More than 40 schools were represented at the Oklahoma Trapshooters Association in El Reno on May 7 for the State Shoot. The event brought students together after a season of practice and competition at their respective schools as part of the OklahomaScholastic Shooting Sports Program (OKSSSP), administered by the OklahomaDepartment of Wildlife Conservation.
"The OKSSSP has proven to be immensely popular among the state schools that have joined the program. Not only are students given the chance to learn about firearms and gun safety, but the schools receive financial support from endowment funds that they receive for participating in the program,” said Damon Springer, senior information and education specialist and coordinator of the Oklahoma Scholastic Shooting Sports Program.
The OKSSSP was launched in August of 2013 with 20 pilot schools and has grown to include 50 schools. It was a great turn-out for the 2014 OKSSSP State Shoot with 659 students in grades 7-12, shooting more than 16,000 rounds. In the Junior Division, Locust Grove took first followed by Verden and then Howe teams. In the Senior Division, Altus won the competition. Trailing behind were Stilwell, Depew, Sequoyah and Keys senior teams.
Every high school team that participated received $2,500 in endowment funds. First through 5th place high schools teams received additional endowment funds (1st- $5,000, 2nd-$4,000, 3rd-$3,000, 4th-$2,000, 5th-$1,000). Individual and team awards were also given out to the top teams and individual shooters. Each team with endowments through MidwayUSA Foundation are able to draw up to 5 percent each year to use for team expenses, such as ammunition, range fees, travel, uniforms and more.
"It was a pretty windy day even for Oklahoma with winds gusting from the south at 20-35 miles an hour throughout the entire day. However, even under these adverse conditions there were three high school boys that shot perfect scores by breaking all 25 targets. Zane Scrivner from Sequoyah, Zach Pyle from Altus and Terry Linn from Howe all ended up in shoot off for 1st-3rd place. Zane ended up in first, Zach took 2nd and Terry ended up in 3rd, added Springer."
The program is made possible in part through the generous donations from Larry and Brenda Potterfield and the MidwayUSA Foundation, Oklahoma Station-Safari Club International and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Springer said the OKSSSP plans to add 35 high schools, begin holding regional shooting competitions, and institute a bracket-style tournament format for the state shoot in 2015.
Teachers interested in learning more about the OKSSSP program or in starting the program at their school should contact Springer at (405) 317-6316 [email protected].
