New Program Brings Air Rifle Competition to Missouri Public School Students

by
posted on June 24, 2017
sar-line2.jpg

Have you heard of the Student Air Rifle Program (SAR) yet? Developed by the Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance, this innovative new program has aligned itself with public schools, offering Olympic-style 10 meter standing air rifle competition for school-aged juniors in grades 4 through 12. The use of standardized competition air rifles makes introducing competitive shooting to the next generation of student-athletes a breeze.

Student air rifle program competitor practicing in a Missouri h.s. gymnasium
SAR participants use the Umarex Embark Youth Air Rifle.


The new program is also introducing students to Olympic shooting sports, without the need for expensive equipment. Mike Thiemer, USA Shooting's coach academy director has been working with Jake Hindman, president of SAR for the last three years.

Firing line at second SAR Missouri state tournament
Forty-five student athletes competed at the second-ever Missouri SAR state tournament this past May.


Thiemer explained to SSUSA: “When Jake told me about his plans to bring an air rifle program into the public school system as a classroom activity, I did not think this would happen with so much anti-gun sentiment in school. Jake and his team of volunteers have put together a great program with teacher instructor training, professional-level training materials, air rifles, targets, pellets, funding support, etc. The program is ready to be delivered in any state and school system. It’s absolutely an incredible success story for the shooting sports.”

Basic Air Rifle Instructor class in Missouri
SAR Basic Air Rifle Instructor training class.


Five new Missouri schools will begin SAR programs in the next few months, and the group hopes to expand nationally in the future. SAR also offers Basic Air Rifle Instructor courses for coaches, parents and teachers interested in conducting matches at their own schools.

For more information visit: www.studentairrifleprogram.org.

Latest

9Mm Revolver Issues 1
9Mm Revolver Issues 1

Our Guide To Correcting 9 mm Revolver Issues

Get your 9 mm revolver match-ready with these solutions.

Nate Guernsey Clinches Grand Aggregate Title At 2025 South African Open

Team Lapua’s Nate Guernsey put his abilities on full display at the 2025 South African Open.

Review: Langdon Tactical Beretta 92 Elite LTT 10th Anniversary

The combination of the Beretta 92’s locking-block action, solid trigger job and performance parts make the Beretta 92 Elite LTT 10th Anniversary pistol easy to control in rapid fire. 

Desirae Edmunds To Be Inducted Into National Sporting Clays Association Hall Of Fame

Desirae Edmunds earns a place in the NSCA Hall of Fame, honoring her championship titles, leadership and lasting impact on the sporting clays community.

Jessie Harrison Rejoins Taurus Shooting Team

Jessie Harrison is widely considered one of the most accomplished competition shooters in the world.

20 Great Photos From the 2025 NRA America’s Rifle Challenge Match At Camp Atterbury

Here are 20 of our favorite photos from the 2025 NRA America’s Rifle Challenge competition at Camp Atterbury, Ind., on Apr. 19.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.