Sunny skies and warm temperatures greeted members of the SCTP National Team attending USA Shooting’s Spring Selection Match in Tucson, Arizona. While the weather was a respite for competitors arriving from the more frozen parts of the country, these athletes did not have vacationing on their mind; they knew that the results of this match would be used to determine who would be traveling to this year’s Pan American Games, World Championships, Junior World Cup, and the two remaining 2019 ISSF (International Shooting Sports Federation) World Cups.SCTP National Team – trap athletes: (left to right) Jack Olsen, Peter Meola, Matthew Wells, Monica Dale, Heather Argue, Meredith Bernau, Emilio Carvalho (back right) “There are two ways to look at these last 11 days of shooting,” Coach Terri DeWitt began, “One way is to consider that we that didn’t place an SCTP National Team athlete on one of the World teams this year. But that’s not really the big picture. Another way to look at the past two weeks is to see the really stellar performances we did have! I’m so proud of all of these athletes for their perseverance, their positive attitudes, and their commitment to this journey. We will build on this experience and we’ll be back.”SCTP National Team men’s skeet athletes randomly squadded together: (left to right) Chris freeman, Josh Corbin, AJ Nomina A couple of those stellar performances came from Matthew Wells and Erin Lokke. Matthew Wells was one target short of earning a spot on the Junior Men’s trap team which will travel to Lonato, Italy for the Shotgun World Championship and to Suhl, Germany for the ISSF Junior World Cup; Matt finished in third place after the junior men’s final concluded, but because of the point system selection process which uses an athlete’s qualification score as well as finals placement, he actually finished fourth overall in Junior men’s trap. Only the top three are selected. On the skeet side, Erin Lokke posted her first ever 25-straight in an International Skeet competition, her new Winchester hat taking the brunt of that success. And to top that off, she’s been invited to attend the ISSF World Cup in Al Ain, U.A.E. as an MQS athlete. This essentially means that, while Erin will be competing at the World Cup as a U.S. athlete, her scores will not be eligible for a medal finish. “An MQS is the Minimum Qualifying Score that every shooting athlete must achieve at least once at an ISSF event sometime in the three years leading up to the Olympic Games in order to be eligible to go to the Olympics. Right now, a Women’s Skeet MQS is 92 out of 125 targets,” explained Coach DeWitt.Erin Lokke wearing the brand-new Winchester hat that was shot in celebration of her first 25-straight in International Skeet competition. “I am very blessed to have this opportunity to go overseas and shoot at my first World Cup. It has been thrilling to see how the training has been paying off and knowing that I can go much further,” Erin comments. “Coming off of a challenging event at (USA Shooting) Nationals (last year) pushed me to try new things and train in conditions that have been both mentally and physically difficult. At Spring Selection, I put my hard work to the test and learned new things to prepare for my next step.”SCTP National Team – skeet athletes: (left to right) Josh Corbin, AJ Nomina, Jay Bible, Chris Freeman, Erin Lokke Erin is the second SCTP National Team athlete to travel overseas as a U.S. National Team member; Maddie Bernau, 2017 SCTP National Team member, won gold at the Junior Grand Prix in Porpetto, Italy last year. About the SCTP NATIONAL TEAM The 2019 SCTP National Team is made up of 15 athletes chosen from the SCTP International Championships. 12 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 2019 SCTP National Team. The 2019 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.
You can follow the 2019 SCTP National Team including training progress, match schedule and results by clicking on the SCTP tab of the www.sssfonline.com website and on SCTP Social Media.
The SCTP would like to announce the continued support from RE Ranger. Randolph, the maker of the RE Ranger line of competitive shooting eyewear, will continue to support the SCTP at the Gold Level for the 2019 Shooting year! Randolph makes several styles of eyewear that fit the clay target enthusiasts including the Ranger Falcon and Ranger Falcon Pro’s. In its third year “The Ranger Phantom” is a 3 lens set w/frame kit that will surely not disappoint the athletes and their parent’s pocket books! These are currently available on the SCTP’s online store for their athletes and teams! "RE Ranger is delighted to sponsor the SCTP program for our 7th straight year.”Said Sarah Waszkiewicz, General Manager of RE Ranger Sales “We couldn’t be prouder to support a program that encourages the next generation of shooters to participate in such a fun sport that educates and provides important life skills to the youth. More importantly we get to see the benefits of the SCTP program for these kids at various levels and we couldn't be happier to support the cause!” “Randolph/RE Ranger have been great partners/sponsors of SCTP!” Said Tom Wondrash, SCTP’s National Director. “The RE Ranger line of shooting glasses are a super fit for our athletes, more and more of them are identifying with their brand! We continue to be encouraged by the support and confidence that Sarah and her team put in us and the SCTP!” For more information on the Ranger Falcon, Ranger Falcon Pro, Ranger Phantom or to view the entire Re Ranger line go to www.randolphusa.com
Zanders Sporting Goods and several industry companies have joined forces in support of growing youth shooting through SCTP. This unique partnership collaborated to develop SCTP’s “New Team Package” is now available for brand new teams joining the Scholastic Clay Target Program! This package is available to teams joining the SCTP for the first time and contains everything a new clay target team needs to get up and running including eye & ear protection, hats, range bags, Winchester Trakker Ammo, gun cleaning kit, a firearm and much more!The New Team package is valued from $1,300 to $2,500 based on the number of youth athletes and coaches on the new team! And… for new teams joining SCTP for the first time this year, there is “NO COST” for this package. “Zanders Sporting Goods has been a long time supporter of the SCTP ”Stated Michael Sutton, Zanders Sporting Goods – Import Sales. “We are proud to be part of an organization that does things for the right reasons. The SCTP instills safety, responsibility and respect….values that we at Zanders Sporting Goods feel very strongly about!” “We cannot thank long time supporter Zanders Sporting Goods and our other fine SCTP sponsors enough for the support of our National Youth Shooting Program” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director. “Growing youth shooting and youth development are the bedrock values of the SCTP. We are very excited to see that many of our sponsors and supporters understand those same values and the importance of them!” For more information on the SCTP and the “New Team Package” please visit www.sssfonline.org. and click on “SCTP” in the red tool bar, then click on “Deals and Promotions” then look under Team Support. If you are interested in supporting the nations largest youth shooting program, please contact the SCTP’s National Director, Tom Wondrash at twondrash@sssfonline.com Our special thanks to all of the SCTP New Team Package sponsors including GunBroker.com, TruGlo, Winchester, TriStar, Bulldog Cases & Vaults, Lucas Oil and Mantis.
