SCTP Archives - Page 12 of 20 - Scholastic Clay Target Program

Dave Miller Exhibition Shoot at Nationals – Presented by CZ-USA

Written on July 4, 2017.

Dave Miller Exhibition Shoot at Nationals – Presented by CZ-USA!

Join Dave Miller at the CZ-USA Demo Field (near the grandstand area) on Wednesday, July 12 at 2:00PM for a special demonstration! Everyone is welcome to attend!

David has over 20 years of experience in the competitive shooting community and has lived to see the sport evolve into the world’s fastest growing shotgun sport. He is respected as one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the sporting clays community with a Master class title, and one of the best shooters in the United States. David is also the main star on the Outdoors TV show CZ-USA American Gun Dog TV.

David recently accomplished setting a new Guinness World Record for the most sporting clay targets shot in 1 hour— 3653 clays in May of 2015, followed by winning the Missouri State Sporting Clays Championship in July 2015. All the proceeds from the world record accomplishment will go to Pheasant Forever and Quail Forever’s Shooting Sports Endowment to benefit generations of new shooters forever! Speaking of new shooters, David has spent countless hours as an ambassador to the shooting sports industry and uses his past shooting experience to get more shooting enthusiast outdoors.

2017 Nationals Text Messaging Service and Email Updates

Written on June 4, 2017.

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!

Ikes in Action: Virginia Chapter Aims For Youth Engagement

Written on May 19, 2017.

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.

After 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.

Introducing Jason Anderson, SCTP’s Newest Regional Field Representative

Written on March 28, 2017.

Jason Anderson was brought on in January as the SCTP’s newest Regional Field Representative and covers the “Lower Midwest” area that includes Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

Anderson is in his seventeenth year as a public educator in the great state of Texas and in his eighth year at Allen High School in Allen Texas. He is the Head Coach of the two-time SCTP High School National Champions Allen Eagles Competitive Shooting Team, the Allen Archery Team, and the Bass Fishing Team. At Allen ISD he also developed the Outdoor Adventures Program, which is in its sixth year.

Allen Eagles Assistant head coach Richard Scott commented, “Winning is great, but Jason does so much more for these kids than a school teacher is required to do. Above all else, he’s been a positive influence and role model to hundreds of athletes while instilling in them a lifelong respect and appreciation for shooting sports.”

Anderson graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Sports Science and a Minor in Health. He was honored by the Dallas Ecological Foundation as Educator of the Year in 2014. In 2015 he became an NRA training counselor, and he is also an NRA Coach Level 2. Anderson has served as Texas’ State Advisor to the Scholastic Clay Target Program for the past three years.

“I am honored and excited to continue to promote and support SCTP teams,” Anderson stated. “Supporting the SCTP coaches is key in our success.”

According to Carlton Nether, director of development for the Western U.S., “Jason brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. His dedication to youth sports in Texas is exactly what we need to continue our strong growth in the southern states.”

To contact Jason Anderson, email janderson@sssfonline.com or call (830) 832-0944.

Two Ways to Support the Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Pistol Program This Holiday Season

Written on November 25, 2015.

If the holiday season is bringing out your generous side, then please consider one of two ways to support the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP) this season.

#GivingTuesday
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) has joined many other nonprofit organizations in the fundraising campaign #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday is held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to jump start the holiday season and as a way to encourage people to give back to their communities and to the organizations and causes they believe in.

“This is the first year the SSSF has participated in #GivingTuesday,” Ben Berka, SSSF president and executive director, said. “We encourage those of you who want to show support for our youth shooting sports programs to donate to the SCTP and the SPP on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015. Your donations help fund our programs, which enhance the growth and personal development of student athletes throughout the nation.”

Those interested in donating to the SSSF may go to https://sssfonline.org/donate/ to view giving options and make a secure, online donation. The SSSF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Contributions are tax-deductible.

AmazonSmile
With the holiday shopping season upon us, many of you will no doubt be shopping on Amazon.com, the website where you can buy everything from books and music, to electronics, to automobile tires. Without spending another cent, you can support the SCTP and SPP with your Amazon purchases. When you log onto Amazon through a special link, smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase price to the SSSF — at no extra cost to you. Use this special link to shop and support the SSSF!

Changes To 2015-2016 SPP And SCTP Handbooks

Written on October 8, 2015.

As well all well know, with growth and development often comes change…and the SSSF is not exempt from that process. So along with the new year of competition, there are several new items to review in both the official SPP and the SCTP handbooks.

Tammy Mowry, program director of the SPP, mentions that there are some “big” changes to make note of in the updated 2015-2016 SPP document. Some of the highlights include updates in the section on “Grouping Athletes -Divisions” (look for the details about categories) as well as in “Team Definitions” (don’t miss the updated range commands). To read more and get caught up on all the new items, be sure to check out the update SPP handbook, here.

Tom Wondrash, national director of the SCTP, shares that there are too many changes to post each and every one. And he encourages everyone to dig in and and read the updated 2015-2016 handbook, paying special attention to the red text, which shows where recent changes have been made. To read more and get caught up on all the new SCTP items, be sure to check out the updated SCTP Handbook here.

SCTP Featured in Washington Times News Article

Written on September 22, 2015.

A recent Washington Times news piece highlighting the growth of the shooting sports among high school-aged youth boasts the accomplishments of Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) team member Lindsay Martin and acknowledges the SCTP for its valuable role in recruitment of millennials into the shooting sports. The article refers to the thousands of teens who participate in competitive shooting, saying it’s one of the fastest-growing sports for high schools in recent years.

