Kolar Arms

Kolar Arms supports SCTP again in 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01/14/2020

Burlington, Wisconsin: The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) would like to acknowledge the support from a local firearm manufacturer, Kolar Arms!

Kolar, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of high-quality shotguns continues to support the SCTP with a donation of one of their finest shotguns, The Kolar “Low Max” over/under. This shotgun will be available in either a sporting/skeet model or a trap model. The donation is estimated at roughly $12,000. The Kolar shotgun will be used as part of the 2020 SCTP National Raffle and the winner will be drawn at the SCTP National Championships in July.

“Kolar is absolutely delighted to sponsor the SCTP again in 2020 with a fully American-made shotgun”, stated Sean Mainland, of Kolar Arms. “SCTP has demonstrated its ability to use a donation to support not only the source, but support its teams, families and athletes across the country. That win-win attitude is exactly what companies like Kolar are looking for!”

“We appreciate the continued support and confidence that Kolar has placed in the SCTP”, said Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director. “We are very grateful for the donation and look forward to a long-lasting relationship. Helping make Kolar a household name with our youth shooting teams across the country is what we are going for! The Kolar Shotgun has been a staple on our National Fundraiser raffle for several years now, and this donation has helped many of our teams raise much needed funds!”

If you are interested in supporting youth shooting programs with a donation or sponsorship, please contact the SCTP or Tom Wondrash at twondrash@sssfonline.com

About Kolar

Kolar’s competition shotguns have made their mark, winning numerous World Skeet, ATA Grand American, and National, World, and FITASC Sporting Clay titles. Kolar continually improves its guns to keep pace with the ever-changing needs of competitive and recreational shooters. For more information, visit www.kolararms.com

SCTP International Team Trains In Tucson

As 2019 drew to a close, the SCTP International Team gathered in Tucson, AZ for the year’s last training camp, December 28-30. Since most of the team members will be participating in USA Shooting’s Olympic Trials Part 2 being held at Tucson Trap and Skeet next month, it made sense to get some training on this range. “Honestly, the weather was really awful this week,” remarked Coach Terri DeWitt. “But it was an excellent opportunity for the athletes to get a game plan for sustained winds and cold temperatures in case we have the same thing next month.”

Athletes attending this camp were: Erin Lokke, Emily Rasmussen, Madeline Corbin, Josh Corbin, Jordan Sapp, Kyle Fleck, Preston Bailey, Sarah Schwacher, Joe Witty, Quinn Schuppner, Peter Meola, Tony Meola, Kevin Whitehead, Alexa Paxson, Ella McLerran, Sydney Krieger, and Madeleine Taylor.

Lending their expertise to the training camp were two subject matter experts; two-time Olympian Connie Smotek, who coached Skeet and Physical Therapist Dr. Cathy Arnot who assessed the strength, flexibility, and balance of each athlete as well as led group exercises. Each athlete left the camp with Dr. Arnot’s individual recommendations for home programs intended to address any impairment and to maximize performance. “It was a pleasure to meet and work with such a talented group of young shooting athletes,” she said.

On the benefit of having an individual exercise protocol, skeet athlete Jordan Sapp commented, “With this I can properly stretch to feel more comfortable on the first round of the day.” Skeet athlete Preston Bailey also enjoyed the camp, remarking, “ I loved the coaching and definitely picked up some hot tips that are going to serve me well! I loved being able to work with Dr. Cathy and learn how to properly prepare myself.”

The SCTP International Team would like to thank the staff at Tucson Trap and Skeet for their generous hospitality in hosting the camp.

Training camps for 2020 are still in the planning stages.

“We have some fantastic opportunities for SCTP International Team athletes coming up this year that may include some overseas travel!” Added Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director. “We are working hard making sure these athletes have every opportunity to succeed and have as many tools as we can muster up for them! We can’t thank Coach DeWitt enough for her passion and the diligence she has shown ensuring the best possible outcome for these athletes, this team is going places!”

