“It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It’s also a very clear path to happiness.” Sheryl Sandberg. When you see young people participate in a sport they love, it is amazing to watch. Teamwork, self discipline, drive, focus… these are all positive attributes brought out by competitive sports and supported by the Scholastic Clay Target Program. When you see today’s youth develop such a passion for that sport they choose to utilize that passion as a pathway to give something back, it becomes inspiring. On a cold Saturday in December, SCTP athlete Erin Callahan of Broomfield, Colorado, combined her passion for Sporting Clays and her desire to give back to those in need by organizing the Merry Miracles Fun Shoot and Toy Drive benefiting the Children’s Hospital. The shoot was a huge success drawing 187 shooters, including a number of SCTP athletes and coaches, and raising over 4,200 dollars in donations as well as over 600 toys to be delivered to hospitalized children this Christmas. Her inspiration stems from watching her cousin Lucy battle illness from birth and more recently her best friend Megan was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. Through both of these unpleasant incidences, Erin saw how putting a smile on a child’s face can make a positive impact. Erin, a junior at Legacy High School, has been shooting Sporting Clays for many years with her parents Dan and Peggy. Two years ago she was invited to join an SCTP team, Rocky Mountain Clay Busters. Being a very shy and quite young lady, Erin's parents were pleased to see her not only accept the invitation but do so with considerable excitement. Erin's coaches have watched her confidence grow, and more of her personality come to the surface with each practice. Erin's passion for shooting combined with the team atmosphere and competitions has helped Erin mature into a stronger, more confident and outgoing young lady. This was quite evident on December 5th as she took charge and coordinated all aspects of this large day-long event – which included stepping in front of the large crowd to call out the winners of the over 50 prizes she solicited from friends and local businesses. The motto of the Scholastic Clay Target Program is, “Preparing today’s youth to become leaders of tomorrow.” Erin had already begun learning positive life skills, leadership, the joy of contributing to a shared team goal and the commitment that goes along with it, and the passion to help others. SCTP provided a platform to grow, nurture and bring those skills to the surface. In the end isn't that what all of us as parents and coaches strive for everyday? The young people of today are like seedlings in need of a little encouragement, coaching, and support. Then we have earned the honor of stepping back and watching them impact the world in ways only they could have dreamed. It has been a pleasure to watch Erin accomplish her Merry Miracle this Christmas.
The Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP) hosted 19 new coach candidates from five different states through the NRA Level I Pistol Coaches class on December 12-13, 2015 in Pacific, MO. The coach school consists of two days of sports-specific lessons and practical coaching exercises designed to teach the coach candidate the basics of coaching a pistol team and is the preferred course for new coaches looking to start or join a Scholastic Pistol Program. Our thanks go out to Mike Seevers, head coach of the Arnold Jr. Shooters, for sponsoring the class and for the good folks at the Gemmer Muzzleoading Range for hosting the live-fire practical portion of the class. The class was taught by Ben Berka, SSSF executive director and Michael Perkowski, Illinois SPP state advisor. For more information and a current schedule of upcoming courses, go to https://sssfonline.org/scholastic-pistol-program-spp/spp-coaches-training/. To host a course in your area, please contact Rick Leach at 262-894-4284 or rleach@sssfonline.com
Dear Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Pistol Program Parents and Athletes, In partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is conducting a survey of Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP) parents and athletes. We invite you and the SCTP/SPP athletes in your household to answer several questions regarding your and your child's / children's involvement in the SCTP / SPP. Your response to this survey is very important to us, and it will greatly support the future of these programs by helping us to obtain sponsors and/or additional opportunities for participants and to provide meaningful statistics to recruit more teams. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and all eligible participants will be entered into a drawing for either at Beretta Neos pistol or a Tristar Alpha Field shotgun. With your participation in the survey we will continue to strengthen the Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Pistol Program! To start the survey, please choose the appropriate link below:
The 2014-2015 SPP Virtual match Series entries have been entered and reviewed. We want to say thank you to all the teams that participated. This year we wanted to be able to offer more teams the opportunity to receive endowment money for participating so we had the results calculated based on the Lewis class system of dividing the divisions into two groups. The following teams will be receiving endowment money into their team accounts:
Team
Totals
University of Florida
$ 3,250.00
Ozaukee Scholastic Shooting Sports
$ 4,000.00