Sportsman’s Den, Ohio’s leading sporting goods retailer will continue its support of the Scholastic Clay Target Program as a Bronze Sponsor in 2019. Gregg Griffeth, Owner of Sportsman’s Den in great Columbus Ohio stated, “Sportsman’s Den is thrilled to be a sponsor of SCTP again in 2019. Our interaction with the SCTP Youth Athletes and their family’s that visited our stores was outstanding” We are looking forward to serving them all again in 2019. “SCTP sponsors have a strong desire to support all of our athletes and teams across the country, promoting and enhancing youth shooting programs like the SCTP is critical to the future of the shooting sports!” noted SCTP National Director, Tom Wondrash. “For years, Sportsman’s Den has been supporting our young athletes and families by providing the lowest priced ammunition and products possible. They will again be offering special ammo pricing before and during the SCTP and SASP National Championships being held at the Cardinal Center in July!” To learn more about the Scholastic Clay Target Program, starting a youth shooting program in your area and to check out our many fine sponsors, visit us at www.sssfonline.org. We will be happy to help! For more information on Sportsman’s Den visit their website at www.sportsmansden.com Or visit them at the Cardinal Center during the SCTP National Championships July 13-20, 2019.
While winter storms swept across the northern tier of the country, it was relatively warm and sunny in Phoenix, Arizona the weekend of February 9-10, 2019. Perfect weather to conduct an international trap development camp for twelve shotgun athletes intent on learning a new game and/or honing some basic skills.Front row, left to right: Wyatt Pizinger, Samantha Witty, Loretta Christian, Victoria Hendrix, Coach Terri DeWitt. Back row, left to right: Matt Killeen, Jack Gallagher, Jayden Wiemer, Axel Kinder, Nathanial Pizinger, Coach Brian Witty, Isaac Smith, Nick Sallee. Not shown: Tomi Ownby. These twelve athletes proudly represented their local SCTP teams and schools during two days of live fire and classroom training: Jack Gallagher, Victoria Hendrix, Axel Kinder, Tomi Ownby - Ben Avery Clay Crushers; Nathanial Pizinger, Wyatt Pizinger, Nick Sallee, Isaac Smith, Samantha Witty - Prescott Bird Busters; Loretta Christian, Jayden Wiemer - Arizona Outdoor Sports; and Matt Killeen - Arizona State University. Topics covered in the classroom included mental and physical skills while also touching on basic goal setting, attentional focus, and tactical breathing. Technical skills, such as stance, mount, and look point were discussed and applied on the range over the course of two days and 2500 targets. “These athletes learned a lot in two days, but I think they had fun doing it. It was a pleasure working with them,” said Coach Terri DeWitt. “They are very talented and tenacious athletes and I have no doubt that we’ll be seeing some of them again either at the SCTP International Championships or at the USA Shooting Junior Olympic Championships this summer. I look forward to seeing them again,” she smiled. SCTP would like to thank the Ben Avery Shooting Facility and Coach Brian Witty for their help in making this camp happen.