Earn This Combo Set on #GivingTuesday

Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation will again join #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.

Occurring this year on December 3rd, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

#GivingTuesday is also a great opportunity to drive donations for your SCTP or SASP team through our Vision 2020 campaign! Simple posts to your social media sites and/or e-mails to team members, parents, friends and business associates can make a difference! All you have to do is share your team ID and the link to donate!

This year we are offering a special incentive for teams on #GivingTuesday! We will be awarding this Henry Big Boy Rifle and Ruger Black Hawk revolver to the team with the most unique donors making online donations on December 3rd.

Here are the requirements:

  1. SCTP/SASP teams must be registered for the Vision 2020 campaign. Team registration information and materials can be found at the bottom of our official campaign page.
  2. Donations must be online through the SSSF Vision 2020 team donation form.
  3. Minimum donation is $10
  4. Teams must raise a minimum of $500 through online donations on December 3rd to be eligible for the Henry / Ruger combo.
  5. Winning team will be the team with the highest count of individual donors making a donation of $10 or more on December 3, 2019. In case of a tie, the team with the largest individual donation amount will win.
  6. Donors must use your SSSF team id at the time of the donation. Contact us if you don't know your SSSF team ID
  7. Online donations must be made on December 3rd, 2019 in order to count towards this Combo Gun competition. 
  8. Total campaign donations, including all participating teams, must exceed $10,000 on December 3rd for the Henry / Ruger combo to be awarded. Note, donations on #GivingTuesday in 2018 exceeded $10,000.

SCTP Announces New State Advisors

The SCTP would like to announce the addition of some of its newest State Advisors for the 2019/2020 competition season.

Angie Everson of Midland, Sylvia McCart from Nicholson and Steve Lane of Madison have all agreed to help in assisting teams, athletes and coaches in the state of Georgia. Angie brings several years of experience and dedication to the SCTP and currently coaches the Harris County Shotgun Team. Sylvia is currently an assistant coach with the Georgia Claybusters and Steve has been the Head Coach of the Lake Oconee Shotgun Team for some time! The growing number of teams and athletes in Georgia sure welcome their guidance and help with state and local events and for being the boots on the ground. We appreciate them stepping up and thank them for their dedication to the SCTP!

Michael Jacks of Grenada will be assisting new teams, athletes and coaches in the state of Mississippi! Mississippi, one of the newest states to get involved with the SCTP, is seeing some significant interest and growth in the youth shooting sports. Home to the Winchester supported shooting facility, The McIvor Shooting Center, SCTP is working on a plan for a spring 2020 Regional shoot to be held there. Michael is involved with the Cypress Creek Shotgun Sports Team and looks forward to working with new teams and coaches joining the SCTP!

Andy Croley of Williamsburg has agreed to assist teams, athletes and coaches in the state of Kentucky. We have started to see more interest and excitement in Kentucky and look forward to the help there! Andy heads up the Whitley County Clay Crushers and is excited to work with more teams and coaches in an effort to grow youth shooting in the state of Kentucky!

Kevin Kozel of Carmichaels Pennsylvania, will be assisting fellow State Advisors in PA in helping build new teams, adding athletes and overall growing of the SCTP! PA has seen regular steady growth over the last few years and continues to garner more teams and athletes. Kevin is involved with his local team, The Hunting Hills Hawkeyes where he has been an assistant coach there for the last few years.

Dale Cason of Yukon will be heading up efforts in the state of Oklahoma. Dale enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children and is an outdoor enthusiast. He spends time out hunting and shooting as well as coaching his team the F5 Clay Crushers. We look forward to Dale’s help in Oklahoma and growing the SCTP program there!

