Author: SSSF Staff

The SCTP National College Team Championships were held this past Halloween weekend at the Cardinal Shooting Center and Black Wing Shooting Centers just north of Columbus, Ohio. Even though the facilities were decked out with ghouls, witches, bats, zombies and spiders, the 209 College athletes representing 18 teams from 13 states were not afraid. In fact, they were focused and confident as they busted the 97,000+ targets thrown as a result of the 777 total registrations. “The teams had a great time and were welcomed with open arms by the staff at the Cardinal Center and Black Wing Shooting Facility,” Tom Wondrash, the national director of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), said. “We were very happy that this could all be pulled off.  I would like to say a huge 'thank you' to all involved in making this a great experience for our college teams.” With the short notice of the WSRC closing effective October 1^st, the SCTP Team had to move the tournament. These venues in Ohio made a perfect setting and may prove to be the new home for next years and beyond for the SCTP National College Team Championships. Here are the HOA results. Please go to our website at www.sssfonline.org for the complete listing by clicking on “results” in the red tool bar, then go to SCTP and then “National." HOA Division I Champion – Lindenwood University / MO Runner Up – Bethel University / TN   Division II Champion – Clemson University / SC Runner Up – Midland University / NE 3^rd Place – Fort Hayes State / KS 4^th Place – Martin Methodist College / TN 5^th Place – Eastern Kentucky University / KY   Division III Champion – Hillsdale College / MI Runner Up – South Eastern IL University / IL 3^rd Place – Roane State College / TN 4^th Place – University of Alabama / AL 5^th Place – Concordia University / NE

Last week Jacksonville University's shooting team was noted as the "Team of the Week" on News 4 JAX. The team recently won the Southeast Collegiate Championship and swept the awards. You can learn a little bit about the team in this short video. In the video, David Dobson, head coach for the JU Shooting Team says the team’s success is the result of having the right team members. He told News 4 JAX, “It’s just like baseball or football, lacrosse or any other sport. Bring right people in and build the program directly.” Team member Sean Hensley credits his coach for the team’s success. “Once you’re in competition, it’s really subconscious,” Hensley said.  “You just practice what he’s taught you through the years he’s been coaching and teaching you, so it’s really second nature when you get out in the competition.” The station interviewed several of the team members who spoke of how they got involved in shooting. Team members are an assortment of football players, cheerleaders, military personnel and others who simply wanted to learn the sport. One team member said his interest in shooting peaked when he got involved with the Scholastic Clay Target Program while vacationing in Arizona. Team member Trysten Routledge said, “This team is incredible. Like you said, we have people from all walks of life. I would do anything for any of them. We’re a big family.”

Simpson College, a private residential liberal arts college in Indianola, Iowa, seeks coaching candidates for a newly created position with the College’s Shooting Sports Club team. Qualified applicants will have an excellent working knowledge of shooting sports, especially the Scholastic Clay Target Program and the Scholastic Pistol Program. This is a full-time position and will be responsible for:

• Safety of student athletes;
• Working directly with the Admissions Department on the recruitment of student athletes;
• The organization and supervision of team practices;
• Organization and supervision of athletes in collegiate competitions;
• Management of the club’s budget and fund raising;
• Coordination of outreach programs for Simpson College and surrounding community; and
• Other duties within the College as assigned, based upon the qualifications of the candidate.

For qualifications and additional information, check out http://simpson.edu/shooting-club-coach/.  

SCTP shooter Skyler Rogers needs your help. The youth shooter is in need of a bone marrow transplant, and he's looking for a match.

A bone marrow registry drive is being held Dec. 5, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix, Az.

Skyler is a State Champion and nationally ranked shotgun shooter with a heart of gold. He is always the first to pitch in and help a stranger, but this time it’s Skyler who needs help. At the age of 3, Skyler was diagnosed with a blood disorder called ITP. Skyler’s bone marrow is dying and he needs to find someone with his bone marrow match. Skyler is looking forward to getting into the hospital and getting the transplant started. He’s already making plans for when he’s better. No doubt Skyler will do great things once he's feeling better; that’s just his personality. Registration takes 5 to 10 minutes and consists of a consent form and a cheek swab. Donors must be 18 to 44 years of age. If you can’t make it to the drive, join online here: http://join.marrow.org/marrow. A cheek swab will be mailed to you. For more information about bone marrow donation, check out www.bethematch.org. Contact info: Be The Match Representative: Aubrie Vargas – (602) 277-1390   avargas@nmdp.org     Drive Coordinators: The Ben Avery Clay Crushers Uncle Mike Rogers unclemikeazgfdctc@gmail.com  

Those interested in learning the basics of coaching beginning to intermediate shooters are invited to attend the Level 1 Shotgun Coach Course, which will be held Nov. 7-8, 2015 at the Colorado Clays Shooting Park in Brighton, Col. The coach school provides two days of shotgun-specific lessons and practical coaching exercises. The course schedule includes instruction on safety, rules, mental training, shooting basics, building quality programs, conducting tournaments and other fundamentals of coaching. The instruction will be led by Scott Moniot, National Coach Development Staff (NCDS) NRA/USAS, Advanced Certified Shotgun Coach, Level 3. The cost for the course is $190 and includes all printed materials, three-year coaching credentials with the NRA, range fees, and lunch/refreshments each day. Individuals must bring a 12- or 20 -gauge shotgun, eye and ear protection, vest or shell pouch, and at least two boxes of shotgun shells. For registration contact: Amanda Wondrash, SCTP 165 Bay Ridge Lane Burlington, WI 53105 awondrash@sssfonline.com 262-206-4634 For more information contact: Jennifer Kirchhoefer jkirchhoefer@sssfonline.com 317-258-1311 Accommodations available at: Holiday Inn Express and Suites Denver Northeast - Brighton 20180 South Medical Center Drive Brighton, CO 80601 720-685-1500

The National Rifle Association and the Scholastic Pistol Program are proud to announce the first Scholastic Pistol Program Pistol Camp in Tucson, Arizona. The camp will take place December 21-23, 2015 at the Pima Pistol Club.   The unique camp, sponsored by the NRA, will be limited to 32 athletes and will feature both range and classroom training aimed to take an athlete to the next level.  The first two days will include shooting skills.  Day three is an SPP match in the morning and a rifle side match in the afternoon.  The price includes three lunches, ammunition and a SPP camp shirt.  Participants will be using .22 LR (ammo is included in the cost of the camp) and pistols will be available for those who do not have a suitable gun. If an athlete prefers to use his or her own 9mm pistol, the participant will be required to furnish his or her own ammo (650 rds).  Registration information will be available soon.