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 2
nd thru 5
th 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 (2
nd 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. 
The Texas Youth Action Shootout (“TYAS”) completed its inaugural academic year of six scheduled Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) matches by hosting the Texas SASP State Championship on May 20 in Marble Falls, Texas. The TYAS was created in 2016 by the TSRA Foundation to support and promote the growth of the SASP program in Texas and is independently supported by Texas-based companies such as Magpul, KNS Precision, FROST Bank, Aguila Ammunition/TxAT, NRA Competitive Shooting Division and Dr. Ruiz of Brownsville, Texas. In 2016/2017 over 170 shooters participated in TYAS Series matches and six new SASP teams were formed. 
The SASP State Championship was fired by 89 brave young men and women who first had to weather a three-hour thunderstorm delay. Participants came from all over the state ranging in ages from 10 to 18. There were 54 male and 34 female shooters on 25 squads shooting rifle and pistol. Range Officers came from across the state and included the Texas Carbine group of Corpus Christi and the 2017 SASP College National Champion Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit from Texas A&M University. The match concluded with awards and a catered BBQ dinner provided for all. High Overall Individuals and High Overall Teams in Rimfire, Centerfire and Rifle are listed below: High Overall Male Rimfire Pistol – Ethan Inocando ~ South Texas Shooters ~ 33.91 Centerire Pistol – Holden Perez ~ South Texas Shooters ~ 47.39 Rifle Optics – David Rodriguez ~ South Texas Tactical Run N Gun ~ 43.79 Rifle Iron – Aidan Ruiz ~ South Texas Shooters ~ 58.94 High Overall Female Rimfire Pistol – Natalie Rose ~ NTX Hot Shots ~ 57.37 Centerire Pistol – Katy Allen ~ South Texas Shooters ~ 76.79 Rifle Optics – Anasofia Montemayor ~ South Texas Tactical Run N Gun ~ 36.61 Rifle Iron – Naomy Lilly ~ South Texas Shooters ~ 59.41
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.
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.
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. 
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 