The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) and National Rifle Association (NRA) Competitive Shooting Sports division are proud to announce members of the 2017 All-Scholastic Team! Over 200 student athletes from 22 states have been named to the team this year and will be recognized at the opening ceremonies of the SSSF/SCTP/SASP Team Championship event on July 12 in Marengo, Ohio. The All-Scholastic Team recognizes the top student athletes in the SSSF’s Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting Program for their achievements in the classroom, on the range and in their communities. Through an application process, 2017 All-Scholastic Team Members have proven academic excellence by posting 3.0 or better grade point averages, shooting excellent scores in recent competition (95% in trap or skeet, 85% in sporting clays, 88% in international trap/skeet or 75 seconds or less for SASP) and by demonstrating outstanding community involvement. See the state-by-state athlete profiles for the 2017 All Scholastic Team members and learn more about how the SCTP and SASP are working to improve the lives of young people across the country. Congratulations to all qualifying team members!
Starting Wednesday, June 7, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) state trapshooting championships at the Iowa State Trapshooting Association home grounds just north of Cedar Falls.
Youth teams started the competition on Wednesday with high school competitors participating Thursday through Sunday. Over 2,400 youth from over 100 Iowa teams are scheduled to participate. This week’s trap championship event is the first of three culminating events to a season of shooting sports. Sporting clays and skeet state events will be conducted the next two weekends in Oskaloosa and Waukee. Why So Popular?The Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program has grown from nearly 400 athletes in 2007 to about 3,700 today. Iowa has been the largest state across the nation in the Scholastic Clay Target Program for the past several years. There is no “bench” in the shooting sports so everyone gets to play regardless of athletic ability. The sport is also co-gender and accommodating to those with disabilities. Many Iowa schools offer varsity letters for trapshooting athletes requiring shooters to follow the same academic standards and good conduct policies as other student-athletes.Most teams in Iowa begin practices in March and compete in dual, triangular and invitational meets throughout the spring. Teams are coached by adult volunteers who are certified through theIowa DNR Basic Shotgun Coach certification program. Firearms safety is always emphasized and the sport is safer than other popular sports offered in schools today. Iowa teams logged almost 600 competition events between September and June and have fired at over 1.6 million clay targets in these local competitions alone. An additional 500,000+ clay targets will be thrown during the 5 day trap championship eventEvent Details
Wednesday, June 7 – Rookie and Intermediate Divisions (Grades 8 and under)
Thursday, June 8 – Doubles and Handicap (i.e. added distance) Events, All Ages
Friday, June 9 through Sunday June 11 – High School Divisions
Iowa State Trapshooting Association Home Grounds
6138 W Cedar Wapsi Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
The SCTP, in conjunction with USA Shooting, is hosting the SCTP’s International Style National Championships on July 24-29, 2017 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Registration by SCTP team coaches opens on Saturday, June 10 in the SHOT System.
A limited number of rooms are available and must be booked prior to June 15 at the Double Tree Hotel in Colorado Springs for this week-long event.