Michigan State University
$ 2,750.00
VMI Pistol Team
$ 1,000.00
Lake Country Action Shooters
$ 3,750.00
McKenzie Scholastic Shooting Team
$ 1,750.00
Central Florida Rifle & Pistol Club
$ 2,750.00
WWCCA Straight Shooters
$ 1,000.00
Central Arizona Target Shooters
$ 1,000.00
Team Gotta
$ 1,250.00
SST of Traer
$ 1,000.00
Blue Grass Sportsmen's League
$ 750.00
YSSA Steel Smashers
$ 3,000.00
Venture Crew 401
$ 500.00
Colfax Sportsman's Club
$ 1,000.00
We had 173 team entries and over 430 individuals compete in the series this year. For a look at the scores, please visit our website www.sssfonline.org. If your team did not send in scores last year, please consider participating in the virtual match series this year. With the Lewis classing anyone can potentially win; you don’t have to be the fastest time. The new target year began September 1 so that means we are in a new Virtual Match Series and we are receiving scores for this year’s match. Don’t forget that we will be selecting a random drawing of $1,000 for those teams that submit their score sheets for matches they shoot in December. Congratulations everyone.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is seeking three highly motivated individuals to assume the role of Regional Field Representative (RFR) for the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). The successful candidates will be responsible for recruiting, developing, motivating and supporting SCTP volunteer leadership within regional territory.The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF), is a 501c (3) not-for-profit organization and is the national leader in youth development shooting sports programs. Using a combination of education and athletics our mission is to enhance the growth and personal development of student athletes throughout the nation through the shooting sports.
Through a variety of fun, team-based shooting events in both our Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP), we provide student athletes aged elementary through college with a supportive environment where shooting sports serve as catalysts for teaching life lessons and skills that emphasize positive character traits and citizenship values. Throughout all training, practice and competitions, we instill in our participants a commitment to safe firearm handling, teamwork and leadership.Job Description Provide grassroots, locally-based team and program development and support in assigned territory by interacting with existing and prospective Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) state advisors, coaches and adult volunteers to assist them in setting up new teams and growing teams already in the program. Cross promote other SSSF programs such as the Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP) when/where possible. Seek and develop leads and accurately represent SSSF programs to local shooting facilities, school systems, government organizations, and other youth organizations, providing them with information on the benefits of membership in SCTP/SPP. Recruit, develop, motivate and support State Advisors who represent the SCTP in states in assigned territory. Job Duties Serve as a knowledgeable ambassador for SSSF programs in assigned territory. Provide timely and accurate phone and email support for SCTP program volunteers in territory with current and factual program information. Assist state advisors, coaches & teams in the sign-up and registration process. Provide education, training and support on the SSSF’s SHOT registration and event management system. Teach and/or facilitate coach education schools in territory and outside of territory as needed. Work with local volunteers and through State Advisors to facilitate presentations to schools, shooting facilities, government organizations, and prospective teams to inform them about the SCTP. Setup, facilitate and/or assist with SCTP events in your territory and elsewhere as required, including Local, Regional, State and National events. Represent the Scholastic Clay Target Program at local, regional and national industry/sports shows. Participate in regional and national training sessions for Advisors and Coaches. Travel within your territory and to other venues around the country as needed. Pre-approved travel expenses will be reimbursed. Three Regions Available
Great Lakes Region (Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio)
Southeast Region (Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida)
Northwest Region (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming)
Positions report to SCTP Director of Development
Desired Qualifications
4+ years’ experience as a volunteer coach or State Advisor in youth shooting sports.
Proven ability to establish and develop high quality youth shooting sports programs.
Coach/instructor or Level I credentials from NRA, USAS, NSSA/NSCA or equivalent entity.
Experience organizing and conducting high quality shooting sports events.
Working knowledge of all SSSF programs.
Ability to travel within territory & to other parts of the country as needed.
Successful completion of annual background check.
Ability to communicate with and present to large groups.
Computer skills including familiarity with e-mail, social media and shooting event software.
NOTES:
3 openings.
Telecommuting is allowed.Additional Salary Information: Positions are part-time hourly (approximately 20 hours / week) with pay commensurate with experience and qualifications. To apply, send resume and cover letter to twondrash@sssfonline.com by 5:00PM CST January 7th.
