Author: SSSF Staff

Now Accepting Applications For 2020 Scholarships


The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF), is once again offering our scholarship program to reward deserving, graduating seniors in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) with needed college assistance. The main objective is to award as many scholarships as possible to qualifying SCTP / SASP graduating seniors.

Since 2013, the SSSF has awarded over $450,000 in scholarship funds benefiting over 450 student athletes, from nearly all 50 states in the Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting programs. We are pleased to announce that last year's Scholarship Program awarded over $100,000 to qualifying applicants.

The SSSF is establishing minimal guidelines for the selection procedure, thus allowing the final selection to be as simple as possible.

*NOTE – You must be a current and paid member of the SCTP or SASP national organization at the time of application submission! See details on how to complete your team registration here.

General Procedures: Each applicant must be a graduating senior within the year of the awarded scholarship and must be registered for college before the scholarship is awarded in that same year.• Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average through the most recent grading period ending on or before April 1, 2020.

• Each prospective recipient must be registered as a full-time college student before the scholarship is awarded and must provide the name of the post-secondary college or community/ junior college to receive the scholarship proceeds. Each scholarship check will be mailed to the appropriate college in the student's name by October 1, 2020. The scholarship funds are to be used for tuition.  This is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship.

• Applicants may not be in receipt of any "full" scholarship funds in order to qualify (i.e., athletics, military academy, academic, etc.).

• Applicants must have participated during 2019-2020 in one of their SCTP / SASP State Championships, National Championships, or regional events in Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, Olympic Bunker, Olympic Skeet Championships; Pistol or Rifle.

• Applicants must be able to complete all parts of the application packet:

Application / Personal Information Page:
•One Page Student Resume or School and Non-School Activities and Honors
•One Page Essay (see Essay Guidelines)
•Must attach current high school transcript or home school transcript!
Application Deadline (for the entire application packet): Midnight, April 19th, 2020
All Materials Must Be Received together as one packet by Deadline.  No exceptions!

Ruger To Auction Mini-14 In Support Of SASP

Ruger Firearms has generously donated a Ruger® Collectable-model Mini-14 to benefit the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). The unique rifle is being auctioned on Gunbroker.com now through March 4th at 12:30 pm.

We have for auction a stainless, .223 Rem. caliber Ruger® Mini-14® rifle with serial number 186-79836. The test fire date of this rifle is February 19, 1998. It was shipped in March 1998 to the Secretary of Defense in Mexico and returned to the factory in February 2004. There is a letter “U” hand-etched in front of the serial number that indicates a “used” firearm. In 1998 this model rifle was only for sale to Law Enforcement and Government agencies. The left side of the receiver (above the serial number) and the 20-round magazines are stamped, “–RESTRICTED LAW ENFORCEMENT/GOV’T–USE ONLY 91494–” “91494” indicates the “official cutoff” date for the “high-cap” pre-ban Mini-14 rifles – September 14, 1994. This Ruger® Mini-14® rifle has an 18-1/2 inch barrel with flash suppressor. It also features a rear peep sight (adjustable for elevation and windage), and fixed front sight with bayonet lug. Other features include an American hardwood stock with a curved butt plate, a heat- resistant ventilated fiberglass handguard, and two 20-round magazines. Please visit our website (Ruger.com) to view more photos of this rifle as there are some small scratches on the stock. NOTE: This firearm may not be available in all states and locales due to feature-based restrictions. Please check with your local law enforcement agency prior to purchasing to verify that it may legally be purchased and/or possessed in your particular state and locale. The rifle is being sold “as is.” The purchaser assumes all liability for its safe and proper ownership, storage, use, and resale. The Mini-14 rifle will be shipped in the box it had been stored in along with an appropriate instruction manual and locking device. The rifle is a part of the Ruger factory collection in Southport, Connecticut, and a Certificate of Authenticity will be mailed to the winner of the auction.

