4-H National Shooting Sports 2019
Pictured left to right: Mason A., Daniel S., Jacob S., Liza R., Ben R., Abby L., Izzy K. (front), Justine W. (back), Chase E., Charles J.
Ten Johnson County 4-H Shooting Sports members went to Grand Island, Nebraska this summer, competing in 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships. Members and teams representing 9 disciplines competed against each other as individuals and as part of the Kansas state team. Teams of 4 members in each discipline from Kansas were picked from top placing individuals at Kansas 4-H State matches. Individuals may only participate in an individual discipline once at Nationals during their 4-H career. Awards were presented for each of 3 days of competition, overall discipline winners, and overall state team sweepstakes.
Mason Askew competed in Shotgun, it was the first year our county had a participant in this event at Nationals, and the team was coached by Tom Askew and Lisa Smith. Daniel and Jacob Smith competed in Air Rifle, coached by Mike Smith. Liza Rogers placed 8th in Air Pistol and Izzy Koenig was on the team that placed 3rd. Ben Rogers placed 2nd in Smallbore Rifle, the team placed 2nd, and was coached by Jason Rogers. Abby Lawrenz won in Smallbore Pistol, and the team placed 3rd. Justine Wheeler competed in Muzzle loader. Chase Eccles and Charles Jobson competed in Recurve Archery, the team placed 5th, and was coached by Arn Eccles.
Johnson County 4-H Shooting Sports members accounted for over 25% of the Kansas team this year at Nationals! These ten individuals helped earn Kansas a 5th place overall in the sweepstakes. Over 600 youth from 36 states participated in this nearly weeklong event. Congratulations to Johnson County for representing our state well!