Sparta, Illinois - The World Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta, Illinois hosted the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Championship, July 21-24, 2010. Thanks to the support of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and sponsors such as White Flyer, Browning, Beretta, Remington, Winchester, Ruger and Federal, youth shooting teams from across the country were able to compete and capture medals and national honors.
Over the three day competition approximately 1500 kids competed in trap, skeet and sporting clays. Teams from South Carolina led the pack with 8 trophies, followed by Arizona and Tennessee grabbing 7 trophies each, while Georgia, Iowa and Nebraska teams garnered 5 trophies each. Overall 28 states were represented with Illinois leading with 317 shooters, followed by Tennessee with 289 shooters.
Browning sponsored the crowd-pleasing Last Competitor Standing event which drew 273 young shooters all vying for the coveted title "Last Competitor Standing" and a prized new Browning shotgun. Sixth grader Jack Criner, a member of the Mulberry Grove Aces Team of Coffeen, Illinois respectfully earned the title Browning's Last Competitor Standing.
The National Championship wrapped up on Saturday with the final competitions in trap and skeet, along with the closing ceremonies. Olympic Gold Medal winner and former SCTP participant Kim Rhode was the special guest speaker. Along with Rhode, who represented Winchester, presenters from Remington, White Flyer and Browning were on hand to award medals and trophies to the winners.
Interim Executive Director, Russ Arnold said "The 2010 SCTP National Team Championships were outstanding. I have never seen so many wonderful young ladies and gentlemen gather together in one place. The sportsmanship displayed by the shooters and coaches is an example of what the SCTP Program has always been about-"making great kids through shotgun sports." We cannot thank the many adult volunteers enough for their hard work and dedication that not only make the National Shoot a success, but the SCTP program as a whole. I am proud to be associated with and to have the opportunity to lead this program."
About The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is an educational-athletic organization that exists to introduce school-age youths to the clay target sports and to facilitate their continued involvement by providing, promoting, and perpetuating opportunities to safely and enjoyably participate and compete in a high-quality, team-based sport led by trained adult coaches focused on enhancing the personal growth and development of their athletes. To learn more about SSSF or how your company can become a donor, visit their website at www.sssfonline.org
