Beginning the season with warm weather training, the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Team held its first training camp of 2018 at Gator Skeet and Trap Club in Gainesville, FL, in January. They hit a snag with the arrival of Winter Storm Grayson, however. In spite of freezing rain and icy temperatures, these student-athletes accepted the challenge. The team layered up to keep warm—warm enough to shoot over 5000 targets cumulatively in three days.
Team members that participated at the camp included Mark Shields (Missouri), A.J. Nomina (Colorado), Sarah Schwacher (Wisconsin), Jack Brosseau (Florida), Tyler Thiede (Wisconsin), Madeleine Taylor (Alaska), Jay Bible (Florida), Abbey Wigh (Florida), and Scott Schuldt (Florida).
“It was pretty miserable the first day, but they put their heads down and went to work. Goals don’t wait for the weather to clear up,” said head coach Terri DeWitt.
Coach DeWitt and assistant skeet coach Joe Buffa will host another training camp in Tucson, AZ, prior to the USA Shooting Spring Selection Match in March. Other training camps are planned for 2018, but not yet finalized. SCTP leadership said they are optimistic about the team.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Terri and the leadership she is providing for the SCTP National Team,” added SCTP National Director, Tom Wondrash. “This practice and training is one of many to come that will help these team members surge in the International disciplines. People like Terri and Joe Buffa out there working with these athletes is a very welcome addition to our program!”
National Team athletes earned their spots at the SCTP International Championships held last July. They will receive ongoing coaching in International shooting disciplines—plus a USA Shooting jacket, paid fall selection match fees, and a SCTP National Team vest. Additionally, each team member will get five cases of NobelSport Quattro Finest International ammunition.
