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Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation Awards Over $100,000 in Scholarships

Rafe Nielsen (left) presents Grace Marlen a scholarship check at the SCTP National Championships. Grace shot a 200 x 200 with a Browning and won a shoot-off with two others to claim the prize July 20 at the Cardinal Shooting Center

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation through their Scholastic Clay Target Program and their Scholastic Action Shooting Program awarded 126 youth athletes over $100,000.00 in college Scholarships through their scholarship program and at the 2019 National Championships in Marengo, Ohio last month.
 
Tom Wondrash, National Director noted, “this is the first time our combined programs were able to award our Youth Athletes and their families over $100,000.00 in college scholarships. We could not have done it without the generous support of our program sponsors who continue to step up and support this initiative”.
 
In addition to the scholarships awarded to SCTP and SASP youth athletes that apply for these awards,at this years National Championships special scholarships were awarded by Browning, Beretta, and Blaser USA. In order to be eligble, athletes must have shot a Browning shotgun in 16 yard singles trap, a Beretta shotgun in the skeet event or a Blaser shotgun in the sporting clays event.

Winners of those scholarships include:

  • Browning Trap: Grace Marlen (St. Louis, MO), $7,600
  • Beretta Skeet: Graham Eubanks (Eatonton, GA) $4,000
  • Blaser Sporting Clays: Baylor Garland (Eatonton, GA), $5,000

 “The smiles on the faces of our athletes that are awarded college scholarships makes it all worthwhile” said SASP National Director Rick Leach. “College is such a significant financial commitment for all our youth athletes and their families. These college scholarships, no matter what the amount are something the youth athletes themselves can contribute to the effort”.
 
For a complete list of all the 2019 SCTP and SASP College Scholarship winners, click here.

Membership Renewals and Registration Reminders for New Competition Season

Greetings SCTP and SASP Coaches,

As a reminder, September 1st marks the beginning of a new season with the Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting Programs. Membership renewals for coaches and athletes are required to retain member benefits including liability insurance, use of the SSSF SHOT system and eligibility to participate in all of the great SCTP and SASP events at the local, state, regional and national levels. In addition, membership is required to take full advantage of all of the SCTP/SASP deals and promotions and fundraisers as well as camp opportunities, scholarships and the All Scholastic Team.

NOTE: If starting a new team, the head coach and/or team administrator should initiate these steps. In most cases the head coach/team administrator will also coordinate registration for all members of their local team. New teams are encouraged to watch our video tutorial on how to register.

Requirements for team and volunteer registration are as follows:

  1. Login to the SHOT System to create your new team and register your first coach.
  2. Create (new teams) or update (returning teams) your information on the SHOT System. See video tutorial for more information.
  3. Additional coaches / volunteers must be added through an invitation process in the SHOT System. Please watch our video tutorial on how to add a new coach or volunteer to your team.
  4. Pay your $35 registration fee for each volunteer. Fees can be paid online through the SHOT system individually or in bulk.
  5. Ensure your background check is current (a new check is required every two years) by logging into the SHOT system to verify the last date approved.
  6. Take the Positive Coaching Alliance Double Goal Coaches Course if you have not done so previously. There is no cost for the course when using the SSSF-provided voucher code. Volunteers must take this course only one time.

Requirement for registration of all athletes are as follows:

  1. Complete and return a 2019/2020 athlete consent/waiver form for SCTP and/or SASP for each athlete. Head coaches must keep a copy of the signed form and return the original to the program office listed on the form.
  2. Complete and retain the 2019/2020 Sportsmanship Contract form for SCTP and/or SASP for each athlete.
  3. Complete and retain the 2019/2020 Medical Consent form for SCTP and/or SASP for each athlete.
  4. Update the athlete information pages in the SHOT system. Ensure all contact information is correct and update the School Class and Classification information for each athlete.
  5. Pay the $25 athlete registration fee for each athlete. Fees can be paid online through the SHOT system individually or in bulk.
  6. Join and/or renew memberships with the National Governing Bodies (NGB) for skeet (NSSA), sporting clays (NSCA) and / or trap (ATA). NGB membership is a requirement to participate in SCTP state, regional and national championship events. PLEASE join or renew through the SHOT system as a portion of the membership fees sold through the SHOT system are retained for the SCTP Scholarship Program.

Thank you for your participation in the SCTP and SASP! If you have any questions on the registration process please contact your state advisor, regional program representative or national program staff member.