View this unique Mini-14 on Gunbroker.com and place your winning bid!

Ruger has committed to supporting the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) through a series of Gunbroker.com auctions running through mid-April, with a new auction beginning each Wednesday at 12:30 pm EST. ALL proceeds go towards SASP and upcoming auctions will include many rare “one-of-a-kind” sample firearms!

Ruger P90 auction to benefit SASP

Ruger Firearms has generously donated a Ruger® P90 to benefit the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). The handgun is being auctioned on Gunbroker.com now through February 26th at 12:30 pm.

The stainless P90™ manual safety model pistols first appeared as “NEW” in the 1992 Ruger Firearms Catalog. The serial number of this P90™ is 660-86825 and the testfire date is April 21, 1994. This pistol has never been fired beyond normal testing during manufacture. The .45ACP caliber P90™ pistol is made of hard-coated A356T6 aircraft quality aluminum alloy, 400-series stainless steel, with 6123 Xenoy resin grip panels. It also features an oversized trigger guard, full-time ambidextrous magazine latch, and lanyard loop. Other features include manual ambidextrous safety levers, a 4-1/2 inch barrel, and adjustable Tru-Dot® sights instead of the standard high-visibility white-dot front and rear sights. (This was not a regular production model pistol.) The P90™ Pistol will be shipped in an orange and black, hinged cardboard P-Series pistol box along with a 7-shot magazine, an appropriate instruction manual, and locking device. The pistol is being sold “as is,” and the purchaser assumes all liability for its safe and proper ownership, storage, use, and resale. The pistol is a part of the Ruger factory collection in Southport, Connecticut, and a Certificate of Authenticity will be mailed to the winner of the auction. Please note that the winning bidder of this auction is responsible for paying the Federal Excise Tax of $26.70.

View this P90 on Gunbroker.com and place your winning bid!

Ruger has committed to supporting the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) through a series of Gunbroker.com auctions running through mid-April, with a new auction beginning each Wednesday at 12:30 pm EST. ALL proceeds go towards SASP and upcoming auctions will include many rare “one-of-a-kind” sample firearms!

SASP Athlete Attempts “GM Sweep”

Ryan Flowers, a Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) athlete on the Clemson Action Shooting Team is on a mission.

A goal that is focused on racking up Steel Challenge classifications. Grand Master classifications to be specific. In every division. As we spoke with him, we found out that his pursuit of the “GM Sweep” is really more about proving one thing: that shooting is shooting.

Ryan Flowers, at just 22 years old is the 1st and only 11-division Steel Challenge Grand Master and the 2019 Steel Challenge Single Stack World Champion. But we all begin somewhere.

“I was watching Shooting USA on the Outdoors Channel and saw coverage of the USPSA Nationals,” says Flowers. “I saw all the big pros like Max Michel run the course and I thought it was pretty cool.” Like many new shooters, Ryan found his first competition by doing an internet search that came back with a local IDPA match he could try his hand at. “I did pretty bad,” chuckled Flowers. “I thought I could shoot before I got there and ended up finishing in the middle of the pack. This lit a fire under me to practice and get better.”

From then on, Ryan began finding action shooting sports like USPSA and Steel Challenge to compete in and like many of our athletes, he and others formed their own SASP team at Clemson University. When asked how he got involved in the Scholastic Action Shooting Program, he plainly responded, “There wasn’t a shooting team, so we made one. Andrew Jezewski contacted me once the team was established and at first, I wore a lot of hats. Founding member, President, Recruitment Manager, Training Scheduler, you name it. We wanted to create a team-based experience for Clemson students, so the SASP was the perfect program for that.”

By this time Ryan had already started making a name for himself as an individual competitor, especially in the world of Steel Challenge. The action shooting sports typically foster friendly and supportive communities, despite the fast and fierce competition.

However, Ryan soon understood the positives of having a team-based atmosphere to compete in, something fundamental to the SASP experience.

