Slider Archives - SSSF - Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation

ACTION SHOOTING ATHLETE GOES FOR GOLD AT JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Written by Tom Davis on May 4, 2023. Posted in New SSSF, Slider.

BLAINE REALLY DOES OWE ALL HIS SUCCESS TO THE SSSF AND SASP PROGRAMS.
LORI SIMPSON, SASP PARENT

BLAINE AND HIS TWIN BROTHER AARON BEGAN SHOOTING IN THE SCHOLASTIC ACTION SHOOTING PROGRAM AS SIXTH GRADERS, FORMIMG THE SHOOTING TEAM, TWO2SHOOT. NOW WITH TWO GOLD MEDALS UNDER HIS BELT FROM THE 2023 JUNIOR OLYMPIC PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIPS, BLAINE HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR THE JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND JUNIOR WORLD CUP TEAMS FOR SPORT PISTOL.

“In the beginning they couldn’t have had any success without Scott and Lisa Poet-the Michigan State Directors,” said Blaine’s mother, Lori Simpson. “They held our hands and showed us the way, and really set Aaron and Blaine up for the success that followed. Aaron and Blaine usually compete for the top spot at the SASP National Championships in Iron & Optic Rifle, and have continued to be the Ohio State Rifle Cup Champions year-after-year. Aaron and Blaine shot 3-position air rifle for a while in the winter months, and then a year ago at the SASP National Championships Rick Leach-SASP Director, introduced Blaine to Vladimir Chichkov, and precision air pistol. With the support of SASP, Rick Leach, James Hall and Jim Henderson, Blaine started competing in air pistol. James Hall, SASP Director of Development, made sure Blaine had a pistol to get started, and has been a constant resource to Blaine. Jim Henderson-Director Cardinal Shooting Center, introduced Blaine to an electronic target and let Blaine shoot an electronic target once a week at the Cardinal Center. Blaine now has a primitive air range set up in the basement and he has everyone on speed dial when he needs coaching tips, encouragement and moral support.”

“When SASP started our international disciplines just under 2 years ago, we were met with some naysayers, said SASP National Director, Rick Leach. “We were told just because our athletes can shoot fast, doesn’t mean they will be able to shoot accurately and with precision. Our response was we have extremely talented athletes with a lot of drive and determination, and they can do anything they put their minds to. They love pressing triggers and competing and we need to open as many doors as we can to provide opportunities for our athletes to be successful.”

“I have had the great opportunity to mentor Blaine, said James Hall, Olympian and SASP Director of Development. “He’s a very attentive athlete and has focused on his goals and made significant improvements in the last year. I tease that one of my goals for him and other rising SASP athletes is to replace me on the podium!”

“The competitive shooting community has truly become his shooting family,” said Lori Simpson. “SASP has encouraged Blaine and Aaron to pursue their goals and dream big! Blaine has made so many lifelong friendships, and everyone is always rooting for one another. The shooting community wants success for youth athletes both on and off the range. We are so proud of his success. Blaine hopes his most recent two Gold Medals at the 2023 Junior Olympic Pistol Championships, and being named to the Junior World Championship teams is just the beginning. He can’t wait to represent the United States on an international stage.”

SSSF Donates Over $450,000 To Youth Shooting Sports Teams

Written by SSSF Staff on November 25, 2020. Posted in New SSSF, Slider, SSSF News and Information, Uncategorized.

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) recently donated $451,258.50 to Team Endowment Accounts at the MidwayUSA Foundation, providing assistance for youth shooting sports expenses. Teams earned funds by raising money through the SSSF’s Reload For 2021 campaign and the SSSF Member Matching Program. Teams purchasing ATA and or NSSA/NSCA memberships through the SCTP also had deposits made to their accounts.

So far, this year's donations have benefited 339 teams participating in the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) and Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), participating throughout 37 different states. The growth of youth shooting sports is apparent, as the number of benefiting teams has increased nearly four-fold since 2018. To date, the SSSF has donated over $6.9 million to SCTP and SASP team endowment accounts at the MidwayUSA Foundation.