State Advisors are appointed positions by the SCTP National Organization and renewed yearly. If you are interested in assisting the SCTP with growing youth clay target shooting in your state, please reach out to your Director of Development (western US) Jeff Morrison jmorrison@sssfonline.com or (Eastern US) Chet Tuinstra ctuinstra@sssfonline.com. We would be happy to have you!

SCTP National Team Conducts Training Camp at John A. Halter Education Center

Hillsdale, MI - Members of the 2019 SCTP National Team (NT) met in Hillsdale, Michigan over the Columbus Day weekend for their first training camp together. The camp was a short two days but that may have been a blessing as weekend temperatures failed to reach 50 degrees in the face of steady 10-15 mph winds. The 2019 NT athletes attending this camp were: Preston Bailey, Josh Corbin, Madeline Corbin, Kyle Fleck, Ella McLerran, Alexa Paxson, and Jordan Sapp. Also attending were Quinn Schuppner, Hamilton Spieth, and 2018 NT alumni Matthew Wells.

Back row, left to right: Quinn Schuppner, Hamilton Spieth, Jordan Sapp, Josh Corbin, Alexa Paxson, Ella McLerran.
Front row, left to right: Madeline Corbin, Preston Bailey, Kyle Fleck, Matthew Wells.

Utilizing some indoor time, Coach Terri DeWitt introduced the athletes to stretching and circuit training exercises designed to strengthen core muscles and improve stability and SSG Dustan Taylor, member of the US Army Marksmanship Unit Skeet Team, introduced the skeet athletes to new drills and training techniques. Coach Taylor noted that while the high winds made training difficult, it helped build confidence in the end. “I believe the camp was a complete success,” he stated. Skeet athlete Preston Bailey agreed. “I liked working with Coach Dustan and being able to train with the other team members. Most of the time I train by myself, so this was a productive weekend for me,” Bailey said.

“I’d like to thank the staff at the John Halter Shooting Sports Education Center here at Hillsdale College for their generous hospitality in hosting our training camp. Bart, Jim, and Judy made sure we had everything we needed. This is a first-class facility that has some exciting things in store for it,” stated Coach DeWitt.

The SCTP NT will get together again December 28-30 in Tucson, AZ. They will have an opportunity to train on the same fields that will be used to select the 2020 US Olympic Shooting Team at Olympic Trials Part 2 which starts February 25, 2020.

The SCTP National Team is selected from and based on the top 3 finishes for male and female athletes at the SCTP International National Championships (in International Skeet and Bunker Trap) held each year at the end of July. The national team seats from Sept. 1st through August 31st each year and athletes are invited to attend various camps and competitions throughout the year. These athletes receive Winchester ammunition, a Castellani national team vest sponsored by Ultimate Shooting accessories , entry fees and many other support materials entitled to membership on the team!

Robust Insurance for SCTP & SASP Teams This Season

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic action Shooting Program (SASP) are ready and welcoming youth shooting sports teams from around the country for yet another successful shooting competition season!

As the leader in youth shooting sports, these programs go above and beyond in providing safe and fun competitive programs. Programs that instill confidence and respect while getting youth “off the couches” and participating in these highly energetic activities! Youth from grades 5 through College are welcome as well as any other organized youth programs like Boy/Girl Scouts, 4H, AIM, FFA, US Naval Sea Cadets, USAYESS and more. The SCTP and SASP do not discriminate and welcome everyone!

These programs were started by Industry and ran under the auspice of the NSSF back in 2001. As true today, Industry stands behind them 100% with both financial and product support making them the most supported youth shooting organization in the world!

Keeping in line with our standard of being #1, the SSSF liability insurance policy now provides a general aggregate limit of $10 million. The SSSF Commercial General Liability Insurance policy is the most comprehensive coverage available in the industry for youth shooting sports athletes, volunteer coaches, advisors, and other volunteers who have joined the SCTP and SASP. The new aggregate limit is twice that of previous policies.

