Tag: Tom Wondrash

New Scholarships to be Awarded at the 2019 SCTP National Championships

The Scholastic Clay Target Program is pleased to announce the addition of two new SCTP College Scholarship Awards at the SCTP National Championships, July 13-20, 2019 at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio.

Browning (a longtime supporter of SCTP) has for the last 3 years been the sponsor of the “Browning Scholarship”. This scholarship is awarded to the top athlete in Trap Singles (male or female) shooting a Browning Shotgun. In the past, this scholarship has been as much as $7,500!

For 2019, Blaser USA will be sponsoring the “Blaser Scholarship”! This scholarship will be awarded to the top athlete in Sporting Clays (male or female) shooting a Blaser Shotgun!!

In addition, also for 2019 SCTP National Championships, Beretta USA will be sponsoring the “Beretta Scholarship”! This scholarship will be awarded to the top athlete in Skeet (male or female) shooting a Beretta Shotgun!

Athletes competing in these events at the SCTP National Championships just need to complete an online survey before their event starts.

Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director made the following statement. “We are thrilled that Browning, Blaser USA and Beretta USA wanted to provide scholarship opportunities for our SCTP high school aged athletes. Providing scholarships is a mainstay of the SCTP program and adding these additional opportunities will impact even more of our SCTP family’s. We cannot thank Browning, Blaser USA, and Beretta USA enough for their support of SCTP and these scholarship opportunities”.

Pointer Shotguns’ Big Selection of Affordable Youth Models is Quietly Drawing More Kids into Wing and Clays Shooting

Written byIrwin Greenstein

Looking back to April 2019,there were 26,678 student clays-shooting competitors from 1,042 high school teams across 25 states who participated in the USA High School Clay Target League.

That program isn’t the only game in town for youngsters looking to become the next George Digweed, Kim Rhode, Bill McGuire or Anthony Matarese, Jr.

 There’s the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), which offers kids from elementary grades through high school and college the opportunity to participate in all the major clays sports. 

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Tom Wondrash, National Director of the SCTP.

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation introduces school-age youth to the shooting sports. To a large extent the SSSF has become a de facto feeder program to USA Shooting and the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team.

Likewise, the USA Shooting Youth Programs is focused on grooming junior athletes to someday represent the U.S.A. in the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, World Shooting Championships, Paralympic Games and other international competitions. 

And let’s not overlook the National 4-H Shooting Sports and Boy Scouts of America as pioneers that initiated kids into shotgunning sportsmanship and safety.

It seems that everyone credits women with the biggest percentage revenue gains in the shotgun sports. However, a comparative perspective might show that youth shotguns and related purchases might be just as lucrative – or even greater.

Pointer Phenoma

Some of the Pointer Phenoma semi-automatic shotguns that are available in youth models.

When the influential National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) released its Industry Intelligence Report on the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) in 2016, the results were a real eye-opener regarding the potential of the youth market in sporting clays, skeet and trap. 

The NSSF survey indicated that SCTP participants had spent more than $8 million dollars in 2016. Better yet, 93 percent of SCTP parents surveyed said that the program had had a positive influence on their children.

From 2014 to 2016, the publicly available National Rifle Association Foundation’s tax returns showed that the organization allocated more than $4 million in cash and equipment grants to schools and groups that support scholastic shooting sports. 

America’s boom in youth shooting programs hasn’t been lost on Andy McCormick, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Legacy Sports International in Reno, Nevada. Through their Pointer line of over/under and semi-automatic shotguns made by Zafer Arms Company of Izmir, Turkey, Legacy Sports International has quietly become possibly the largest provider of kid-friendly shotguns.

“We’ve always focused on the youth market and we’ve done well in that department because it’s something we believe in,” Andy explained. “There’s a way of looking at it as a future market for customers, but it’s also the future of the industry. It’s the stewardship of trying to make it easy to get people out in the field with a quality product.”

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Andy McCormick, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Legacy Sports International.

Legacy Sports International imports and distributes firearms and shooting accessories in the U.S. In addition to the Pointer shotguns, their brands include Citadel pistols and tactical shotguns, Howa Precision Rifles, Lithgow Rifles and Nikko Stirling optics.

Of the 54 Pointer models sold by Legacy Sports International, 12 of their over/unders and semi-automatic shotguns are specifically designated for youth. These models are characterized by a shorter barrel, shorter stock and sub-gauge ammunition. The packaging reduces felt recoil and helps improve results through better fit and softer ballistics. 

For example, the Pointer Arista over/under is available in all popular gauges with 28-inch barrels. The youth model has 26-inch barrels and only comes in 20 gauge and .410. 

Price-wise, new Pointer youth shotguns are hitting the sweet spot – costing from $539 to $1,279, although the average is about $880.00.

Pointer Arista PAR1228

The 20-gauge Pointer Arista youth over/under.

“Last year we sold a surprising number of 20-gauge over/under youth models – as many as our standard models,” Andy said. “Dealers are really stocking them. We try to keep production ramped up especially during the summer into fall, and the holidays.”