Winchester Ammunition, a long-time sponsor and supporter of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) has agreed to a three-year sponsorship at the “Red Diamond” level, the highest level of sponsorship available to those interested in supporting the program. “We are elated to have Winchester Ammunition as the Official Ammunition of SCTP and the SCTP National Shooting Team,” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Executive Director. “Our athletes and coaches on the SCTP National Team are excited to have the Winchester Ammunition brand and products as part of the team’s events and camps as well as at the USA Shooting Spring and Fall Selection Matches and State and National Junior Olympic matches across the country. We value the confidence that Winchester Ammunition and companies like them place in us!” Beginning with the 2019 season, Winchester Ammunition will be designated as the “Official Ammunition Sponsor” of the SCTP and the SCTP’s National Team. “Winchester is focused on the growth in youth shooting sports participants across North America and we are extremely proud to be aligned with SCTP and their efforts,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Winchester to work with an organization that helps thousands of coaches and athletes participate in the youth shooting sports each year.” The SCTP National Team’s first competitive match for 2019 is the USA Shooting’s Spring selection match being held at the Tucson Trap & Skeet range in Tucson, Arizona, March 4-10.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is seeking a highly motivated individual to assume the role of Director of Development for the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). The successful candidate will be responsible for growing and supporting SCTP member teams in the western half of the Unites States. This is a full-time, exempt position with home office location in the western part of the continental United States. Job Description Responsible for member growth of the program by recruiting new teams and retaining existing programs. Work with and develop Regional Field Representative (RFR) employees and volunteer State Advisors in order to grow the SSSFs’ clay target sports in a grass-roots fashion. Provide training, key information and resources for RFRs, State Advisors and coaches within respective region. Find and develop state advisors and other key groups in states who can positively influence and grow local member-teams and support coaches on a daily basis. Provide support for program competitions. Consult with RFRs, state advisors and coaches as needed to ensure leagues, local matches, regional matches and state matches are successful. Ensure teams are registered and are using the SSSF SHOT data system for managing athletes and events. Develop leads and provide support for program fundraising efforts. Assist National Director to plan and conduct fundraisers such as raffles, banquets, etc. which benefit local teams and the national organization. Ensure all national fundraising remains compliant with local, state and national regulations. Assist National Director in soliciting industry and other national-level sponsorship. Serve as on-site shoot director and/or assistant shoot director for all national level events and some regional events. Recruit local volunteer match directors for other regional and state championship events and work closely with volunteer shoot directors to ensure events are conducted in accordance with SSSF standards. Work with Regional Field Representatives, State Advisors and other key stakeholders to conduct a variety of volunteer coach training including shooting coach certification and SCTP informational meetings. Work closely with the National Director to develop annual program budget and monitor program income and expenses against the budget. Supervise and provide direction to Regional Field Representatives in assigned region. Monitor progress of employees and state advisors based on key metrics and provide periodic progress reports to National Director. Review and approve employee timesheets, travel and program expenses per SSSF policies. Download complete job description and how to apply here...
The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) announces its continued support from SKB Shotguns out of Omaha Nebraska. SKB known for its fine side by side, over/under and single barrel competitive shotguns will once again support the SCTP as a Gold level Sponsor for 2019. SKB offers a wide variety of quality firearms that fit the competitive shooter and hunter alike! “We are pleased to support the SCTP and its national youth program!” remarked Rob Johansen, owner and CEO of SKB Shotguns. “The SCTP gives back to its teams and coaches in many ways, we are extremely happy to be part of this quality program and its teams, athletes and coaches.” “Rob Johansen and SKB have been a strong supporter of SCTP and our national youth program for years” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director. “They offer quality firearms at a good price for our youth shooters and are not only sponsors of our program, they are partners with us! We appreciate all of their continued support of youth shooting and the SCTP.” Look for Rob and the SKB team at the SCTP Regional, state and National Championship events during the 2019 shooting year. They have a gun for almost every budget and dealers across the country that would love to work with you! Coaches, SKB also has a wonderful team raffle program available to all SCTP Teams! Are you or your company interested in supporting the largest competitive youth shooting program in the world? Then contact Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director at twondrash@sssfonline.com Sponsorship of SCTP is support for future generations of sportsmen and women!
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. (SSSF) is receiving multi-state grant funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to address National Conservation Need #8 Outdoor Heritage — Participation, recruitment, retention and reactivation in hunting, fishing, boating, and conservation-related recreational activities; enhanced relations among state fish and wildlife agencies and related industries. This project will address NCN 8 by providing new methods and tools that state agencies can use to recruit and retain youth shooting sports coaches to help grow and sustain participation in the shooting sports, thus driving revenue through excise taxes and creating a new audience for hunter recruitment. This project will also create industry/agency partnerships as state fish and wildlife agencies implement these tools with the help of the SSSF and other partners. This project will result in a modernized, and scalable introductory shooting coach education program in shotgun, rifle and pistol for use by all 50 state agencies. Agencies can use the course to enhance their recruitment efforts by creating a large audience of shooting sports participants. Agencies may choose to customize additional content in addition to the core curriculum specific to state shooting sports programming needs. This project will focus on volunteer coach education in shotgun, rifle and handgun shooting applicable, but not limited to the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). The project includes development of learning tools and coursework using both online and range training. Much like popular hunter education courses, the project consists of online training for volunteers to complete at their convenience followed by a local range session where coaches can network amongst area teams. This approach will result in coach education available to volunteers at a lower cost, higher quality and better convenience than conventional training. The SSSF would like to invite requests for proposals (RFP) to assist in developing curricula for this project. More than one proposal may be selected, as necessary to satisfy the requirement of the various shooting disciplines. Responses must be received by March 1, 2019 by 5:00PM CST. Download complete information here...
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.
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!
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.
