FATHER OF SCTP FETED AT SHOT SHOW

Written by Tom Davis on February 6, 2026.

Long time Shooting Sports Industry Titan, Doug Painter, was honored at this year's SHOT Show to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National championships. SCTP, which began as the Scholastic Trapshooting Program (STP), a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) was the brainchild of Painter.

SSSF President & Executive Director, Rick Leach presenting Doug Painter with honorary plaque

The first Nationals, in 2001, had more than 200 of the nation’s best high school trapshooters, representing 25 states. From these humble beginnings, the 2025 Nationals grew to 3,675 athletes, 23,306 total entries, from 37 states. This resulted in 2.1 million White Flyer targets being thrown and nearly 4 million rounds fired.

“Doug once described SCTP as . . . 'Little League with a shotgun', which is a great description as each team has its own uniforms and team names," said Rick Leach SSSF President & Executive Director. "This has led to great local and regional rivalries just as in other sports. His vision, guidance and knowledge have assured the future of the Shooting Sports in America is safe for generations to come”

In addition, SCTP has morphed into the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF). This youth powerhouse has blossomed into a national organization that now encompasses not only shotgun, but rifle and pistol that provides shooting-sports education and opportunities to school-age youths around the United States to encourage young athlete personal growth and development.