Amanda Wondrash The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is pleased to announce, effective immediately, all Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP) administrative duties will be assumed by Amanda Wondrash and April Carr. Wondrash and Carr are familiar faces with the SSSF and have been serving the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) in an administrative role since 2013.April Carr and family “With the changes that have taken place in SPP, we are looking forward to having Amanda and April join the SPP team and assisting us with the administrative duties," Tammy Mowry, SPP National Program director, said. "With their knowledge of the SCTP and SPP as well as the SHOT system, we know they are a tremendous addition and the coaches are in more than capable and friendly hands." Coaches needing assistance with tasks, such as registering their teams, completing paperwork, and navigating the SHOT system may contact Wondrash and Carr for help. All SPP team, coach and athlete registration paperwork previously sent to the SPP office in Pennsylvania must now be directed to the SCTP/SPP Administrative Office in Burlington, WI. 165 Bay Ridge Lane Burlington, WI 53105 Amanda Wondrash, Administrative Coordinator Phone: 262-206-4634 Email: awondrash@sssfonline.com April Carr, Administrative Assistant Phone: 262-716-9452 Email: acarr@sssfonline.com
Put down the socks and underwear, and show the competitive youth shooter or coach in your life that you support his or her passion for the sport with a Christmas gift from the SSSF store. At the online store, you’ll find SCTP and SPP gear, hats, clothing pins and patches, books and more. A few items to consider for gifts this Christmas.SCTP Collared Polo ShirtSCTP Collared Polo Shirt -- This shirt is the ideal gift for the SCTP shooter. The stylish shirt boasts a bright and colorful design with the SCTP logo. The Magic Dye design means no fading, and 100% polyester ensures longevity and comfort for regular wear. SPP Tactical Water Bottle -- These special SPP-engraved bottles will keep hot things hot and cold things cold! They will hold up to 750ml and are in flat matte black finish. The bottles are engraved with the SPP logo and are a great way for the SPP athlete to stay hydrated on the range.SPP Tactical Water BottleCoaches & Advisor’s Shirts – Available in several color options, these shirts make the perfect gift for state advisors, head coaches and assistant coaches. Stylish, yet durable, these shirts are designed with a fit that flatters in sizes ranging from small to 5x. Customization is available. Deluxe Shooting Gloves – Deluxe Shooting Gloves are a great gift for any shooter. Designed for comfort and maneuverability, these gloves are available in sizes from XS-3XL.Mesh Dual Leather Pad Shooting VestMesh Dual Leather Pad Shooting Vest – Boasting a stylish, yet functional design, the Mesh Dual Leather Pad Shooting Vest is the perfect gift for any shooter. The vest includes dual black leather shooting pads, a full mesh body, divided front shell pockets and a rear empty hull pouch. Comes with BA401 Insert – A – Pad. Deluxe Range Bag – Surprised your shooter with this handy Deluxe Range Bag, which holds up to 12 boxes of shells. The bag includes zippered front, back and side pockets and a hard bottom with foam insert sides and top. The main internal compartment measures 14"x 8". Overall external measurements are 17" x 8" x 9".Junior Shooting MagazineJunior Shooters Magazine – The Junior Shooters Magazine is the gift that keeps giving. A subscription includes one year (3 issues). Junior Shooters is dedicated to juniors of all ages and their parents; in all disciplines of shooting. SCTP members receive the subscription for $10! Check out these awesome items and many others at the SSSF Store. But don’t wait, place your order now to ensure delivery by Christmas.
Nominate your coach today for the Positive Coaching Alliance's Double-Goal Coach Award. This prestigious award is given to youth and high school sports coaches from throughout the U.S. who embody the ideals of the Double-Goal Coach, striving to win, while also pursuing the more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports. The award includes $200; a certificate; recognition in PCA's website, newsletters and media campaigns; and the chance to accept the honor in California during PCA's National Youth Sports Awards Dinner and Auction Presented by Deloitte. "The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. has been a partner with the Positive Coaching Alliance for several years by providing the Double Goal Coaches course to all new Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Pistol Program coaches," Ben Berka, SSSF president and executive director, said. "The course equips our shooting coaches with the information and tools to develop young athletes in a positive, caring fashion. If your team’s head coach strives for winning, AND more importantly, teaching life lessons through the shooting sports, I encourage you to nominate him or her for this prestigious award." Download an informational PDF to share with your youth sports organization or high school about this award DOUBLE-GOAL COACH AWARD PROGRAM RULES >>LIST OF 2015 WINNERS >>
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!
