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MidwayUSA Foundation Grants Nearly $1.4 Million To Youth Shooting Teams

Columbia, MO – The MidwayUSA Foundation has wrapped up their June 2017 Team Endowment Program grant cycle and paid nearly $1.4 million to 492 youth shooting teams. All of the teams that benefit from this payout are part of the Team Endowment Program at the MidwayUSA Foundation and are eligible to draw a grant each year to use for shooting team expenses. “Our team grant cycle plays a key role in achieving our mission and we are thrilled more teams continue to take advantage of our program. We are funding almost 100 more youth shooting teams this June than June of 2016 and we have high hopes that growth will continue,” said MidwayUSA Foundation Executive Director, Randy Moeller. Teams with a balance in their Team Endowment are eligible to apply for a team grant once per year by completing the MidwayUSA Foundation grant application. Youth shooting teams can receive 5% of their endowment balance to use for team expenses, such as ammunition, travel, entry fees, uniforms, targets, and more. Right now, over 2,500 teams have a balance, totaling over $96 Million. The next deadline to apply for a team grant is December 15. Teams interested in their eligibility can email grants@midwayusafoundation.org. The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain the shooting sports industry by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is 100% tax deductible and supports the mission to help communities and organizations raise funds to support their youth shooting team. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit www.midwayusafoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570.

What’s Needed To Start a Scholastic Action Shooting Program Team?

Thinking of starting an a youth action shooting team through the SASP? If so, watch Bill Perkins as he outlines the basic requirements and needs of a Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). This chapter comes from a two-hour educational video geared toward coaches, parents and athletes interested in getting started in the SASP. The video covers all aspects of the program including safety, equipment selection, action shooting fundamentals, coaching new athletes, the SASP competition format, season planning, and much more! Watch this chapter on the SSSF YouTube Channel... Order the DVD from the SSSF Online Store...

Featured All-Scholastic Team Member – Lydia Koetting

Name: Lydia Koetting State: Missouri Program: SASP Team: Arnold Junior Shooters How the SASP has helped me as a young person: The Scholastic Action Shooting Program has helped me develop as a young person by allowing me to express who I am through the sport I love competing in. It helps me with my social skills, team work skills, and allows for me to expand my knowledge and help to teach others what I know. About the NRA/SSSF All Scholastic Team 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 profiles for the 2017 SSSF/NRA All Scholastic Team Members

Members of SCTP/USAS National Team Named

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) in conjunction with USA Shooting (USAS) are proud to announce the inaugural members of the 2018 Scholastic Clay Target Program / USA Shooting National Team! This newly formed team is comprised of the top 6 athletes (3 men & 3 ladies) athletes placing in International Skeet and Bunker Trap at the SCTP’s National International Style Championships held in Colorado Springs, CO July 23-29, 2017. International Skeet MEN: Cole Barrett – Ivy, GA – Bridge Creek Clays Mark Shields – O’Fallon, MO – Gateway Claybusters Anthony (AJ) Nomina – Berthoud, CO – TSSC Bears LADIES: Molly Sheehan – Marblehead, MA – Minuteman Sharpshooters Sarah Schwacher – Waterford, WI – Waterford Wolverines Shooting Team Aimee Spiering – Union Grove, WI – Union Grove Broncos Shooting Club Bunker Trap MEN: Trevor Evelhair - Unityville, PA - Sullivan County Shooting Sports Team Tyler Theide - Mazomanie, WI - Sauk County Youth Shooting Team Jack Brosseau - Durant, FL - Tampa Bay Clays LADIES: Madelynn Bernau - Waterford, WI - B.H.S. Demons Shooting Team Madeleine Taylor - Eagle River, AK - Birchwood Bears Heather Broski - Spring Hill, TN CTC Tennessee These twelve athletes making up the national team were recognized at the awards banquet and ceremony on July 29, 2017, at the Double Tree hotel in Colorado Springs. National team members receive a USA Shooting jacket, paid fall selection match fees and ammo, along with an SCTP National Team vest, five cases of NobelSport Quattro Finest International ammunition and more! Details concerning the training camps and the naming of a head coach for this team will be forthcoming. These 12 spots will be re-earned at each year’s SCTP International Nationals. The Scholastic Clay Target Program is the official youth shooting program to USA Shooting and provides a pipeline for future international shotgun competitors. Please watch for a more detailed list of qualifications and information at www.sssfonline.org  

SCTP & SASP News Roundup

August Is National Shooting Sports Month!