Schedule of events as follows:
Monday July 24– Open Training
Tuesday & Wednesday July 25/26– Skeet Competition
Thursday July 27– Doubles competition and Open Bunker Training
Friday & Saturday July 28/29– Bunker Trap Competition
Saturday July 29at 6:00pm – Awards Banquet at the Double Tree Hotel
The month of June is a peak time for Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) team activity across the country, and if the first day of registration for the SCTP National Championships is any indicator, there will be record crowds again in Ohio for the July culminating event. Registration for SCTP Nationals opened June 1 and in the first 24 hours of open registration for the July 8-15 National Championships, 132 teams from 23 different states registered over 2,000 athletes. Combined registrations in all SCTP events totaled 4,396 compared to 3,804 for the first 24 hours of tournament registration one year ago. An additional 70-80 SCTP teams are expected to register prior to the July 5 deadline. “These numbers are absolutely incredible!” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP national director. “We had almost as many athletes and registrations in one day this year as we had in total at last year’s National Championships! People are excited about this year’s tournament for sure!” The 2017 event at the Cardinal Center in Marengo, Ohio, is on track to outpace the 2016 SCTP National event, which finished with 2,176 athletes and 4,576 event entries. While the numbers are already up significantly from last year’s registrations, Wondrash points out that there is still room at the spacious Cardinal Center. “There are many times and dates still available for this year’s National Championships. We encourage teams to join us in July to continue the fun throughout the summer!” The Scholastic Action Shooting Program will also hold its National Junior/Senior Championships in conjunction with the SCTP tournament. SASP Nationals registration opened on May 18 and currently has 342 athletes from 32 teams across 13 states registered to shoot. SASP registrations currently total 642 already out-pacing the 542 total entries from 2016. Teams may register for the SASP National Championships through July 5. The 1911 division first being offered at Nationals already has 62 entries About the National Championships The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) 2017 National Championships will take place near Marengo, Ohio, at the Cardinal Shooting Center July 8-15. The eight-day event is expected to draw around 2,500 youth from over 30 states. Over one million shots will be fired during the event with around $16 million generated in economic impact. Participating teams are organized and coached by certified volunteer leaders and have participated in their SCTP/SASP state championship event. To learn more about how you can start a SCTP or SASP team in your area or become a sponsor for the championship event, go to www.sssfonline.org/tournament-sponsorship/.
Sign up for our text messaging service and email updates to keep updated about current events, schedule changes, weather delays and other important news at the 2017 National Championships in Marengo, OH. Text Messaging - Simply text SSSF2017 to 94253 to opt in and you may opt out at any time. The service is free to use and will only be used for tournament information. Standard messaging rates may apply. Email Updates – signup online to join our listto receive the daily event schedule, event photos, and other news from the event direct to your inbox. Also, be sure to share your social media posts and photos and find other posts by using #SCTP2017 and #SASP2017!
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
Mark your calendar! Registration for the 2017 SCTP National Championships to be held in Marengo, Ohio, July 8-15, 2017, will open June 1 (at approximately 6 a.m. CST). All registration will be done through the SSSF SHOT System by SCTP coaches or team administrators with system access. Coaches: Cost: Skeet-$85 / Trap-$85 / Sporting Clays-$118 / Trap Dbls-$80 / Handicap-$80 / Skeet Dbls-$40 / Bunker - $60 Charity Sporting Clays Challenge - $80. This event is open to youth and adult shooters and the general public! Please remember, squad all your athletes that plan on attending. You can make changes to the squads up to the tournament. There will be no refunds for athletes after July 4. Holding of squad slots without entering athletes or entering duplicate squads will not be allowed and those squad slots will be re-opened. When squading your athletes, make sure you are squading on the proper days! Please have courtesy for other coaches and teams! Parents: Check with your coaches on squad times and days your athletes will be competing. As always, coaches will be responsible for squading their athletes for all events! Do not contact the national office for athlete shooting days/times. Please contact your head coach. Schedule: (all events will shoot 100 targets each day of the two-day period. Start times will flip for 2nd day) Saturday/Sunday – July 8-9 200 Skeet Targets (100 each day)
200 Handicap Targets
200 Doubles Targets
Bunker shoot Monday/Tuesday – July 10-11 200 Skeet Targets
200 Sporting Clays Targets
200 Handicap Targets
200 Doubles Targets
Bunker Shoot Monday night Banquet 5:00pm – 10:00pm Wednesday/Thursday – July 12-13 200 Skeet Targets
200 Sporting Clays Targets
200 Trap Targets (overflow and as needed)
Bunker Shoot Opening Ceremonies Wednesday – Approximately 4:45 p.m. Thursday Award ceremony for Skeet and Sporting Clays
Wednesday Annie Oakley shoot and awards for Handicap and Trap Doubles Friday/Saturday – July 14-15 100 Skeet Doubles Targets (Friday only) Winners will shoot off Saturday morning
200 Trap Targets
100 Sporting Clays Charity Shoot (benefit the Kids & Clay’s program and the SCTP scholarship program)
Award ceremony Friday night for Handicap, Doubles competition and Bunker Shoot
Friday Annie Oakley shoot. Award ceremony Saturday afternoon for Trap and HOA
Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is proud to announce the 2017 recipients in its Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) Scholarship Program. One hundred and five SCTP student athletes will receive scholarships totaling $83,000. From 2013 through its 2017 distributions, SSSF has awarded over $300,000 in scholarship funds benefiting over 300 student athletes in the Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting programs. Athletes who are graduating from high school in 2017 and will enroll in college this year were eligible to apply for this year’s scholarships. Awards are based on SCTP/SASP participation, academics, need, essays and other factors. The scholarships are being funded by generous shooting industry sponsors, as well as supporters and donors who provide the SCTP with funds through national fundraising banquets. Congratulations to the following 2017 scholarship recipients:
Reprinted with permission from Izaak Walton League of America/Outdoor America magazineBy: Andrew J. Peters, Alexandria ChapterSeveral 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.
