Iowa SCTP Trapshooting Championships This Week

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Starting Wednesday, June 7, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) state trapshooting championships at the Iowa State Trapshooting Association home grounds just north of Cedar Falls.

Youth teams started the competition on Wednesday with high school competitors participating Thursday through Sunday. Over 2,400 youth from over 100 Iowa teams are scheduled to participate.

This week’s trap championship event is the first of three culminating events to a season of shooting sports. Sporting clays and skeet state events will be conducted the next two weekends in Oskaloosa and Waukee.

Why So Popular?
The Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program has grown from nearly 400 athletes in 2007 to about 3,700 today. Iowa has been the largest state across the nation in the Scholastic Clay Target Program for the past several years. There is no “bench” in the shooting sports so everyone gets to play regardless of athletic ability.  The sport is also co-gender and accommodating to those with disabilities. Many Iowa schools offer varsity letters for trapshooting athletes requiring shooters to follow the same academic standards and good conduct policies as other student-athletes.

Most teams in Iowa begin practices in March and compete in dual, triangular and invitational meets throughout the spring. Teams are coached by adult volunteers who are certified through the Iowa DNR Basic Shotgun Coach certification program. Firearms safety is always emphasized and the sport is safer than other popular sports offered in schools today. Iowa teams logged almost 600 competition events between September and June and have fired at over 1.6 million clay targets in these local competitions alone. An additional 500,000+ clay targets will be thrown during the 5 day trap championship event

Event Details

  • Wednesday, June 7 – Rookie and Intermediate Divisions (Grades 8 and under)
  • Thursday, June 8 – Doubles and Handicap (i.e. added distance) Events, All Ages
  • Friday, June 9 through Sunday June 11 – High School Divisions

Iowa State Trapshooting Association Home Grounds
6138 W Cedar Wapsi Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Event Program and Competitor Details

Click here for the complete event program

Scheduled Teams and Athlete Hometown List

Squad schedules and leaderboards may be viewed by going to www.sssfonline.org then navigating to Shoots, SCTP Scheduled Shoots, Selecting Iowa SCTP then either Squad Schedule or Leaderboard.

2017 Scholastic Clay Target Program Nationals Registration on Pace to Set Records

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The month of June is a peak time for Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) team activity across the country, and if the first day of registration for the SCTP National Championships is any indicator, there will be record crowds again in Ohio for the July culminating event.

Registration for SCTP Nationals opened June 1 and in the first 24 hours of open registration for the July 8-15 National Championships, 132 teams from 23 different states registered over 2,000 athletes. Combined registrations in all SCTP events totaled 4,396 compared to 3,804 for the first 24 hours of tournament registration one year ago. An additional 70-80 SCTP teams are expected to register prior to the July 5 deadline.

“These numbers are absolutely incredible!” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP national director. “We had almost as many athletes and registrations in one day this year as we had in total at last year’s National Championships! People are excited about this year’s tournament for sure!”

The 2017 event at the Cardinal Center in Marengo, Ohio, is on track to outpace the 2016 SCTP National event, which finished with 2,176 athletes and 4,576 event entries.

While the numbers are already up significantly from last year’s registrations, Wondrash points out that there is still room at the spacious Cardinal Center.  “There are many times and dates still available for this year’s National Championships. We encourage teams to join us in July to continue the fun throughout the summer!”

The Scholastic Action Shooting Program will also hold its National Junior/Senior Championships in conjunction with the SCTP tournament. SASP Nationals registration opened on May 18 and currently has 342 athletes from 32 teams across 13 states registered to shoot. SASP registrations currently total 642 already out-pacing the 542 total entries from 2016. Teams may register for the SASP National Championships through July 5.  The 1911 division first being offered at Nationals already has 62 entries

About the National Championships

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) 2017 National Championships will take place near Marengo, Ohio, at the Cardinal Shooting Center July 8-15. The eight-day event is expected to draw around 2,500 youth from over 30 states. Over one million shots will be fired during the event with around $16 million generated in economic impact. Participating teams are organized and coached by certified volunteer leaders and have participated in their SCTP/SASP state championship event. To learn more about how you can start a SCTP or SASP team in your area or become a sponsor for the championship event, go to www.sssfonline.org/tournament-sponsorship/.

2017 Nationals Text Messaging Service and Email Updates

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Sign up for our text messaging service and email updates to keep updated about current events, schedule changes, weather delays and other important news at the 2017 National Championships in Marengo, OH.

Text Messaging – Simply text SSSF2017 to 94253 to opt in and you may opt out at any time. The service is free to use and will only be used for tournament information. Standard messaging rates may apply.

