Leon County 4-H Shooting Sports team shines at District Match

Leon County 4-H Shoot Sports club members and coaches pose for a group photo while awaiting the results of the District 8 Rifle Match on Saturday, April 24. Photo contributed by Darrol Reeder The Leon County Gun Club was the site of the 4H District 8 Rifle Match on Saturday, April 24th. Approximately 109 competitors from seven counties signed up to compete in three-position 22-calibre rifle shooting.

Shooting sports have become a popular 4H event and Leon County was well represented at the match. Coaches Mike Port, Ron Morelock and John Adams volunteer their time each Saturday and Sunday, working with a team of 45 students who have been actively participating since January in weekly practices. “The first goal of this program is safety,” explained Morelock, and he stressed that character building and self esteem are gained through the program. The students pay $30 to join the team, and all equipment and ammunition are provided by the club, supplemented by contributions from individuals and organizations like Buckmasters and Ducks Unlimited. Archie Van Wey allows the team to use the Leon County Gun Club facilities.

(Standing) Darrol Reeder and Coach Ron Morelock, Mark McLeod and Cassie Ferguson, and prone shooters Kory Jumpers, Tyler Jacobs, Calvin Young and Kyle Reeder at the District 8 4-H Rifle Match. Photo contributed by Mike Port The Leon County 4H club brought 41 marksmen to the District Match, competing with both light rifle and heavy precision target rifle. The students competed within their age division: Junior (8- 10), Intermediate (11 to 13) and Senior (14 - high school graduation) and as teams or individuals.

Competing for Leon County were:

Junior Light Rifle: Team #1: Colton Adams, Cade Beshears, Justin Vann and Joshua Embry. Team #2: Tony Maldonado, Bryan Moore, Patrick Pringle and Spencer Stanton. Team #3: Melanie Barnett, Jeremy Flake, Aaron Wilson and Tyler Sanders. Individual participants: Cade Cleveland, Ben Dittmar, A.J. Easterling, Shayne Pringle, Jared Miller and Bradley Kelly.

Intermediate Light Rifle: Team #1: William Barnett, Jr., Ross Beshears, Nathanael Young and Seth Folsom. Team #2: Leana Gore, Trey Minter, Pete Lipsey and Bradford Tatum. Team #3: Jessica Flake, Ashlynn Duck, Faith Lipsey and Cole Cleveland. Individual participant: Justin DeBorde

Senior Light Rifle: Team #1: Tyler Jacobs, Calvin Young, Cassie Ferguson and Marc McLeon Team #2: Chiara Kurtz, Rion Ussery, Tory Duck and Kory Jumper Team #3: Kyle Reeder, Marilu Castro, Taylor Fielder and Cheyenne Drexler. Individual participant: Joseph Miller.

Intermediate Target Rifle: William Barnett, Jr.

Senior Target Rifle: Team #1: Taylor Jacobs, Calvin Young and Cassie Ferguson Team #2: Marc McLeon, Kyle Reeder and Kory Jumper

MATCH RESULTS: Junior Light Rifle Team #1 won their division, Team #2 took 4th and Team #3 placed 5th. Colton Adams was the 2nd high individiual.

Intermediate Light Team #2 finished in 2nd place, Team #1 finished 4th, and Team #3 placed 5th. Leana Gore was 2nd high individual and Ross Beshears was 3rd high.

In the Senior division, Team #1 was first, Team #2 finished fourth and Team #3 placed fifth. Young was the high-scoring individual and Jacobs was 2nd.

One Leon County 4-Her, William Barnett, Jr., competed with the intermediate target rifle and was third place individual.

In Precision Target Rifle competition, the Senior Team #1 took first place and Team #2 finished 3rd. Young was the 1st place individual, Jacobs 3rd and Ferguson 4th. The Precision Target Rifle Team will advance to State in Rosenberg, Texas on June 8-9.

Signups for next year’s team will begin in the fall.