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. Click here for more information.
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.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) and National Rifle Association (NRA) Competitive Shooting Sports division are proud to announce members of the 2017 All-Scholastic Team! Over 200 student athletes from 22 states have been named to the team this year and will be recognized at the opening ceremonies of the SSSF/SCTP/SASP Team Championship event on July 12 in Marengo, Ohio. The All-Scholastic Team recognizes the top student athletes in the SSSF’s Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting Program for their achievements in the classroom, on the range and in their communities. Through an application process, 2017 All-Scholastic Team Members have proven academic excellence by posting 3.0 or better grade point averages, shooting excellent scores in recent competition (95% in trap or skeet, 85% in sporting clays, 88% in international trap/skeet or 75 seconds or less for SASP) and by demonstrating outstanding community involvement. See the state-by-state athlete profiles for the 2017 All Scholastic Team members and learn more about how the SCTP and SASP are working to improve the lives of young people across the country. Congratulations to all qualifying team members!
Starting Wednesday, June 7, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) state trapshooting championships at the Iowa State Trapshooting Association home grounds just north of Cedar Falls.
The SCTP, in conjunction with USA Shooting, is hosting the SCTP’s International Style National Championships on July 24-29, 2017 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Registration by SCTP team coaches opens on Saturday, June 10 in the 
The month of June is a peak time for Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) team activity across the country, and if the first day of registration for the SCTP National Championships is any indicator, there will be record crowds again in Ohio for the July culminating event. Registration for SCTP Nationals opened June 1 and in the first 24 hours of open registration for the July 8-15 National Championships, 132 teams from 23 different states registered over 2,000 athletes. Combined registrations in all SCTP events totaled 4,396 compared to 3,804 for the first 24 hours of tournament registration one year ago. An additional 70-80 SCTP teams are expected to register prior to the July 5 deadline. “These numbers are absolutely incredible!” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP national director. “We had almost as many athletes and registrations in one day this year as we had in total at last year’s National Championships! People are excited about this year’s tournament for sure!” The 2017 event at the Cardinal Center in Marengo, Ohio, is on track to outpace the 2016 SCTP National event, which finished with 2,176 athletes and 4,576 event entries. While the numbers are already up significantly from last year’s registrations, Wondrash points out that there is still room at the spacious Cardinal Center. “There are many times and dates still available for this year’s National Championships. We encourage teams to join us in July to continue the fun throughout the summer!” The Scholastic Action Shooting Program will also hold its National Junior/Senior Championships in conjunction with the SCTP tournament. SASP Nationals registration opened on May 18 and currently has 342 athletes from 32 teams across 13 states registered to shoot. SASP registrations currently total 642 already out-pacing the 542 total entries from 2016. Teams may register for the SASP National Championships through July 5. The 1911 division first being offered at Nationals already has 62 entries About the National Championships The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) 2017 National Championships will take place near Marengo, Ohio, at the Cardinal Shooting Center July 8-15. The eight-day event is expected to draw around 2,500 youth from over 30 states. Over one million shots will be fired during the event with around $16 million generated in economic impact. Participating teams are organized and coached by certified volunteer leaders and have participated in their SCTP/SASP state championship event. To learn more about how you can start a SCTP or SASP team in your area or become a sponsor for the championship event, go to 
Text Messaging - Simply text SSSF2017 to 94253 to opt in and you may opt out at any time. The service is free to use and will only be used for tournament information. Standard messaging rates may apply. Email Updates – 
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.
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. 