Be safe, have fun and enjoy another great season!

Sincerely,

Your Scholastic Action Shooting and Scholastic Clay Target Program Staff

SCTP and SASP National Championships will Remain at The Cardinal Shooting Center Through 2029

On Friday, May 31, 2019 Ben Berka, Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation President and Executive Director announced that SSSF has entered into an agreement with the Cardinal Shooting Center to host their July Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Action Shooting Program National Championships through the year 2029.

The Cardinal Shooting Center, one of this country’s largest features 52 Trap Houses, 14 Skeet Fields, 2 Sporting Clays Courses an International Bunker Trap and a 5 Stand! They also have 14 Pistol & Rifle Bays, as well as an Archery Practice Range and 3D Archery course for the Pistol, Rifle and bow enthusiasts alike! For 2019, the Cardinal Shooting Center will have completed their state-of-the-art “Shot Curtain System’, providing a common background for all trap shooters as well as an efficient platform to reclaim lead shot.

Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director stated “Everyone involved with SCTP is excited about our new 10-year contract with The Cardinal Shooting Center. Beginning in 2020, the Cardinal Shooting Center will add 6-8 additional skeet fields as well as the possibility for additional American Trap and Bunker Trap facilities in the future. We couldn’t be happier to have agreed upon a long-term deal with Cardinal knowing they welcome our athletes, teams and families with open arms each and every year!”

In addition to the SCTP and SASP National Championships in July, the Cardinal Shooting Center is also home for The SCTP College National Championships, SCTP Spring Regional and the SASP Fall Regional Competition. The Cardinal Center also plays host to some of the country’s largest open shooting events including Karen’s Cup, the Ohio state shoot, the Buckeye Open, Cardinal Classic and the “Red Bird” Sporting Classic!

Luke Spengler, Trap manager and tournament director at the Cardinal Shooting Center made the following statement following the completion of the new 10-year agreement. “We are extremely excited to know our youth athletes will be at the Cardinal Shooting Center competing on a national level through 2029. The July SCTP and SASP National Championships have been and will continue to be the largest shooting event in the world and we are honored to host them” For more information on the Cardinal Shooting Center, visit www.thecardinalcenter.com

2019 Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation All-Scholastic Team Announced

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation(SSSF) is proud to announce members of the 2019 All-Scholastic Team!

Over 230 student athletes from 24 states have been named to the team this year and will be recognized at the opening ceremonies of the SSSF/SCTP/SASP Team Championship event on July 17 in Marengo, Ohio.

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, 2019 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 the state-by-state athlete profiles for the 2019 All Scholastic Team members and learn more about how the SCTP and SASP are working to improve the lives of young people across the country.

Congratulations to all qualifying team members!

2019 SCTP & SASP National Championships

The 2019 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) National Championships is scheduled for July 13-20th at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, OH. Last year’s event had nearly 300 teams and 3,000 athletes from 26 states! We hope you can join us for this season finale!

Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) registration is currently open in the SHOT system for team coaches to register.

Scholastic Clay Target Program pre-registration began on May 15th with general registration through the SHOT system June 1st.

Sporting Clays Charity Fundraiser:

Friday/Saturday – July 19/20 Helps Support Kids & Clays and SCTP Scholarship Fund

Event is open to the public, youth and adult members and non-members

Cost is $80 for the 100 Target event!

Fund Raiser – Adult Party – Get Together!

Monday July 15th from 5pm – 10pm      Food, Drink and Fun!!   Raffles, Guns & Silent Auction!

Open to all adults and Industry sponsors!

SIDE GAMES, FUN & National Raffle! (Tickets Available at Registration Counter)
Make A Break Fun Shoot
Flurry Fun Shoot
National Raffle

CZ-USA Top Gun Challenge at Nationals

The Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Action Shooting Program are excited to announce the Top Gun Challenge sponsored by CZ-USA is coming back to the 2019 National Championships in Marengo, OH July 13-20!

As a reminder – SASP Nationals registration opens today!


Top Gun Challenge Eligibility Criteria, Scoring and Prizes

  • Athletes wishing to compete in the Top Gun Challenge must be current team members in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) AND the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP).
     