Tammy Mowry The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) welcome Tammy Mowry and Rick Leach to their new positions with the Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP). Mowry is being promoted to the role of national director for the SPP and Leach is joining the SPP program staff as director of development. Ben Berka, SSSF president and executive director, said, “The passion and working knowledge Tammy and Rick bring to the Scholastic Pistol Program and our extended family of state advisers, volunteer coaches, athletes and partners will be a tremendous asset.” Mowry has served as SPP program manager since the program started in 2012 and has been instrumental in the creation and development of the program. Prior to joining SSSF, Mowry worked as sponsor coordinator with the Steel Challenge Shooting Association and held several leadership positions with the National Wild Turkey Federation. Mowry said, “Having been with the Scholastic Pistol Program since its inception in 2012, I’m looking forward to the opportunity and challenges that will be presented in continuing to grow the SPP and believe we have a great team in place to do this.”Rick Leach The new SPP director of development, Leach, is no stranger to the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and SPP as he has been involved as a volunteer and coach with the SCTP since 2011 before starting a SPP program in 2012. Leach has been serving as the SPP volunteer state advisor in Wisconsin and has served a key role in growing Wisconsin into one of the largest SPP member-states in the country. Professionally, Leach comes from a 29-year law enforcement career, most recently as a sergeant with the Cedarburg Police Department since 2000. “I am truly honored for this opportunity to help the SSSF continue their great work and help grow their programs,” Leach said. “Our volunteer coaches and parent volunteers are making positive changes in the lives of the athletes they work with. I look forward to working with the athletes and coaches in the future.”
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.
“It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It’s also a very clear path to happiness.” Sheryl Sandberg. When you see young people participate in a sport they love, it is amazing to watch. Teamwork, self discipline, drive, focus… these are all positive attributes brought out by competitive sports and supported by the Scholastic Clay Target Program. When you see today’s youth develop such a passion for that sport they choose to utilize that passion as a pathway to give something back, it becomes inspiring. On a cold Saturday in December, SCTP athlete Erin Callahan of Broomfield, Colorado, combined her passion for Sporting Clays and her desire to give back to those in need by organizing the Merry Miracles Fun Shoot and Toy Drive benefiting the Children’s Hospital. The shoot was a huge success drawing 187 shooters, including a number of SCTP athletes and coaches, and raising over 4,200 dollars in donations as well as over 600 toys to be delivered to hospitalized children this Christmas. Her inspiration stems from watching her cousin Lucy battle illness from birth and more recently her best friend Megan was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. Through both of these unpleasant incidences, Erin saw how putting a smile on a child’s face can make a positive impact. 
Erin, a junior at Legacy High School, has been shooting Sporting Clays for many years with her parents Dan and Peggy. Two years ago she was invited to join an SCTP team, Rocky Mountain Clay Busters. Being a very shy and quite young lady, Erin's parents were pleased to see her not only accept the invitation but do so with considerable excitement. Erin's coaches have watched her confidence grow, and more of her personality come to the surface with each practice. Erin's passion for shooting combined with the team atmosphere and competitions has helped Erin mature into a stronger, more confident and outgoing young lady. This was quite evident on December 5th as she took charge and coordinated all aspects of this large day-long event – which included stepping in front of the large crowd to call out the winners of the over 50 prizes she solicited from friends and local businesses. 
The motto of the Scholastic Clay Target Program is, “Preparing today’s youth to become leaders of tomorrow.” Erin had already begun learning positive life skills, leadership, the joy of contributing to a shared team goal and the commitment that goes along with it, and the passion to help others. SCTP provided a platform to grow, nurture and bring those skills to the surface. In the end isn't that what all of us as parents and coaches strive for everyday? The young people of today are like seedlings in need of a little encouragement, coaching, and support. Then we have earned the honor of stepping back and watching them impact the world in ways only they could have dreamed. It has been a pleasure to watch Erin accomplish her Merry Miracle this Christmas. 