Email Updates – signup online to join our list to receive the daily event schedule, event photos, and other news from the event direct to your inbox.

Also, be sure to share your social media posts and photos and find other posts by using #SCTP2017 and #SASP2017!

Register June 1 for the 2017 SCTP National Championships!

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Mark your calendar! Registration for the 2017 SCTP National Championships to be held in Marengo, Ohio, July 8-15, 2017, will open June 1 (at approximately 6 a.m. CST). All registration will be done through the SSSF SHOT System by SCTP coaches or team administrators with system access.

Coaches:
Cost: Skeet-$85 / Trap-$85 / Sporting Clays-$118 / Trap Dbls-$80 / Handicap-$80 / Skeet Dbls-$40 / Bunker – $60

Charity Sporting Clays Challenge – $80. This event is open to youth and adult shooters and the general public!

Please remember, squad all your athletes that plan on attending. You can make changes to the squads up to the tournament. There will be no refunds for athletes after July 4. Holding of squad slots without entering athletes or entering duplicate squads will not be allowed and those squad slots will be re-opened. When squading your athletes, make sure you are squading on the proper days! Please have courtesy for other coaches and teams!

Parents:
Check with your coaches on squad times and days your athletes will be competing. As always, coaches will be responsible for squading their athletes for all events! Do not contact the national office for athlete shooting days/times. Please contact your head coach.

Schedule: (all events will shoot 100 targets each day of the two-day period. Start times will flip for 2nd day)

Saturday/Sunday – July 8-9
200 Skeet Targets (100 each day)
200 Handicap Targets
200 Doubles Targets
Bunker shoot

Monday/Tuesday – July 10-11
200 Skeet Targets
200 Sporting Clays Targets
200 Handicap Targets
200 Doubles Targets
Bunker Shoot
Monday night Banquet 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Wednesday/Thursday – July 12-13
200 Skeet Targets
200 Sporting Clays Targets
200 Trap Targets (overflow and as needed)
Bunker Shoot
Opening Ceremonies Wednesday – Approximately 4:45 p.m.
Thursday Award ceremony for Skeet and Sporting Clays
Wednesday Annie Oakley shoot and awards for Handicap and Trap Doubles

Friday/Saturday – July 14-15
100 Skeet Doubles Targets (Friday only) Winners will shoot off Saturday morning
200 Trap Targets
100 Sporting Clays Charity Shoot (benefit the Kids & Clay’s program and the SCTP scholarship program)
Award ceremony Friday night for Handicap, Doubles competition and Bunker Shoot
Friday Annie Oakley shoot. Award ceremony Saturday afternoon for Trap and HOA

Ikes in Action: Virginia Chapter Aims For Youth Engagement

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Reprinted with permission from Izaak Walton League of America/Outdoor America magazine

By: Andrew J. Peters, Alexandria Chapter

Several years ago, the Alexandria Chapter started looking into expanding our 5-stand shotgun range to include a certified trap range. Two chapter members were primarily responsible for bringing this idea to fruition: A.J. Pappas and Chris Arnold. While working toward the goal of completing the trap range, the chapter continued to offer members the opportunity to come out on Sundays, when volunteers operated the various throwers used by the 5-stand, and enjoy shooting a few clay targets. At the time, the chapter had two youth shotguns that were available to members who had children who were interested in experiencing clay target shooting. The use of the chapter guns along with support from Shotgun Committee members who were NRA-qualified shotgun instructors proved to be very popular. Parents felt comfortable and the environment was structured but not intimidating. Several young shooters became regulars with their parents at the Sunday recreational shoots.

About the same time A.J. and Chris were working on the trap range project, I was finding out that my 12-year-old granddaughter was really interested in shotgun sports. We had gone to a range on the military base close to our home and she was able to shoot both trap and skeet. As time went by, she found that she continued to improve and indicated that she would like to join a youth shooting team. (Shooting was great, but spending your day with middle-aged adults was a little dull – her words, not mine!).

I began to look around for youth teams in our area and quickly found that there were none. While doing this research, I noticed an advertisement for an outdoors sports show. One of the organizations that would be at the event was the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF). My granddaughter and I decided to visit the show booth, where we met Tom Wondrash, national director of SSSF’s Scholastic Clay Target Program.

The Scholastic Clay Target Program is an education-athletic organization that introduces youth to the shooting sports and facilitates their continued involvement by providing opportunities to safely and enjoyably participate and compete in high-quality, team-based shooting sports led by trained adult coaches. After talking with Tom, my granddaughter and I were sold on the program. We talked with our chapter’s Shotgun Committee chairman about sponsoring a youth team, and at the next chapter executive board meeting, he had me make a short presentation. The chapter enthusiastically agreed to sponsor a youth team.