NEWTOWN, Conn. — There are countless celebration days and months in America, and now the shooting sports have one of their own. The National Shooting Sports Foundation has declared August to be National Shooting Sports Month, a time to celebrate one of America’s great pastimes — target shooting — and to encourage newcomers and experienced shooters to #LETSGOSHOOTING. NSSF developed the celebration month to focus the attention of everyone in the shooting sports community — shooting ranges, firearms retailers, manufacturers and recreational shooters — on the fun and excitement of target shooting. An estimated 50 million Americans participate in target shooting sports, and millions more have expressed interest in learning about rifle, shotgun and handgun shooting, according to NSSF research. “With so much going on in people’s lives today, the shooting sports offer an opportunity to tune out distractions, learn a new skill, socialize and share their experiences,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “It’s important to remember to pass on our traditions and to reflect on our unique freedoms that make participating in them possible.” Experienced shooters are encouraged to introduce family members and friends to this rewarding lifetime activity, and newcomers without mentors will discover a safe, supportive introduction to recreational shooting at a range near them. To help people find ways to celebrate, NSSF has launched www.ShootingSportsMonth.org. Among its many interactive features, the site contains an easy range search by state, events and sales promotions across the country and many other resources for target shooters of all skill levels. Safety, of course, goes hand in hand with enjoying the shooting sports. Following safe firearms handling procedures and securely storing firearms when not in use are priorities for shooters. Find more about firearm safety at www.ShootingSportsMonth.org. “It’s going to be fun month,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Shooting Range Services. “And we want to know how everyone is celebrating. Tell us on our Facebook page, share your Instagram and Twitter posts with the hashtag #LetsGoShooting, let’s make this month one to remember.” Learn more at ShootingSportsMonth.org. -30- About NSSF The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit www.nssf.org.

MidwayUSA Foundation Seeks Program Manager

Columbia, MO - The MidwayUSA Foundation has a unique career opportunity for those interested in helping change the future of youth shooting sports. The national 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to help communities and organizations raise funds to support their high school and college shooting teams and activities is seeking a Program Manager. The Program Manager’s primary responsibility is delivering Team Endowment Program services to their respective region. This position works to maximize the development of the entire program through fostering the growth of individual team endowments. The ideal candidate has fundraising knowledge, experience with a youth shooting sports team, strong communications skills, and a passion for growing and sustaining youth shooting sports. The Program Manager will work out of Columbia, Missouri but travel is required. The full job description and requirements are listed on the MidwayUSA Foundation Careers page. All cover letters and resumes must be submitted electronically and additional questions can be sent to careers@midwayusafoundation.org. The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain the shooting sports industry by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is 100% tax deductible and supports the mission to help communities and organizations raise funds to support their youth shooting team. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit www.midwayusafoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570. Download the PDF Press Release.

Last Chance To Guarantee Your 2017 or 2018 Iowa Whitetail Tag!

