money you make and we will supply the tickets! Teams can sell tickets at shoots, fundraisers, work places, school, church etc.
#2 The SCTP will pay (in MidwayUSA Foundation team endowment funds) the top 5 ticket selling teams as follows: 1st – $8,000 2nd – $7,000 3rd – $6,000 4th – $5,000 5th – $4,000
Starting Monday, July 16 2018 a firearm will be drawn each day in accordance to that sponsors theme day! Example: Monday July 16 is SKB Day, we will draw for the SKB 90TSS Combo, Tuesday may be CZ USA Day, and we will draw for the CZ “All American Trap” Combo that day and so on through the week!
All drawings held at the SCTP National Championships in Marengo, OH week of July 14-21, 2018
We may substitute a firearm of equal or greater value depending on availability.
Federal, state and local taxes may apply and are the responsibility of the team selling the tickets and the winners of the prizes. Teams must be current and registered with the SCTP to take part in this program. Please contact the SCTP national office with any other questions.
The Scholastic Clay Target Program would like to thank Browning yet again for their continued sponsorship, support and trust in our national youth shooting program and staff!
The Browning Brand has come to represent “The Best There Is” in firearms and outdoor products, each year adding new innovations, launching new products, and doing more for our customers – essentially just following the great tradition of innovation started by John Browning.
“The SCTP is one of the great organizations that we’re honored to support each year,” said Rafe Nielsen, Browning’s communications manager in marketing. “The work they do to develop youth shooting is second to none. Their commitment to healthy competition, developing advanced shooters, and bringing new shooters to the sport is vital to keeping the shooting sports strong. We’re proud to be sponsors and look forward to a great 2018 with them. The future looks bright for our legendary brand. With Browning playing a strong role in the firearms market over the years, we now are a dominant player in social media, with hundreds of thousands being influence by our Instagram and Twitter feeds, and with our industry best 2.3 million Facebook followers.”
“We are very humbled by Browning’s support, sponsorship and confidence in SCTP maintaining one of the best youth shooting program in the world,” said Tom Wondrash, National Director for the SCTP. “Browning and SCTP strive to find ways to support our teams, athletes and families. We are very thankful for companies like Browning who share this same dream and understand the importance of youth involvement in the shooting sports!”
If you are interested in supporting youth shooting programs with a donation or sponsorship, please view our SCTP 2018 media guide or contact the SCTP or Tom Wondrash at twondrash@sssfonline.com
The SCTP has run several national banquets in March only to see some huge returns and support by teams and the general public! The largest banquet to date was held Friday, March 16th in Waterford, WI.
The Wisconsin banquet completed its 5th year running, raising funds for programs and scholarships administered by the SCTP National organization.
This year’s banquets featured a Henry Rifle with the SCTP logo engraved into the stock. The funds raised from those 2 live auction items (Wisconsin and Iowa) will be given out to lucky recipients of scholarships in those 2 states. The Wisconsin banquet raised $1,300 and will be recognized as the “Scherrer Construction” scholarship while the Iowa banquet raised $1,050 and will be named the “Bobby Wood“scholarship and awarded to a deserving Iowa athlete!
The Wisconsin banquet had not only local representation but SCTP team representation as well. Coaches and families from 10 local teams (representing about 700 athletes) in Wisconsin attended the festivities! The local team (BHS Demons Shooting Team) was the host of this year’s banquet securing silent auction items and donations from various local businesses in support of the National organization. In Iowa, the BGM Shotgunners took the lead for their 2nd annual SCTP National banquet to date! Both teams raised some much needed funds for themselves as well as local support of their programs.
The 2nd annual Iowa banquet was held at the Manatt Center in Brooklyn, Iowa and was also well attended and supported by local businesses and people in the community. While this banquet was the first one run by the current team members and coaches, they did an exceptional job in securing help and support by the team, parents and others!
In running these banquets, the SCTP also raised funds in support of its foundation, the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF). Promoting and supporting foundation memberships also helps secure the future of the SSSF’s programs!