SSSF MidwayUSA Foundation Endowment Account Donation Summary

CommunicationInfo_MUSAFDonation112420-Summary

Please contact the SSSF for more information on how your shooting team can earn team endowment funding for their account at the MidwayUSA Foundation.

The Team Endowment Program at the MidwayUSA Foundation gives a community the ability to financially support a competitive youth shooting sports program or financially assist in the start-up of a new youth shooting sports program. The team can then request a grant of up to 5% of their endowment account balance once each year, in either December or June, to pay for team expenses. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit midwayusafoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570.

Krasulak Defends Top Gun Title At 2020 National Championships

Written by SSSF Staff on August 17, 2020. Posted in New SSSF, Slider, SPP Blog, SSSF News and Information, Uncategorized.

The honor of being the "Top Gun Champion" of the SCTP and SASP National Championships is claimed for the second year in a row by Jack Krasulak from the Young Guns of Quail Creek team in Okeechobee, Florida.

Since its inception in 2018, the CZ-USA Top Gun Challenge has recognized the commitment, stamina, and multi-discipline mastery of athletes who compete in both the SCTP and SASP National Championship events. These athletes challenge themselves by preparing for two vastly different shooting sports and must perform at the National Championship level over multiple days and events.

In the 2020 CZ-USA Top Gun Challenge, competitors were scored in trap, skeet, a rifle discipline of choice, and a centerfire pistol (iron, optic, or 1911), with their scores from each event being compiled to calculate the winners. Due to the unusual season, all 2020 SASP Nationals were held virtually from home ranges across the country. While SCTP National Championship events were held in-person at the Cardinal Shooting Center, the Virtual National events were scheduled in conjunction with the events in Ohio to provide flexibility for teams unable to travel.

Of the 15 athletes vying for the title of Top Gun, Jack Krasulak once again came out on top.

In the SASP events, Jack went back and forth for the fastest overall scores in the Centerfire and Rifle disciplines with 2nd place Bailey Lueders of the Arnold Junior Shooters/Brass Bandits. Tied with Bailey in the SCTP Trap events with 189's, it was Jack's strong score of 190 in Skeet that allowed him to pull away from the competition and secure the title of Top Gun for the 2nd year in a row.

Graduating in 2021, Jack will be defending his title of Top Gun one more time at the 2021 SCTP and SASP National Championships next July.

Thank you to CZ USA and our other generous SCTP/SASP program sponsors for their support of our Top Gun competitors!

1^st Place Jack Krasulak shooting for the Young Guns of Quail Creek of Florida repeats as CZ USA Top Gun Challenge Champion. Jack wins a CZ USA Drake shotgun, a RUGER 10-22 Rifle, and a Browning Buckmark Camper pistol.

2^nd Place Bailey Lueders of Arnold Junior Shooters SCTP /Brass Bandits SASP in MO finished just 12 points behind to be the highest finishing female ever in the CZ USA Top Gun Challenge. For her efforts she wins a CZ Drake shotgun.

3^rd Place Wyatt Young of the Muskego Warriors of WI wins a certificate for a GLOCK of his choice for SASP Founding Partner Sponsor GLOCK

4^th Place Jordan Zeircher of the Arnold Junior Shooters SCTP/Brass Bandits SASP in MO. Jordan wins a Mossberg Blaze rifle.

5^th Place Ethan Michek of S.E.a.L from WI. Ethan wins a case of Winchester Shotgun shells and 1000 rounds of .22LR CCI Mini Mags.

6^th Place Alex Parker of Dewey, Hittem and Howe SCTP/ Holyoke SASP in MA. Alex wins a RE Ranger shooting glasses and Walker’s Hearing protection.

Berretta USA Presents Inaugural Skeet Scholarship at SCTP Nationals

Written by SSSF Staff on August 11, 2020. Posted in Slider, SSSF News and Information, Uncategorized.

Gold-level Sponsor, Beretta expanded the support of the Scholastic Clay Target Program with the inaugural Cav. Ugo Gussalli Beretta Skeet Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to the high school-aged, top athlete in American Skeet (male or female) shooting a Beretta Shotgun at the 2020 SCTP National Championship!