“While the SCTP boasts an impeccable safety record, we feel it is in our best interest to make sure all of our athletes and coaches are properly insured” stated Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director. “We take protecting our members very seriously and have shown it by increasing the limits of the SSSF policy to a new level of protection! Industry and teams alike can rest assured we are taking every step to keep our members safe and covered!”

The SCTP is involved with all the clay target sports including Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, Double Trap, Handicap Trap, Skeet Doubles, International Skeet and Bunker Trap and is the official youth program to USA Shooting!

Being a member of the SCTP or SASP is only $25 for athletes and $35 for coaches and volunteers.  Sportsman’s Insurance Agency (SIAI) provides the unprecedented commercial general liability coverage for SSSF, which is underwritten by T.H.E. Insurance Company, an AM Best A- rated company.  Sportsman’s also provides endorsed insurance programs for organizations such as the NSSA-NSCA, ATA, SCI and more.  

SSSF is also pleased to offer the nation’s finest gun insurance to members of SCTP/SASP through Sportsman’s Insurance Agency Inc.  

“We are excited to provide the best insurance found in youth programs.” Stated Rick Leach SASP National Director.  We continue to look for ways give our coaches and athletes great value with their membership.

SASP is involved with all aspects of Pistol and Rifle competition for youth around the country.  Action shooting sports continue to grow in the country.  Which became even more evident this year when the SASP National Championships became the world’s largest action shooting match held in history. 

The youth shooting sports program season started September 1st and the season runs through August 31st.

If you are looking to get your son/daughter involved or are looking to start a new team at your gun club, please visit our SCTP or SASP program pages.

Find complete details on the SSSF general liability policy at http://bit.ly/JoinSCTPSASP20.

SSSF Seeks Information Technology Project Manager

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is seeking a highly motivated individual to assume the role of Information Technology Project Manager.  The successful candidate will have a background in product management and be responsible all aspects of customer facing software application development, testing, training, implementation and support for the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of customer facing information technology (IT) project management for the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Action Shooting Program. Successful candidate will play a key role in the organizations ability to recruit and retain members and supporters.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

  • Managing all aspects of customer facing applications and software life cycle for the SSSF and its programs including development, implementation, support and retirement
  • Working with diverse groups including SSSF/SCTP/SASP management, customers, partners, contractors and other stakeholders to accurately assess current and future information technology needs required to increase membership, event participation and overall support of the SSSF and its programs
  • Prioritizing information technology needs and developing detailed IT project proposals and product road maps for program and foundation management
  • Creating timelines, developing budgets and identifying resources required for successful project completion of both short and long-term IT projects
  • Providing point solutions and integrations as needed to satisfy business needs
  • Documenting projects and communicating regular progress with all stakeholders
  • Creating comprehensive testing and implementation plans
  • Working with IT support staff to develop both internal and customer training materials
  • Planning and executing both internal and end-user training
  • Interacting with management, staff, membership, contractors and others to execute job duties
  • Constantly monitoring and evaluating technology trends and developments

Download complete position description and how to apply here...

SSSF Seeks Marketing and Communications Manager

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is seeking a highly motivated individual to assume the role of Marketing and Communications Manager.  The successful candidate will be responsible for content creation and day to day management of all foundation and program related communications.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of marketing and communications for the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Action Shooting Program. The Marketing and Communications Manager will be responsible for key messaging to current members/supporters as well as external audiences using a variety of methods and tools. Successful candidate will play a key role in the organizations ability to recruit and retain members and supporters.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

