Team Missouri took first place at the 4-H Shooting Sports Nationals June 24-29 at Grand Island, Neb.
Two Texas County 4-H Shooting Sports members were on the winning team, that consisted of 36 shooters and nine coaches from around the state: Kaitlyn Davis was one of four shooters on Missouri’s small bore rifle team (.22 caliber) that took fifth place in a field of 26 teams (finishing fourth in all three small bore disciplines), while Pierce Ford was one of four on the shotgun squad that placed seventh.
“We are proud of Kaitlyn and Pierce and their persistence to be great!,” said Texas county 4-H shooting Sports director Susan Ford. “Their hard work in practice paid off. We have county youth who are excelling in their projects now and we believe they will continue Texas County’s representation in next year’s national competition.”
Davis and Pierce Ford were among 640 youth from 36 states in the contest. There are numerous categories at the competition (based on caliber, rifle, pistol and many other factors), and Team Missouri’s various squads combined to win this year’s overall National Championship trophy.
Ford said the efforts of many people are necessary in helping shooters reach a high level.
“The success of our Texas County 4-H Shooting Sports is due to some talented youth and dedicated instructors,” she said. “Each week these youth, instructors and parents work to make themselves better. The motto, ‘making the best, better’ is in play every week at the Big Piney Sportsman Club.
“We are so thankful to all our sponsors who make it possible to have this awesome 4-H Shooting Sports Club!”
For more information about the program, or any other 4-H activities, call University of Missouri Texas County Extension youth development coordinator Janice Weddle at 417-967-4545 or email her at weddlejd@missouri.edu.