“The team scoring shows how well you can get four individuals shooting together comprehensively”, said Flowers. “It also shows how well you work together as a team and how you’ve brought up everyone’s skills to a certain level when it comes time for the match. It’s not just your performance that matters anymore. You’ve got three teammates that are relying on you to perform and vice-versa.“

“Another great thing about the team is the ability to take people who otherwise would not be able to financially get into the sport and even people who would normally be intimidated about shooting matches, we can help them and encourage them when they are first starting out. The majority of our members had never competed in a match before or even really shot a firearm before. It’s all about furthering the shooting sports.”

Last season, Clemson University came back from the Collegiate Nationals with medals for 3rd PCC and 2nd in the 1911 division. Ryan himself secured male overall wins in Centerfire Pistol, 1911, PCC, and Iron Sight Rifle. When not focused on SASP competitions with his team, Flowers actively strives to achieve what is called the GM Sweep in Steel Challenge, who’s competitions follow a similar format to our SASP matches. The sweep requires the competitor to achieve Grand Master-level mastery in every division, something that has never been done before.

Even now, Flowers is in a league of his own as the first in history to earn 11-divsion Grand Master certifications, his current record.

“We’ve learned from practicing SASP stages during the season and transferred what we know about shooting steel over to Steel Challenge competitions,” detailed Flowers. What I find enjoyable is being able to shoot other guns on these stages. I got my first GM classifications in Rimfire Pistol Open and Irons. Then I started thinking, if I did this well with these two, how well can I do in other divisions? By the time I got to three or four, at that point I thought, maybe I can get all of them?

It’s fun to be able to go from shooting an Open gun, to a revolver, to a pistol caliber carbine on the same stages. Something I’ve learned through achieving a high level of mastery in many different kinds of firearms, the principle is the same. When you sit down to analyze, “how can I shoot rifle and pistol better,” you can break it down even further and simply ask “how do I shoot the gun the best? “ At that level, I don’t think there’s a whole lot of difference between divisions. When you approach it this way and are honest with yourself, it can really take your comprehensive shooting to the next level.”

Ryan’s final two GM classifications to achieve are Irons Sight Revolver and Optic Revolver. Young SASP competitors often begin challenging themselves in additional kinds of action shooting competitions such as Steel Challenge and USPSA. The former, is often regarded as the ultimate test of drag racing with pistols and rifles. However, a very interesting fact is that in terms of participation, the SASP National Championship is the largest action shooting event in the world. This incredible achievement is all done with youth athletes like Ryan. The future for the action shooting sports looks bright!

SASP Collegiate Nationals begin March 13-15th at CMP Marksmanship Park in Talladega, AL. Squads begin each morning at 9am with afternoon squads beginning at 1PM. Awards to follow last shots Sunday afternoon.

We are looking for volunteers to help as scorekeepers or safety officers for Collegiate Nationals. Volunteers will be entered into a drawing to win guns and other prizes for each 4-hour shift worked! Sign up here

Safety Officers needed for SASP Collegiate Nationals

SASP Collegiate Nationals will be held March 13-15 at the CMP Marksmanship Park in Talladega, AL. University and college teams from all over the country will be competing for the quickest times and we need your help to run them through the match efficiently! We are looking to get volunteers to help as scorekeepers or safety officers. Volunteers will be entered into a drawing to win guns and other prizes for each 4-hour shift worked!

Please consider volunteering for Collegiate Nationals, the sign up form can be found below!

Safety Officer Sign Up Form, SASP Collegiate Nationals

Registration Open for 2020 SASP Collegiate National Championship

SASP University and College teams across the country will be converging on Talladega, Alabama on March 13-15th for the Collegiate Nationals. 

Young athletes will be giving their all for podium-performances, with the squads shooting the lowest overall time in each division taking home the gold.

*REGISTER BEFORE 5PM ON FEBRUARY 21ST TO RESERVE YOUR SHIRT SIZE!