  • Athletes wishing to compete in the Top Gun Challenge must be pre-registered to shoot the following events at the 2019 National Championships:
    • 16 Yard Trap
    • Skeet
    • Sporting Clays
    • Rifle (irons, optics or pistol caliber carbine)
    • Centerfire or Rimfire Pistol 
    • 1911/2011 Pistol
       
  • Each athlete wishing to compete in the Top Gun Challenge must complete a registration form in person at the SASP registration desk located at the Cardinal Center Central Entry Building prior to competing in their first event. Athletes will then shoot all competition events as usual. 
     
  • We will compile scores from your events and calculate the winners. Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays is easy you will get the total number of birds you break in each discipline, so a possible 600 points. Since SASP is based on time and not total targets hit, it will be done a little differently. We will take all participants and rank both their rifle times and their pistol times fastest to slowest. 
    • The fastest in each discipline will get 200, second place 199, third place 198 and so on down the line until everyone has a score.  We will add all those points together and the athlete with the most points out of the possible 1,200 will win.
       
  • Every Athlete who competes in all the events and signs up, will receive a Top Gun Challenge challenge coin just for participating and showing your shooting stamina.
     
  • Prizes will include a shotgun, rifle and pistol by CZ-USA with specific models to be announced and many other great prizes!

Request for Proposals: Shooting Coach Education Curriculum Development

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…

Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation 2020 Scholarship Program

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.

*NOTE – You must be a current and paid member of the SCTP or SASP national organization at the time of application submission! See details on how to complete your team registration here.

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!

Gene Overstreet and Phil Murray join the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation Board of Directors

 

12th SGT Major of the United States Marine Corps, Gene Overstreet and White Flyer National Sales Manager Phil Murray have recently  joined the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) Board of Directors.

“We are pleased to have SGT Major Overstreet and Phil Murray on the SSSF Board of Directors” stated SSSF Board Chair Louise Terry. “Both bring an industry and personal perspective to the importance of continued growth and development of responsible youth shooting sports across the country”.

SGT Major Overstreet spent 29 years in the United States Marine Corps, his last four years from 1991-1995 as the 12th SGT Major of the Marine Corps. Since retirement, SGT, Major Overstreet has served on several military and civilian boards.

Phil Murray is currently the National Sales Manager of White Flyer Targets, Inc, the nation’s largest manufacturer of clay targets. Phil currently is also a member of the Kid & Clays Board of Directors.

Ben Berka, SSSF President and Executive Director added, “both SGT Major Overstreet and Phil Murray are currently involved in the growth of youth shooting sports. They have experienced first hand the responsible, high quality life skills youth shooting competitors learn and utilize throughout their entire lives”.

Murray Photo Credit J. Michael Whitacre via Facebook

2018 Vision 20/20 Final Results

A big thanks goes out to all of the teams and donors who participated in the 2018 Vision 20/20 campaign! With your help we have raised $259,588!!

Total impact for the campaign amounts to almost $130,000 in cash grants going to Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting Program teams along with over $350,000 in MidwayUSA Foundation team endowment account benefit!

Congratulations to the teams that worked hard to compete in our team endowment bonus fund competitions. There were two team competitions with $30,000 each in MidwayUSA Foundation team endowment funding up for grabs as follows:

  1. Teams with the most dollars raised.
  2. Teams with the most unique donors making donations via the SSSF website or print and mail form.
Top team in each category receives $10,000, 2nd gets $8,000, 3rd gets $5,000, 4th gets, $3,000, 5th gets $2,500 and 6th receives $1,500.

Here are the final team standings for each competition:

Most Dollars Raised

Team NameStateTeam IDTotal Donations
Buckeye Chippewa Trapshooting ClubOhio614$54,321.00
Rio Salado Target TerminatorsArizona1070$31,843.00
Ankeny Centennial Jaguars Trap TeamIowa54$22,500.00
Waterford Wolverine Shooting TeamWisconsin1254$22,305.00
Ballard Clay BombersIowa172$16,505.00
North Scott Trap TeamIowa119$16,104.00

Most Unique Donors

Team NameStateTeam IDUnique Donors
Waterford Wolverine Shooting TeamWisconsin1254142
Central Arizona Target ShootersArizona64688
Rio Salado Target TerminatorsArizona107087
Ballard Clay BombersIowa17277
Williams County Target BustersOhio127660
Ankeny Centennial Jaguars Trap TeamIowa5455
Thanks again to all of the teams who participated and to the generous donors who supported them! If you did not participate in 2018, make plans to participate in the 2019 campaign starting in October.
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