The Washington Times interviewed Tom Wondrash, SCTP director, about the influx of youth participation in shooting sports in schools and the community. Wondrash told the publication he believes the growth is due to its inclusivity and opportunity for participation.

He’s quoted as saying, “What separates shooting sports from stick-and-ball sports is that when it’s time for our kids to go to a tournament, all the kids can compete — heavy, thin, tall, short, fast, slow, boy or girl — it doesn’t make them any different,” Mr. Wondrash said. “That’s what really lends itself to our sport.”

An Olympic hopeful, 17-year-old Martin is a member of the Dusters trapshooting team, which was established by the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF). The senior at Glen Allen High School in Virginia is considered a rising star in her community. The only girl on the team, she’s becoming known as the “shotgun shooter.”

Martin says she is a fan of women learning to shoot, and she even teaches women how to fire a shotgun at her local gun range in Charles City County.

Martin is one of many youth featured in the media in recent years who are being recognized not only for their superb shooting skills, but for their positive character traits and citizenship values, which are promoted and encouraged through the SCTP and other SSSF programs.

See, Download & Share Photos from 2015 Nationals

Written on September 6, 2015.

Our collection of photos from the SCTP-SPP National Team Championships in Sparta and SCTP National Championships for International Disciplines in Colorado Springs have now been assembled on our Flickr page and are available for you to view, download, print, and share.

Click here to see our 2015 Nationals photos on Flickr

Even if you haven’t used Flickr before, you’ll probably find it pretty intuitive once you poke around a bit. However, here are a few notes to speed up the learning curve:

With any image opened, look for these icons in the lower right corner:

If you wish to download the image, click on the icon on the right, the “down” arrow. What you’re seeing on the page will usually be a much smaller version of the image, with several larger sizes available to be downloaded. You’ll see some options:

Just choose what you want. For a social media icon – or postage stamp – you might choose the 150×150 option. For a large print, go with the largest available size. To submit to your newspaper, download the largest available size to allow them to re-size it as needed.

If you want to share the image in social media, click on the center icon, the “right” arrow, and again you’ll have options and some choices to make:

For most purposes, such as sharing on Facebook or Twitter, you’ll need to select “Link” as the Code option. If you want to embed the photo into your blog or website, you can choose “HTML.” When that is the case, you will also have a choice of sizes.

If you choose to share images on social media (yes, do!), please continue to use the event hashtag, #SSSF2015.

Go to our Flickr page.

Coaches: Complete ATA/NSSA/NSCA Registrations Through SHOT System

Written on August 29, 2015.

As a reminder, any athletes planning to compete in state or national SCTP events must be members of the respective national governing body (NGB). Athletes in SCTP trap singles events must be members of ATA and athletes competing in SCTP state or national skeet or sporting clays events must be members of NSSA/NSCA. All targets will be registered with the respective NGB for those events.

Coaches: When renewing or registering teams and athletes requiring NGB membership for the new season, please complete the membership registrations and payments through the SHOT system. This will ensure that SCTP gets credit for those registrations and increase the college scholarship funding available for us to award to our graduating athletes. Please complete the registrations and payments at least 30 days prior to your scheduled competition to ensure time for processing of membership credentials through the respective NGB offices.

Learn more about ATA membership for SCTP athletes.

Wright Earns Junior National Team Invite at SCTP Internationals

Written on August 7, 2015.

The Scholastic Clay Target Program recently completed its National Championships for International Disciplines at USA Shooting’s International Shooting Park near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In all, 147 athletes from 46 teams in 21 states competed in the International event, registering for a combined 239 events, a record for the tournament.

International Skeet National Champion Trey Wright (Brookline Top Shots/Albany, Georgia) earned special distinction for his win by being invited to be a part of USA Shooting’s National Junior Team. The other two event winners including Hank Garvey (Minute Man Sharpshooters/Newburyport, Massachusetts) in Double Trap and Dustin McGowen (Arkansas Raze Shotgun Team/Greenwood, Arkansas) in Trap already have team status, with Garvey a member on the Junior Team and McGowen a National Team member.

Colton Evans (Bridge Creek Clays/Crawford, Georgia) and Katie Jacob (Lake Oconee Shotgun Team/Rochester, Michigan) joined Wright on the Skeet podium. Jesse Haynes-Lewis (Minute Man Sharpshooters/) and William Faeth (Midland University Shotgun Team/) joined Garvey on the Double Trap podium. Two shooters from CTC-Tennessee in Spring Hill earned podium honors alongside McGowen in Trap, including Grant Porter and Caleb Lindsey.

The five-day tournament was capped off with an awards ceremony and dinner at the beautiful Cheyenne Mountain Resort. As is traditional, a Shamrock Leathers shooting bag was given to an athlete through random drawing during the banquet. Speakers included Mike Theimer, youth program director for USA Shooting; Myles Walker, newly appointed member to the USA National Team and last year’s USA Junior National Team appointee via the SCTP Nationals; Hank Garvey, Jr., last year’s SCTP double trap gold medalist and Junior National Team appointee via the SCTP Nationals, and Lloyd Woodhouse, former USA national shotgun coach during six Olympic games.

See all the scores and winners.

Next year’s SCTP National Championships for International Disciplines are scheduled for July 24–30, 2016.

Special thanks to USA Shooting for event reporting and photography.

Tag: SCTP