NC 4-H State Shooting Sports Competition

Franklin County 4-H'ers participated in the NC 4-H State Shooting Sports Tournament at Millstone 4-H Camp. Youth that participated included Brooke Clinson, Grayson and Laithan Blankenship, Zade Faulkner, Luke Amiss and William Kozak.

Some youth have doubled their scores since regionals, their dedication to practice showed at the ranges. Here are some of the placings: Grayson, 1st place archery compound and 2nd place overall (he also competed in air rifle, and muzzleloader) Brooke, 1st place air pistol (she also competed in .22 smallbore rifle, shotgun and muzzleloader) Laithan (shotgun, muzzleloader), Luke (muzzleloader), Will (air pistol and air rifle) and Zade (air rifle).

The seniors will be going back to Millstone on October 12, 2024 to try out for a national team. Will (air pistol), Laithan and Grayson (archery). They are now training to be ready for the Hunter Skills Competition that will take place in January. We are grateful for all the shooting sports club volunteers, but a HUGE thank you goes out to the lead club leaders, Eric and Linda Kozak for all their time and dedication to the youth and this program. Thank you! We are proud of their hard work.

Eastern Regional 4-H Shooting Sports Competition

Franklin County 4-H had seven youth participate in the Eastern Regional 4-H Shooting Sports competition on August 23rd- 24th, Laithan and Grayson Blankenship, Luke Amiss, Brooke Clinebell, William Kozak, Zade Faulkner and Richie Strum. For five youth attendees it was their very first time competing in shooting sports. One took gold in overall Archery Compound and scored 196. The youngest competitor was praised for his discipline and range posture. One of the senior competitors has come such a long way and he is one of the top five for muzzleloaders and performed well in all other disciplines in which he competed. Brooke, who only started this year took third in air pistol, third in shotgun, third in muzzleloader but also third overall in muzzleloader.

Way to go Franklin County 4-H Sharpshooters, we are proud of your hard work. For more information about 4-H Youth Development, contact Meg Wyatt, 4-H Agent, 919-496-3344.