4-H Shooting Sports Members Aim High

Twenty nine of the 74 youth members of Grant County 4-H Shooting Sports will represent Grant County at the State 4-H Shoot from April 23-25 in Fort Pierre. 

The group marked the end of their regular season with a pizza party for participants and their families on Monday, April 19.  Members were recognized for their achievements and improvements during the winter-spring season. 

The top scores were determined by averaging the top four scores recorded by a shooter in each event.

Compound Open – Bailey Nolting, beginner, with a score of 145; Devon Mueller, junior, 146; Sophia Whitlow, senior, 139.
Compound with Sight & Release – Shantel Eilers, beginner, with a score of 139, Bailey Schwagel, junior, 143.5; Sophia Whitlow, senior, 139.75.
BB Gun – Mackenzie Mueller, beginner, with a score of 314.25; Bailey Schwagel, junior, 345.75; Cassidy Schwagel, senior, 352.75.
Air Rifle – Mackenzie Mueller, beginner, with a score of 136.25; Devon Mueller, junior, 185.50; Cassidy Schwagel, senior, 231.25.
Air Pistol – Kyra Tostenson, beginner, with a score of 148.25; Gregory Grabow, junior 141.50; Kylene Bowen, senior, 138.25.

The Most Improved Awards went to: Archery: Nolan Grabow, beginner; Tye Schaffer, junior; and Brooke Schwagel, senior. Air Pistol, Air Rifle and BB Gun: Wesley Magedanz, beginner; Roman McKillip, junior; and Brooke McKillip, senior.

The Spirit Award was given to an individual who shows enthusiasm for the 4-H Shooting Sports program, displays high quality sportsmanship, and attends practices regularly. Ariana Prisinger received the award for archery and Justus Gortmaker was selected for trigger point.

Certified coaches must complete in-depth training and complete volunteer requirements. They included: Angie Bowen, Chely Wellnitz, Eric Mueller, Bill Steinlicht, Wayne Meyer, Chris Mursu, Jason Karels, Twila Mursu, John Schwagel, Josh Anderson, Donnie Eilers, Denny Amberg, David Cizaldo, Mark Veen, Blake Swanson, Dave Hicks, Justin Mathiason, Josh Karels, and Steve Whitlow.

Youth who served as certified coaches included:  Kylene Bowen, Sophia Whitlow, Cassidy Schwagel, and Logan Meyer.

“I appreciated everyone – certified coaches, parents and youth – having grit in making this year’s county 4-H Shooting Sports program successful, regardless following guidance outlined by SDSU Extension,” says Sara Koepke, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor.

Grant County 4-H Shooting Sports will resume Monday, June 14 with shotgun discipline at 6 p.m. at the Whetstone Sportsmen Trap Range. 
For more information about the Grant County 4-H Shooting Sports program, contact the Grant County 4-H Office at 605.432.9221.

Photo: (l. to r.) Wesley Magedanz, Tye Schaffer, Justus Gortmaker, Roman McKillip, Nolan Grabow, Devon Mueller, Mackenzie Mueller, Brooke McKillip, Shantel Eilers, Kyra Tostenson, and Ariana Prisinger.