Aaron Wilson, Josh Nelson, Ryne Barfield and Wyatt Pursell No storms, no hail and lots of sunshine prevailed for the SCTP’s International National Championships during which four spots on the USA National Junior Team were awarded. The team welcomed two new faces, Wyatt Pursell (KS) and Josh Nelson (WI), who earned their spots in Skeet and Bunker Trap respectively, while Ryne Barfield (GA) and Aaron Wilson (KS) also renewed their spots on the team. Hank Garvey Jr’s position in Double Trap was uncontested, a spot that he secured earlier in the year. With 30 teams from across the country representing 16 states and 101 athletes, Wisconsin lead the pack with 23 individual athletes in attendance. The event ran smoothly and was finished off with an awards banquet held at the Double Tree resort also located in Colorado Springs. The Championship event was immediately followed by a Junior Olympic Development Camp. Top athletes and coaches from around the country attended the week-long camp to learn the fundamentals of International shooting and coaching. Camp coaches in attendance were taught by some of the best in the country, including Terri DeWitt (lead coach), Connie Smotek, Joe Buffa and the legendary Lloyd Woodhouse, along with several summer resident athletes. “What a great opportunity for these aspiring Olympic athletes and coaches,” Tom Wondrash, SCTP national director, said. “Both the National Championships and the JODC are fantastic events supported not only by USA Shooting, but many Industry partners as well.” The 35 athletes and 14 coaches in attendance all stayed at the Olympic Training Center for the duration of the camp, a time that will be long remembered by all of them. Special thanks to USA shooting’s Bob Mitchell and Sharee Waldron for their help and support of the SCTP’s events held there this past summer. We wish Bob the best in his retirement and sincerely thank him for his past work! The SCTP is the official feeder program to USA Shooting, hosting several Junior Olympic Development Camps each year for its registered athletes and coaches. For a full list of teams and finishes for the International National Championships, please see the attached. To start a new team or get involved with SCTP, see our website at www.sssfonline.org.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing shooting-sports education and opportunities to school-age youths around the United States to encourage young athlete personal growth and development. Tax-ID number 20-8484121.