Shooting RangeAfter promoting the idea at chapter meetings and in our newsletter, the team – now known as the Stafford Clay Shooters – began practicing at the finished chapter trap range. When the trap range was certified by the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), the team decided to join ATA’s AIM (Academics, Integrity, Marksmanship) youth trapshooting program, which would allow the team to participate in youth-focused ATA events. In June 2016, our team participated in the Virginia AIM Youth Championship in Winchester and did a great job representing us!

Developing a youth trap team with the support of the Alexandria Chapter has been a rewarding experience. The chapter supports the team and provides a place for youth to practice. The Scholastic Clay Target Program provides basic structure for the team, including qualifications for adult coaches. Through the NRA Foundation, the Friends of the NRA has provided the team with clay targets, ammunition, and an additional youth shotgun. I mention the youth team when we introduce prospective new members to our chapter. I also get calls from parents who see our information on the Scholastic Clay Target Program and AIM websites, and many times these interested parents become chapter members.

I’m convinced there is no shortage of young men and women in 6th through 12th grades who are interested in shooting sports. The challenge in recruiting them is convincing their parents that it’s worth their time. Going to practice is one thing. Going to practice with your shotgun requires the constant support of an adult. The most important thing our shooters bring to the team is “attitude.” They are truly motivated and want to be there. The challenge in recruiting is convincing adults that this is something you can enjoy throughout your life. If a parent or grandparent enjoys the shooting sports, it’s a great way to establish a bond that will last a lifetime.

Pre-Order Briley Chokes for SCTP Nationals – BOGO

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Briley is again offering impressive discounts on its chokes and accessories for 4H and SCTP members attending the Texas State 4-H Championships in San Antonio, Texas, and the SCTP Nationals in Marengo, Ohio.

The discount includes a buy-one-choke, get-one-free sale. Because of limited inventory, Briley is currently taking pre-orders for chokes and accessories that can be picked up during the events. The sale is limited to 4-H and SCTP athletes only.

All orders must be placed no later than June 30. 2017.

Please email, mail, fax, or called in the following info to Briley.

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone #
  • Make, model, and gauge of the gun(s)
  • The style of chokes you want. i.e. silver extended, black extended, spectrum (color bands), ported, titanium, etc. Then…list the constrictions (sizes) you want. i.e. SK, IC, LMOD, etc. (If you need help selecting your chokes, please feel free to contact any one our sales reps and we will be happy to help.)
  • Include any wrenches, grease, choke-cleaning brushes, snap caps and other accessories you’d like to purchase.

Please call Briley at 1-800-331-5718 to place your order with any sales rep or email hannah@briley.com.

All orders must be paid for and picked up in San Antonio and Marengo. Shipping is not available for pre-orders.

Peregrine Outdoor Products Announces 2017 Team Program

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Peregrine Outdoor Products announces its 2017 Team Program giving all shooting teams a 40% discount off MSRP prices of Wild Hare Shooting Gear, MizMac Designs and Peregrine Field Gear brands of products. In addition, Peregrine offers team logo embroidery starting at only $4.

Peregrine offers a complete line of shooting apparel and accessories ranging from full vests and half vests to nylon bags, pouches and gun sleeves.

To help teams look their best for an affordable price, Peregrine offers subsidized embroidery costs starting at only $4 per standard size logo. While not every product can be customized, rest assured that Peregrine will work closely with each team to find the options that best suit their needs.

Click here for more information.

Texas Scholastic Shotgun Champions Crowned!

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By Richard Scott, coach of Allen Eagles Competitive Shooting Team

Two dozen youth shooting teams and over 280 athletes from across the state converged on Ellis County Sportsman’s Club in Waxahachie, Texas, May 5-7, for the Scholastic Clay Target Program’s annual state shotgun championships.

“Ellis County is one of the few venues around that can handle a tournament this size in a single weekend,” noted coach Rich Keele. “If the participation continues growing at this rate, we may have to look at other options.”

With potentially thousands of youth shooters in Texas, participation in the Scholastic Clay Target Program continues to skyrocket. In fact, SCTP has already reserved a date for next year’s regional tournament to be held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio.

Sponsored by White Flyer, more than 65,000 targets and 2,600 boxes of shotgun ammo decided individual, squad, and team state champions in American Skeet, American Trap, and Sporting Clays. According to SCTP representative and Allen Coach Jason Anderson, “We were concerned about the sheer volume of shooters and time constraints. But, the volunteers at ECSC did a remarkable job of keeping the equipment running and targets flying.”