"The biggest supporters of our program consistently go above and beyond to give back to these young athletes, said SCTP National Director, Tom Wondrash. "Since its inception, the Beretta Scholarship has been a popular competition within the National Championship events. Every year we have athletes who shoot Beretta shotguns sign up to see who comes out on top, receiving honors from one of our biggest program sponsors. It is in an incredible honor to have the President of Beretta become personally involved in this scholarship for our young athletes. Actions like Beretta's are a strong indication that the industry recognizes the philanthropic value in supporting these kids and how that contributes to nurturing shooting sports as a whole."

Congratulations to Soren Hanson of the KCCL Orange Crushers, shooting a 198/200 in American Skeet! For his performance, Beretta provided Soren a Beretta 694. Soren will be attending Northern Michigan University this fall for Construction Management.

Cav. Ugo Gussalli Beretta Skeet Scholarship winner, Soren Hanson

An additional opportunity to receive honors from Beretta at Nationals came during the Skeet Doubles Individual shoot-offs, where any athletes whose scores ending in a 4, 7, or 9 were invited to shoot a round of doubles skeet. Colin Davis of the Forest City Juniors shot the winning round of 49/50 after shooting a competition round of 97/100 and was awarded a Beretta A400 Action!

Skeet Shoot Off Winner With Beretta A400 Action — Beretta A400 winner Colin Davis

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to Beretta for supporting these young athletes throughout the season and especially during the biggest youth shooting sports event of the year!

More information about the Cav. Ugo Gussalli Beretta Skeet Scholarship can be found at: https://www.beretta.com/en-us/beretta-usa-to-present-inaugural-cav-ugo-gussalli-beretta-skeet-scholarship-at-2020-sctp-nationals/

The SCTP Announces The 2020 SCTP College Virtual Competition!

Written by SSSF Staff on August 7, 2020. Posted in Slider, SSSF News and Information, Uncategorized.

ATTENTION ALL COLLEGES!
Due to the overwhelming success of the SCTP’s virtual shoots this year, we present to you the 1^st annual SCTP Fall College Virtual Competition! Colleges, come join the fun and competition without the drive and expenses this fall!

Running for 5 weeks from September 7^th through October 11th, the College Virtual competition will give registered college teams and athletes the opportunity to compete in a National tournament against teams across the country! The best part, it is free for members*, with plaques and medals for top teams and athletes!

SCTP Team, coach and athlete paperwork will be available on or about August 17^th. If teams need paperwork prior to that date, please reach out to Amanda Wondrash at awondrash@sssfonline.com

Athletes and teams will be able to compete in either Trap Singles or Skeet….or both! Each event will be 50 targets or 2 rounds of 25 per week. The final day to register is September 6^th and scores for the first week must be sent back to us or entered by midnight of September 13^th

The competition will be in 4 divisions, including Division 4 (2-year college division).
A complete list of rules and information are available below.

SAVE THE DATE FOR COLLEGE NATIONALS! Dates for the in-person SCTP College Nationals are October 16-18 at the Cardinal Center in Marengo, Ohio. In the event that colleges will be unable to travel this fall, the SCTP will run a “Virtual” College Nationals, details to follow! Prizes, trophies, and awards will be included for that event!

*Members/Teams must be paid in full and in good standing prior to September 1^st to be eligible.

SCTP College Virtual Competition Rules and Guidelines

2020-SCTP-College-Virtual-Competition

SCTP Expands National Championship Events With Incredible Success

Written by SSSF Staff on August 5, 2020. Posted in SCTP Blog, Slider, SSSF News and Information, Uncategorized.

Over the course of 10 days, SCTP athletes converged on the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio for the much anticipated 2020 National Championship. This year's event was different for many reasons but was resoundingly welcomed by athletes, coaches, families, and sponsors in the midst of an unusual season. After careful consideration and advisement from the Ohio Department of Health, Cardinal Shooting Center, and medical professionals, the SCTP went forward putting on the National Championship on July 9th through the 18th.

Kicking off the event at the Cardinal Center were the SCTP International Championships, which historically had been held in Colorado later in the year.

