4-H sport shooting fundraiser draws statewide competitors

Published: February 16, 2011

CLINTON — Shooters of all ages, with guns in hand, took aim and fired away to help SC 4-H reach its fundraising goal at the second annual Sporting Clays Tournament Saturday, Feb. 5. A total of 70 shooters came from across the state to The Clinton House in Clinton for camaraderie, sportsmanship, fellowship and fun.

SC 4-H State Leader Pam Ardern said the Sporting Clays Tournament helps the program raise funds to support youth scholarships for state and national conventions, as well as the 4-H Shooting Sports Program.

“Like all of our 4-H programs, shooting sports foster youth development and teach important life skills to young people,” Ardern said. “Shooting sports help youth develop self-confidence, personal discipline, responsibility, teamwork, self-esteem and sportsmanship.”

Rick Willey, who directs the statewide 4-H Shooting Sports Program, said there is growing interest in South Carolina for recreational shooting sports, conservation, hunting and gun safety programs.

“The discipline and self-control required for responsible use of firearms teaches skills that carry over into many other aspects of life,” said Wiley. “We are grateful for the support of so many organizations from across the state that believe in the merit of 4-H programs and are committed to helping us positively impact the lives of future leaders.”

Santee Cooper was the signature sponsor of the event for the second year, joined by Silver Sponsors Meherrin Fertilizer, The State Fair, Ron White Inc., Ag First, Arbor One and Ag South. Blue Ridge Electric sponsored the tournament luncheon and Shooting Station Sponsors were: SYSCO; Wilson Tractor; the Spartanburg, York, Lancaster, Chester and Union Extension offices; Auto Plus of Society Hill; Marlboro Electric; and Southern Shooting Sports.  

Sporting Clays Tournament winners were:

First Place Team sponsored by Arbor One (adult shooters): Richard Calhoun (individual score 77), Brownie Campbell (individual score 75), Bill Aston (individual score 70); total team score 222

Second Place Team sponsored by Mid-Carolina Gun Club (4-H youth shooters): Will Till (individual score 72), Thomas Dressel (individual score 70), Conrad Salvagin (individual score 59); total team score 201

Third Place Team sponsored by Ag South (Newberry 4-H Youth Shooters): Kody Brown (individual score 69), Jody Perry (individual score 59), Kenny Nicholson (individual score 69); total team score 197

High overall score winners were:         

Female High Score Shooter: Darby Hamer, score of 53, representing Arbor One from Dillon 4-H Club

Adult High Score Shooter: Richard Calhoun, score of 77, representing Arbor One

Junior Youth High Score Shooter: Patrick Mills, score of 77, representing Ag First from Newberry 4-H

Senior Youth High Score Shooter: Graham Jackson, score of 80, representing Marlboro 4-H. Jackson also finished with the high score of the day.

For more information about SC-4-H and its programs, contact Pam Ardern at 864-650-0295 or by e-mail at pardern@clemson.edu. To learn more about the 4-H Shooting Sports Program, contact Rick Willey at 864-656-3090 or by e-mail at rwlly@clemson.edu.

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4-H
4-H is one of the oldest and largest youth development programs in the nation. In 2008, the South Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program celebrated its 100th anniversary. The four “H’s” stand for head, heart, hands and health: the key areas 4-H strives to develop in young people.

In South Carolina, 4-H operates through Clemson Extension, employing county agents who work closely with state extension specialists and researchers at the various research and education centers located statewide. Agents facilitate youth programs and provide information in a range of topics, including animal agriculture and veterinary science; natural resources and the environment; gardening; leadership and citizenship; personal growth and development; and science, engineering and technology.

The program uses a learn-by-doing approach, involves caring adult volunteers and draws on the knowledge and resources of Clemson University and the land-grant university system to empower youth to become healthy, productive and contributing members of society.