Over 300 medals, 20 trophies, 12 belt buckles, and 2 shotguns were awarded to youth shooting athletes in grades 6-12 competing in their respective classifications. For most, this was the pinnacle of their season having battled the elements throughout the six-month league season, which started back in November. Many will compete in the Regional Invitational Tournament against each other along with athletes from Oklahoma, Arizona, and Louisiana. Fewer still will go on to represent Texas at the SCTP American Team Nationals versus 3,000+ shooters from across the nation.

A perennial favorite, the Allen Eagles brought home the coveted High Over All Team Championship trophy with Southlake, Dripping Springs, Katy, and Ennis finishing 2nd thru 5th respectively. The Eagles will have to step up their game next year. The level of competition just keeps getting tougher with more and better teams competing. In poignant reflection regarding the six young men accepting top honors for Allen… “All seniors,” Anderson lamented to the crowd at awards bringing about cheers of respect and hope for next year’s honors.

Being Texas’ largest high school with over 6,000 students, Allen is always a prominent team contender. But, other teams and individuals showed they are serious about shooting including SCTP regulars Southlake Clay Target Team (Champion Skeet Team) and Trinity Christian Academy (2 of the top 3 Intermediate Skeet squads). Other area school teams that earned medals and trophies in various events included Burleson Spartans, Marcus, Coppell, Liberty Christian Academy, Argyle Eagles, Red Oak, and Highland Park.

Getting in on the act, newcomers Katy Dusters (Champion JV Skeet & Sporting Squad) and Dripping Springs (2nd Place Varsity Sporting Squad in a 22:21 tie breaker over Katy) proved their metal with strong performances and bringing a crew of lady shooters sure to raise the bar not only for Texas, but nationally.

Not letting the big 6A schools take all the glory, 4-H and recreational teams came from far and wide to show their stuff. Ellis County 4-H, Ennis Clay Target Team, and Hallettsville made their presence known by earning lots of awards and accolades for their performances.

Perhaps the true champions… new team and late entry Nacona made their first appearance in a big-time tournament shooting under the lights in the overflow time slots on Friday night. From the smiling faces, I’d say they’re hooked. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now!

For complete event results, please visit the SSSF SHOT System public scoreboards.

 

HI VIZ to Continue Platinum Level Sponsorship of the SCTP in 2017!

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HI VIZ, maker of many of the worlds most recognized shotgun sites, has recently announced continued support for the Scholastic Clay Target Program in 2017. Continuing as a Platinum level sponsor, HI VIZ has agreed to a substantial donation of product to SCTP for its National Championships along with sponsoring the 2017 “High Over All” team awards!

“The SCTP is such a meaningful and productive channel into the shooting sports,” said Leaha Wirth, HI VIZ vice president, sales and marketing. “We at HIVIZ put a lot of effort into cultivating youth shooters, and this program matches our initiatives perfectly. We are excited to renew our support of this awesome organization.”

Tom Wondrash, SCTP national director, said, “HI VIZ is truly a first class industry sponsor. Their support of the youth and competitive youth shooting programs is second to none. Their thinking-outside-the-box attitude is greatly appreciated and passed on to our athletes, coaches and teams around the country!”

You may also get your company in the spotlight with a donation or sponsorship.

Contact Tom Wondrash, SCTP’s national director at twondrash@sssfonline.com to learn how!

Looking to start a competitive school or club clay target team? Contact us for details!

SCTP and White Flyer Continue Partnership in 2017!

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White Flyer, the nation’s premier clay target supplier, has announced its continued support of the nation’s leading youth shooting program, the SCTP! White Flyer manufacturers all types of clay targets used in the American and International shotgun shooting disciplines.

“White Flyer Targets has been proud to be a sponsor of SCTP and its other programs since day one,” Phil Murray, national sales manager for White Flyer Targets, said. “What SCTP has accomplished in the development of the shooting sports for young people and their families is remarkable.  We look forward to this year’s event at Cardinal Center and its potential to be the largest tournament ever.  Our congratulations to SCTP and its many volunteers and coaches for the job it currently does.  From an industry perspective, SCTP and its supporters are very important – they truly represent the next generation of shooters and the future of our shooting sports. More importantly, it teaches our youth thru education and participation the importance of “sportsmanship” and other lifetime values.”

Tom Wondrash, SCTP’s national director, said, “White Flyer has been involved as a sponsor and partner of the SCTP from day one. We truly value their continued support of our youth shooting program and are encouraged by their understanding of the need to support our future generations of clay target shooters.”

If you or your company are interested in supporting the Scholastic Clay Target Program and its youth competitors, please contact National Director Tom Wondrash at twondrash@sssfonlione.com for all the details!

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