2020 SASP Collegiate Nationals Schedule

  • Friday, March 13th: 9 AM start with four available bays for morning squads and eight available bays for afternoon squads
  • Saturday, March 14th: 9 AM and 1 PM start times
  • Sunday, March 15th: 9 AM start with awards to follow last shot fired


NOTE: NO practice bays will be available at any time during Collegiate Nationals, so please make sure your gear is ready before you arrive! 

*REGISTER BEFORE 5PM ON FEBRUARY 21ST TO RESERVE YOUR SHIRT SIZE!

Ruger auctions Redhawk Revolver in support of SASP

Ruger Firearms has generously donated a uniquely serialized Ruger® Redhawk to benefit the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). The revolver is being auctioned on Gunbroker.com now through February 19th at 12:30 pm.

Up for auction is a Ruger® Redhawk® revolver in .44 Magnum caliber. The serial number is 502-75315 and it was roll marked March 22, 1990. The revolver was never sold but it was shipped out on loan May 15, 1990 to the International Arms Fair in Turkey. It was received back at the factory April 11, 1996. The Redhawk double-action revolver has a 6-round capacity cylinder; is satin-polished stainless steel with a 7-1/2 inch barrel; and it has walnut grip panels. Other features include a steel rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation with a white outline square notch blade; and a ramp front sight base with a red plastic insert in the front sight. The revolver will be shipped in the brown cardboard box it had been stored in along with an appropriate instruction manual and locking device. The revolver is being sold “as is.” The purchaser assumes all liability for its safe and proper ownership, storage, use, and resale. The revolver is a part of the Ruger factory collection in Southport, Connecticut, and a Certificate of Authenticity will be mailed to the winner of the auction. Note: Because this revolver had never been sold, the winner of this auction will be responsible for paying the Federal Excise Tax of $55.83.

View this uniquely serialized Redhawk revolver on Gunbroker.com and place your winning bid!

Ruger has committed to supporting the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) through a series of Gunbroker.com auctions running through mid-April, with a new auction beginning each Wednesday at 12:30 pm EST. ALL proceeds go towards SASP and upcoming auctions will include many rare “one-of-a-kind” sample firearms!

Announcing 2020 SCTP Banquets, Regional, and National Shoots Save The Dates!

Banquets

March 13 – SCTP Banquet (Waterford, WI)

March 21 – SCTP Banquet (Brooklyn, Iowa)

Regionals

March 7 – SCTP Shoot (GA/SC Border Skirmish, Edgefield SC)

March 28/29 – SCTP Regional Shoot (Whittington Center, Raton New Mexico)

April 17/19 – SCTP SE Regional Shoot (Savanah Gun Club, Savanah Georgia)

April 25/26 – SCTP North Woods Shoot Out and Fundraiser (Padus Gun Club, Wabeno WI)

May 1/3 - SCTP Regional Shoot (Brown County Sportsmans Club, Green Bay Wisconsin)

May 1/3 – SCTP Regional Shoot (Stockdale Gun Club, Ackley Iowa)

May 9/10 – SCTP Regional Shoot (Cardinal Center, Marengo Ohio)

May 9/10 – SCTP Regional Shoot (Westshore Sportsmans Club, Two Rivers Wisconsin)

May 16/17 – SCTP Regional Shoot (WSRC, Sparta IL)


Camps

May 20/25 – SCTP Junior Olympic Development Camp (Cardinal Center, Marengo Ohio)

Nationals

July 9/12 – SCTP International Style National Championships (Cardinal Center, Marengo Ohio)

July 11/18 – SCTP American Style National Championships (Cardinal Center, Marengo Ohio)

Ruger auctions M77 Mark II Express in support of SASP

Ruger Firearms has generously donated a Ruger® M77 Mark II Express to benefit the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). The rifle is being auctioned on Gunbroker.com now through February 12th at 12:30 pm.