  • Working with foundation and program management to develop and implement marketing and communication strategies and policies
  • Creation and management of annual communications calendar based on key events
  • Interacting with management, staff, membership, contractors and others to execute job duties
  • Managing and growing mailing lists related to members, supporters, media and prospects
  • Writing, editing and development of content for various foundation and program media platforms including blogs, press releases, email blasts, social media posts, streams, stories, magazines, etc.
  • Create and coordinate all internal, direct email communications with staff, supporters, state advisors, coaches, athletes and parents based on program needs
  • Manage all aspects of a regular e-newsletter for members, supporters and prospects
  • Grow following, reach and exposure of foundation and program social media sites
  • Create and manage monitors and alerts for external media in order to promote news generated by local member teams and to leverage member generated content
  • Creation of print and digital ads, flyers, media guides, informational packets and other marketing assets required for program and foundation needs
  • Utilize advertising systems such as AdWords to recruit new members and supporters
  • Manage all aspects of the SSSF All Scholastic Team and leverage team membership for program marketing efforts
  • Management of all content on foundation and program websites
  • Management of image and video libraries required for foundation and program needs
  • Manage all aspects of the annual National Championships program including creative, ad aggregation, content, printing and distribution
  • Manage all aspects of on-site event communications for the annual National Championships including promotion of special events, daily schedules, text messaging, etc.

Download complete position description and how to apply here...

SCTP National Team Members Compete at US Olympic Trials – Part 1

After fifteen hot, dusty days in Kerrville, TX, USA Shooting has completed the first half of its process to select the 2020 Olympic Shooting Team. For most of the SCTP National Team (NT) trap and skeet athletes who took part in the competition at the Hill Country Shooting Sports Center, this was their first experience with an Olympic team selection.

2019 SCTP National Team Skeet athletes with Olympians Kim Rhode and Frank Thompson.

“It’s really hard to recreate the kind of pressure an athlete will feel in a match like this,” explained Head Coach Terri Dewitt. “It just feels different. More intense. Which makes the experience of competing here invaluable. I’m incredibly proud of these athletes and their performances.”

SCTP National Team Trap athlete Peter Meola.

Participating in the U.S. Olympic Shooting Trials Part 1 were current SCTP NT athletes Preston Bailey, Camron Burks, Sydney Krieger, Erin Lokke, Ella McLerran, Peter Meola, Jordan Sapp, and Kevin Whitehead. SCTP NT “alumni” were here as well: Heather Argue, Maddy Bernau, Meredith Bernau, Jay Bible, Heather Broski, Jack Brosseau, Emilio Carvalho, Monica Dale, Chris Freeman, AJ Nomina, Mark Shields, Madeline Taylor, and Matthew Wells.

SCTP National Team Skeet athlete Jordan Sapp breaks his first 25-straight in competition.

Significant results by SCTP NT athletes:

Trap
Heather Broski (2017 NT) – Junior Women, Gold
Meredith Bernau (2018 NT) – Junior Women, 6th
Emilio Carvalho (2018 NT) – Junior Men, 6th; High J2
Maddy Bernau (2017 NT) – Open Women, 5th; High Collegiate

Skeet
AJ Nomina (2017 NT) – Junior Men, Bronze
Gracin Anderson (2018 NT) – High Collegiate

USA Shooting will complete its Olympic Team selection with Olympic Trials Part 2 beginning at the end of February 2020 in Tucson, AZ.

About the SCTP NATIONAL TEAM
The SCTP National Team is made up of 15 athletes chosen annually from the SCTP International Championships. Twelve athletes, 3 girls and 3 boys from Bunker Trap and 3 girls and 3 boys from International Skeet plus 3 additional athletes chosen by the Head Coach and National Director make up the 15 SCTP National Team members.

The 2019/2020 SCTP National Team is sponsored by Winchester Ammunition.

Each SCTP National Team Athlete receives:

  • A custom made Castellani Shooting Vest (Castellani is the official vest supplier of the SCTP National Team)
  • Winchester “Goodie Bag” including hats, towels and other items
  • 2 Winchester Ammunition Shirts, 1 Polo and 1 T-Shirt
  • 7 cases of Winchester Ammunition
  • Fall Selection Match Fees paid and Ammo provided
  • Invitation to participate in 3-5 Training Camps lead by National Team Head Coach, Terri DeWitt.

© 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.