The thing about Andy is that he’s an avid hunter who fully understands the importance of getting youngsters outdoors. 

Legacy Sports International just signed on as an SCTP Gold Sponsor in response to the interest in the Pointer line by youth shooting coaches at the 2019 industry SHOT Show held in Las Vegas January 21-25. 

“We had a lot of the coaches stop by looking for 12-gauge youth models,” Andy said. “We have entry-level Pointers that cost under $1,000 with adjustable combs, ejectors, ported, five extended chokes, mechanical triggers and high ribs. We’re working on getting sample guns out to them in the next few weeks.”

SCT Basic Trap

The youth version of the Pointer SCT Deluxe single-barrel 12-gauge trap gun.

Sporting shotguns priced at the wallet-friendly $500 to $1,000 are a critical factor in enabling families to get their kids enrolled in scholastic clay target programs. 

For example, CZ-USA, which also sells affordable shotguns, is again sponsoring the SCTP Top Gun Challenge in Marengo, Ohio July 13-20. While CZ-USA doesn’t have youth shotguns per se, they sell several models marked as “reduced length.” And the mid-range Italian shotgun maker F.A.I.R. became an SCTP Silver Sponsor for 2019 through its American importer, the Italian Firearms Group.

When it comes to getting kids involved in the shotgun sports, few people understand the calculus of affordability and participation better than Tom Wondrash, National Director of the SCTP.

“At first, the parents don’t know how serious their kids will be about it,” he explained. “And parents don’t want to spend a lot of money on a shotgun unless they know their kids will be serious about the sport.”

At the 2019 SHOT Show, Andy explained that he learned from SCTP coaches one of the appeals of clays shooting to kids and parents is that, unlike school team sports where parents invest a lot of money in gear only to find their kids sitting out the season on the bench, everyone on a youth shotgun squad gets to participate. 

“Everyone is engaged and in the game,” Andy said.

Regardless, when it comes to introducing kids to the shotgun sports, spreading urbanization, higher hunting costs, habitat loss and draconian regulations can dampen parents’ enthusiasm for getting their kids engaged. Even when it comes to clays shooting, youngsters today are suffering from the decades-long, downward spiral in hunting.

SCT Deluxe Clay

The Pointer SCT Deluxe Clay over/under has a model designed to fit youngsters.

In 1970, more than 40 million Americans bought hunting licenses. By 2016, America’s hunting population fell to 11.5 million. Today, fewer parents can simply reach into the safe for a family shotgun that will get junior out on the skeet field.

“We’re getting more and more athletes and their and families involved in our program that have not been involved in the shooting sports and they don’t own a shotgun,” Tom said. “They’re not from hunting backgrounds.”

And here’s where Legacy Sports International is filling the breach.

Of their 12 youth shotguns, the Pointer SCT Basic clays gun features an adjustable comb on an oil-finished walnut stock, five extended chokes, ported, ejectors, raised rib and fiber-optic front sight for $989. The standard models come with 30-inch barrels but the youth version has 28-inch barrels. The Pointer SCT and SCT Deluxe are the only 12-gauge shotguns they sell as youth models.

SCT Basic Trap

The Pointer SCT Basic Trap 12-gauge for kids.

The Pointer Arista over/under youth field gun is available with 26-inch barrels in 20 gauge and .410 with engraved nickel action and walnut stock and forend. It sells for $589.00.

The black synthetic Pointer Break Action shotgun for kids is a 20 gauge or .410 with 26-inch barrels priced at $223.00

Although the Pointer Phenoma semi-automatic line features several different models in 12, 20, 28 gauge and .410, the youth models are 20 gauges with prices that start at $539.00.

And the prices get better for SCTP parents. Legacy Sports International is cooperating with SCTP for pricing incentives that will get more kids into clays shooting.

“What we’ve put together with Legacy is buying program if you will,” said Tom. “The teams or families can purchase these guns at a reduced price. It gets more people involved and families involved who all stay involved longer. I think the relationship will help fill the niche of purchasing a firearm that won’t break the bank because the youth are the future of our sport.”

Irwin Greenstein is the publisher of Shotgun Life. You can reach him at contact@shotgunlife.com.

Hodgdon Powders Supports SCTP Again in 2019

Hodgdon powders has been a long-time sponsor of the Scholastic Clay Target Program and continues to do so again in 2019. Providing powders for all reloading applications, Hodgdon Powders has everything you need from target shooting to hunting powders!

“Hodgdon is proud to partner with the Scholastic Clay Target Program again for 2019,” said Chris Hodgdon, Sales/Public Relations Manager for Hodgdon Powder. “SCTP has a proven track record of safety and ethical character-building coaching for thousands of youth athletes that have fun enjoying shotgun sports.”

Chris Hodgdon currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) and is a past coach of an SCTP team in Shawnee, KS.