This week’s auction item is a 7mm Rem Mag caliber Ruger® M77® Mark II Express rifle. The Express models were first introduced in 1992. The serial number on this rifle is 781-02176, and the test fire date is February 10, 1994. The M77® Mark II Express rifles were initially made within the “780-“ prefix serial number range. After a few hundred Express rifles were built, the serial numbering was then changed to the “760-“ prefix. This rifle was sold and shipped to a distributor in March 1994. It was shipped back to the factory in December 1996 and returned to stock. The rifle features a 24-inch blued barrel with matted quarter rib and is factory machined to accommodate Ruger scope rings. It has a blade front sight and v-notch rear express sights: one stationary and two folding that is drift adjustable for windage. Other features include a black composition forend tip and black rubber recoil pad with embossed Ruger® eagle logo. The steel pistol grip cap also features the Ruger® eagle logo. The M77® Express rifle has a steel hinged floorplate and trigger guard with a staggered box magazine that holds three cartridges. The stock is made of Circassian walnut with checkering on the pistol grip and forend. A set of sling swivels and a set of scope rings are included with this rifle. It will be shipped in the rifle box it had been stored in along with an original instruction manual, marketing materials, and locking device. The rifle is being sold “as is.” The purchaser assumes all liability for its safe and proper ownership, storage, use, and resale. The rifle is a part of the Ruger factory collection in Southport, Connecticut, and a Certificate of Authenticity will be mailed to the winner of the auction.

View this uniquely serialized M77 Mark II Express on Gunbroker.com and place your winning bid!

Ruger has committed to supporting the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) through a series of Gunbroker.com auctions running through mid-April, with a new auction beginning each Wednesday at 12:30 pm EST. ALL proceeds go towards SASP and upcoming auctions will include many rare “one-of-a-kind” sample firearms!

The SCTP would like to announce new State Advisors in Texas!

We are excited to introduce these individuals who have been selected as additional State Advisors for the SCTP in Texas. Each of them has considerable experience as coaches of SCTP teams and is passionate about giving back to the program as State Advisors!

Mario Gonzalez, Austin/San Antonio Region

In the spring of 2019, Mario organized a team for his daughter's high school, St. John Paul II Catholic High School. He serves as the head coach and is pleased to have an amazing amount of support from the school's leadership, students, and parents. In just its second season, approximately 15% of the school's student body were a member of the clay team and also members of SCTP.  Since then, Mario has been active in helping to establish the Austin/San Antonio Region for SCTP.  When he's not coaching, Mario enjoys all types of hunting, fly fishing, and traveling with his family. 
Madeline Maggard, Northeast Region

Madeline coaches for Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas which is in its third year. She has seven years of shooting experience, most of which is actually with action shooting sports. Jesuit has both a shotgun and pistol team, with forty-seven young SCTP and SASP athletes. In her free time, she shoots in steel challenge and GSSF matches, does a little hunting, and enjoys sharing her love of the shooting sports with others!
Don Williams, Northeast Region

I've been coaching youth shotgun for about 10 years. I started coaching 4-H in 2009 for Ellis county 4-H shooting sports. In 2015, I started the Red Oak High School shotgun team and served as Head Coach for about three years, as well as coaching 4-H. I got out of coaching for a couple of years and realized how much I missed it. I'm back in it now as head coach for the Waxahachie High School shotgun team.
Kris Keith, Northwest Region

My name is Kris Keith I have been coaching at SCTP for last five years. Currently, I am the head coach for the Fossil Pointe Legends in the Texas Northwest Division. I am currently an NRA certified Shotgun Instructor and NRA Level 1 Coach. I am married with two daughters, one college grad and the other a former SCTP competitor and college student. I enjoy outdoors hunting and fishing and I also shoot NSCA events as much as possible. I want to help grow young shooters in the sport so that it will be around for our future.

© Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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.