Guarantee your Iowa white-tailed deer hunt for 2017 or 2018 AND support the Scholastic Clay Target Program! Auction ends Sunday Morning! Iowa is considered by many to be one of the premier white-tailed deer hunting destinations in the United States. Dreams come true in the Hawkeye State every year as hunters consistently harvest mature, corn fed bucks that reach well over 200″. Getting a tag, however, is easier said than done. Now you can guarantee your tag and promote state and local conservation efforts through the Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program Non-Resident Deer Tag Auction, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). This auction is for One Iowa Special Non-Resident Deer Tag, good Statewide for Archery, Gun season one, Gun season two, or the Late Muzzleloader season during either 2017 or 2018 Iowa deer season (hunter’s choice). The deer tag includes 1 ‘any sex’ deer and 1 ‘antlerless’ deer. For seasons and hunting information, go to: http://www.iowadnr.gov/ The auction for this tag begins on Sunday, July 9th at 9:00AM and ends on Sunday, July 23 at 9:00AM. View the online auction and place your bids at Gunbroker.com. The winner of the auction receives a tag that includes 1 any-sex deer and 1 antlerless deer. This non-resident deer tag is good statewide; however, Landowner Permission is required before hunting on private land. The tag may be used either in the coming 2017-2018 season, or next year in the 2018-2019 season. The hunter must declare which year and one of the following standard seasons at the close of the auction and no later than September 25th, 2017. 2017-2018 season dates can be found at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/DeerHunting.aspx . 2018-2019 dates have not been confirmed at this time but will be similar to 2017-2018 dates. WHO BENEFITS FROM THIS AUCTION?The Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program, Inc. is committed to supporting organized youth, high school and collegiate clay target shooting programs across the state of Iowa. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the primary functions of Iowa SCTP, Inc. are to raise money and provide funding and financial support to Iowa programs and their coaches. With support provided by our sponsors, Iowa SCTP, Inc. and its volunteer board of directors has been able to provide funding and therefore more opportunities to new school-based teams, coaches and shooting athletes. To learn more go to www.iowasctp.org The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program in Iowa and across the United States. SCTP is a youth development program in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and to demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills. For more information go to www.sssfonline.org The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is also Iowa’s leading state conservation agency who works hand-in-hand with the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation and the Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program to promote youth shooting sports and wildlife conservation across the state. Their programs enhance all of Iowa’s conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities. You can learn more at:http://www.iowadnr.gov/ Photo credit Jeff Barnes, Iowa DNR

A look at the “numbers” for the 2017 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) & Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) National Championships

The 2017 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) National Championships, held at the Cardinal Shooting Center, July 8 thru 15, in Marengo, Ohio  are officially “in the books” and here’s a look at the final numbers. The 2017 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) National Championships brought together competitive shooters, ages 8 to 23, from 32 states to compete for national titles in the shotgun disciplines of American Trap, Handicap Trap, Bunker Trap, Trap Doubles, Skeet, Skeet Doubles and Sporting Clays. Pistol and rifle competitors competed for steel shooting titles in Rimfire Pistol, Centerfire Pistol, Iron Sight Rifle and Optics Rifle divisions. The Numbers At-a-Glance:
  • 1,043,100 Competitive rounds were fired by 2,687 shooting sports competitors from 32 states during the 8 day event (Approx. 1.4 million including the games and practice)
  • Participation in the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) increased 119%, from 2013 to 2017 (from 199 to 436 athletes)
  • Participation in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) increased 19.5%, from 2013 to 2017 (from 1883 to 2251 athletes)
  • Women are the fastest growing segment of the shooting sports, making up 18% of the National Championship competitors (16% of SCTP shooters, 30% of SASP shooters)
  • $425,000.00 (SCTP) and $84,750.00 (SASP) MidwayUSA Foundation Team Endowment Funds earned at the 2017 National Championships
  • SSSF has awarded $100,000 in scholarships to SCTP and SASP participants this season and over $300,000 in total scholarships since 2013
  • SCTP and SASP make up the largest youth shooting program in the country with over 16,211 youth athletes in 45 states (14,854 in SCTP, 1,357 in SASP)
  • 6.3 million clay targets were thrown during the 2016-17 SCTP competition season as recorded by the SSSF’s SHOT 5 team registration and event management system
Awards presented during the 2017 National Championships:
  • Trophies - 186
  • Plaques - 90
  • Medals – 1,290
  • Cups - 10
  • Belt Buckles - 60
  • Leather Bags and shell box holders (HOA Awards) - 20
  • Cases of Shotgun Ammo - 170
  • Firearms - 67
Now for the Important Stuff:
  • Free Pizzas handed out on Thursday evening - 500
  • Free Hamburgers and Hotdogs handed out on Wednesday night - 578
  • FREE Ice Cream (Sponsored by Browning) served - 450 in 25 minutes
  • Rifle & Pistol rounds consumed in SASP demos and side matches >8,000