“Chris Hodgdon and Hodgdon Powders has been involved with SCTP for many years” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director. “Chris’s sponsorship and support of SCTP reflects the time he spent coaching in our program and the desire to get more young adults involved in shooting sports. We are blessed to have good people like Chris and the entire Hodgdon family involved and supportive of the SCTP!”

Browning Continues Their Sponsorship of SCTP for 2019

The Scholastic Clay Target Program would like to thank Browning yet again for their continued sponsorship, support and trust in our national youth shooting program and staff!

“The SCTP is one of the great organizations that we’re honored to support each year,” said Rafe Nielsen, Browning’s communications manager in marketing. “The work they do to develop youth shooting is second to none. Their commitment to healthy competition, developing advanced shooters, and bringing new shooters to the sport is vital to keeping the shooting sports strong. We’re proud to be sponsors and look forward to a great 2019 with them. "

Come see Browning and many other shooting Industry reps at the SCTP National Championships July 13-20 at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio!

“We are humbled by Browning’s continued support, sponsorship and confidence in SCTP maintaining the best youth shooting program in the world,” said Tom Wondrash, National Director for the SCTP. “Browning and SCTP strive to find ways to support our teams, athletes and families. We are very thankful for companies like Browning who share this same dream and understand the importance of youth involvement in the shooting sports!”

SCTP Welcomes Legacy Sports International and Pointer Shotguns as a Gold Sponsor for 2019


The Scholastic Clay Target Program is pleased to announce that Legacy Sports International and Pointer Shotguns will be Gold sponsors for the 2019 SCTP season.

Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director stated, “Andy and his team have been great to deal with and we couldn’t be happier bringing Legacy Sports International and Pointer Shotguns on board with SCTP this year! In addition to the standard sponsorship parameters, Legacy Sports International has put together a Pointer Shotgun purchase program for SCTP teams looking for firearms to raffle or for team guns.”

For more information on the firearm purchasing program designed for SCTP teams, go to our website at: http://bit.ly/sctp_legacy19

“Legacy Sports International and POINTER Shotguns are proud to be on board as a Gold Sponsor and supporter of the SSSF and the SCTP initiatives across the USA. We truly value working with such a great organization that continues to instill their valuable stewardship in firearms safety, morals and standards in conjunction with the youth shooting sports. It has been very exciting to see the continued growth of these efforts within the SCTP. “Andy McCormick – Executive Vice President / Sales & Marketing LSI

For more information on Legacy Sports International and Pointer Shotguns visit their website at www.legacysports.com

If you are looking to sponsor or get involved with the SCTP, contact Tom Wondrash at twondrash@sssfonline.com

Don’t forget, SCTP National Championships run July 13-20, 2019, we hope to see you all there!

NORTHERN ITALY’S F.A.I.R. SHOTGUNS TO SPONSOR SCTP FOR 2019

The Scholastic Clay Target Program is pleased to announce F.A.I.R. Shotguns, one of the Italian Firearms Group (IFG) brand of Italian manufactured firearms as a Silver Sponsor for 2019.

Kevin Kozel, Director of Business Development and Strategic Projects for Italian Firearms Group stated:

“We are proud to be a Silver Sponsor for SCTP in 2019. We have been sponsoring an individual SCTP shooter these last few years and know how important shooting sports are in the development of quality young people. Being an SCTP sponsor and introducing so many young shotgun shooters to the F.A.I.R. brand of quality Italian shotguns is very exciting for our company.

Tom Wondrash, National Director of the Scholastic Clay Target Program noted, “we are delighted to have F.A.I.R Shotguns with SCTP for 2019. We are looking forward to working with them in 2019 and beyond”.

Since its creation in 1971, F.A.I.R has been committed to an intensive Research and Development program and to the use of the latest technology and materials in the manufacturing of its shotguns. This focus on technical innovation, while still following the centuries old gun manufacturing traditions of Northern Italy, is a key element of their success in creating functional and highly reliable sports and hunting shotguns.

For more on F.A.I.R. Shotguns please go to www.italianfirearmsgroup.com

O.F. Mossberg & Sons Continues Sponsorship of SCTP in 2019

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) is pleased to announce O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc. will continue their support in 2019. 

“We are proud to sponsor the Scholastic Clay Target Program, “said John MacLellan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.   “Mossberg has long led the industry with the largest assortment of hunting shotguns designed specifically for youth and smaller statured shooters.  By making products that fit properly and offering them at a prices parents can afford, we are able to help ensure that those first steps afield are met with comfort, safety and success. 

“We are extremely excited to have Mossberg with SCTP again this year” said Tom Wondrash SCTP National Director. “We are sincerely appreciative for their support of the Scholastic Clay Target Program and their continued efforts on behalf of all our youth athletes.

For more information on O.F. Mossberg and their complete line of products visit www.mossberg.com

Winchester Announced as Official Ammunition of the Scholastic Clay Target Program

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.

SCTP Announces Continued Support From SKB Shotguns

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!

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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.
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