“We couldn’t have been happier with the results of this year’s banquets!” Said Tom Wondrash, SCTP’s National Director. “These funds are used for several things including new programs and team support. Scholarships given out to SCTP athletes utilizes the biggest portion of the funds raised and we absolutely appreciate the help by the teams and families in making this possible”
The SCTP would like to thank RIO ammunition for its continued support of our youth program!
RIO, a familiar name in Spain and Europe since 1896, was introduced to US shooters in 2002. With the opening of its state-of-the-art production plant in Marshall, Texas, in 2015 RIO Ammunition is now focused on the production and development of cartridges for the American shooter.
“RIO Ammunition believes in supporting and encouraging the youth of our great country, to carry on traditions set forth by their parents and grandparents.” Said Bryan Bornes, Product Marketing Manager at RIO Ammunition. “Working with a great group such as SCTP for the last 4+ years, encourages this and allows us to achieve our goals in providing the best ammunition possible for today’s market!”
RIO is about excitement, about enjoying life and about sharing your experiences with those around you. RIO is spending time in the outdoors with family and friends. As a leader in outdoor recreation, RIO offers reliability and confidence in sporting cartridges!
“We appreciate the continued support of the SCTP by RIO Ammunition!” Cited Tom Wondrash, SCTP’s National Director. “RIO has been involved with SCTP for a while now, supporting our program along with the many teams and families. RIO’s elevated support this year will allow us to carry their brand in our store front at this year’s National Championships being held at the Cardinal Center in Marengo, Ohio July 14th-21st! Those teams needing RIO ammo are welcome to stop in anytime that week, Thank you RIO for your confidence in SCTP as the leader in the youth shooting sports!”
If you are interested in supporting youth shooting programs with a donation or sponsorship, please view our SCTP media guide or contact Tom Wondrash at twondrash@sssfonline.com
Mark your calendars for May 19th and 20th for a Scholastic Clay Target Program regional shoot at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, IL. The event is open to all SCTP registered teams and will feature trap, skeet and sporting clays.
Random Drawing of all registered athletes for prizes!
Team Scoring for all 3 events
Classifications – Varsity / JV / Intermediate
200 Trap – 100 Skeet – 100 Sporting Clays
TEAM – INDIVIDUAL – HOA Awards
Registration will be done on the SHOT system and opens Monday, April 16
Program to follow with complete details!
Saturday – All 200 Trap will be shot / Awards to follow
– Skeet and Sporting Clays Open
Sunday – Skeet and Sporting Clays / Awards to follow
*NSSA/NSCA/ATA rules apply. Event coordinator has final word relating to this event. Teams must be registered with the SCTP prior to event. College athlete scores will not be used for HOA
** We will be running an ATA Registered shoot on Saturday, May 19th. If your team is interested in this, they must be ATA registered. We will use those scores for the SCTP Regional event as well. Teams must squad on fields 1-8 when registering. Coaches may shoot registered targets as well. ATA will provide some prizes for the registered shoot!
Please join us at the Cardinal Shooting Center May 12-13 for a regional championship event featuring trap, skeet, sporting clays and international bunker trap! Teams may shoot any or all events!
All registrations are done through the SHOT system
Open to all SCTP Registered Teams!
Categories = Varsity, JV and Intermediate
*NSSA/NSCA/ATA rules apply. Event coordinator has final word relating to this event. Teams must be registered with the SCTP prior to event. College athlete scores will not be used for HOA.
Registration will be through the SSSF SHOT System and will be available on April 9th.
close, but the wind shifted, and they bolted. But, we persisted with determination… like hunting down that second shot on station 4 skeet doubles on a windy day.
Guns will be drawn the week of the National Championships July 14-21, 2018
The SCTP has run several national banquets in March only to see some huge returns and support by teams and the general public! The largest banquet to date was held Friday, March 16th in Waterford, WI.
The 2nd annual Iowa banquet was held at the Manatt Center in Brooklyn, Iowa and was also well attended and supported by local businesses and people in the community. While this banquet was the first one run by the current team members and coaches, they did an exceptional job in securing help and support by the team, parents and others!
for several things including new programs and team support. Scholarships given out to SCTP athletes utilizes the biggest portion of the funds raised and we absolutely appreciate the help by the teams and families in making this possible”