Encouraging growth and awareness for the International disciplines of International Skeet and Bunker Trap, the SCTP held the International events on the front end of the National Championship in 2020. "This gave the opportunity for more athletes to participate in the International disciplines while relieving families from the burden of additional travel costs from a separate event," said SCTP National Director, Tom Wondrash. "By having our International events as part of the National Championship, awareness and participation for these disciplines have increased considerably. This year our Bunker Trap entries doubled and we had many athletes who were competing in events later in the week come by to watch the International competitions. Many of those athletes will be coming back to compete in the International disciplines next year! Our International Championship was a wonderful success thanks to Promatic, The Potterfield family, and the Cardinal Center staff. Everyone worked incredibly hard on a very tight deadline to construct the new bunker fields for this event."

Following the International competitions were the familiar 8 days of the SCTP National Championship, where thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and sponsors participated in and supported the disciplines of Skeet (Singles/Doubles), Trap (Singles/Doubles/Handicap), and Sporting Clays.

To accommodate teams unable to travel due to unusual restrictions in the 2020 season, the SCTP held a Virtual National Championship, which was open to all registered teams across the country. Held in conjunction with the in-person National Championships schedule at the Cardinal Center, athletes participated at their home ranges, accounting for over 1,000 event entries. "Many of our teams were very excited and thankful for the opportunity to compete for the National Championship virtually from their home range this year," said Chet Tuinstra, SCTP Eastern Director of Development. "There are many aspects of the 2020 National Championship that had never been done before. We are incredibly proud of how this all came together and are very thankful for the volunteers, sponsors, and Cardinal Center staff who helped make this such a success."

Over 2,000 athletes from nearly 300 teams participated in the 2020 SCTP National Championships, representing 37 states. Youth athletes participating in many other sports throughout the country were faced with disappointment this spring from altered and even canceled seasons. "Our team put in many, many hours considering how to handle an event as large as Nationals in the midst of an unusual season," said Jeff Morrison, SCTP Western Director of Development. "By June, we moved forward with hosting Regional events and the National Championship. As soon we put the word out, we got many excited messages from the teams and even encouragement from our sponsors."

By the close of Nationals, over one-million clays were thrown at the Cardinal Center and all over the nation from team home ranges," beamed Amanda Wondrash, SCTP Administrative Coordinator.

"The SCTP National Championship is an incredibly large and prestigious event, regarded highly by so many teams, families, and supporters who believe in the future of shooting sports.We are so thankful to have received an overwhelming amount of praise and appreciation for not just going forward with Nationals, but for also having the determination to adapt and even expand the event this year."

Media from member-submitted photo and video can be viewed on Facebook or Instagram by exploring #sctpnationals2020

For scores and leaderboard information from the 2020 SCTP National Championship, please see the following link: https://app.sssfonline.com/nationals/2551

2020 SCTP All-State Team Members

Written by SSSF Staff on July 23, 2020. Posted in Slider, SSSF News and Information, Uncategorized.

The Scholastic Clay Target Program is happy to announce your All-State Team members for 2020!

The 2020 All-State Team standings were compiled from the 2020 National Championship scores shot in OH at the Cardinal Center, with All-State Team members receiving designating jerseys. The top 3 teams in each of the main event disciplines receive custom belt buckles for their performances at Nationals!

If your athlete did not receive their jersey or buckle in person, they will be mailed in the coming weeks.

Congratulations to all athletes!

SSSF MidwayUSA Foundation Endowment Account Donation Summary

Of the 15 athletes vying for the title of Top Gun, Jack Krasulak once again came out on top.

Graduating in 2021, Jack will be defending his title of Top Gun one more time at the 2021 SCTP and SASP National Championships next July.

Thank you to CZ USA and our other generous SCTP/SASP program sponsors for their support of our Top Gun competitors!

Kicking off the event at the Cardinal Center were the SCTP International Championships, which historically had been held in Colorado later in the year.

Following the International competitions were the familiar 8 days of the SCTP National Championship, where thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and sponsors participated in and supported the disciplines of Skeet (Singles/Doubles), Trap (Singles/Doubles/Handicap), and Sporting Clays.

Skeet All-State Teams

Sporting Clays All-State Teams

Trap All-State Teams