r By Jenny McGowan
SPANISH FORK, UT – The Skyline X Youth Shotgun Shooting Team held its third annual Kick-Off shoot on January 4 at the Spanish Fork Gun Club. Skyline X currently has 30 team members ranging from fifth grade to collegiate.
The night began with each athlete braving the cold temperatures and competing in shooting 100 targets each. Awards were handed out in the following categories: Novice (6th grade and under), Junior (7th and 8th grades), Junior Varsity (9th grade and any high school student that hasn’t competed before), and Varsity (10th through 12th grade and college).
The winners were:rNovice:r1st Kash Sr2nd Rhett Cr3rd Wyatt WrJunior:r1st Casey Fr2nd Atley Pr3rd Jesse SrJunior Varsityr1st Brady Pr2nd Dagan Br3rd Tate SrVarsityr1st Kyson Mr1st Hayden Cr2nd Tanner Vr3rd Gus SrLadies:rPaige D
“We love going to see all the members of Skyline X shooting. We had an enjoyable time watching the young men and women show us their expertise in trap shooting. We are always impressed by the safety and professionalism of the members. The coaches and staff are always so positive with these young people. It was a cold night, but we loved being with all the family and friends that were there,” said Susan Bona, grandparent of two athletes on Skyline X.
Several others, adults and youth, were able enter a drawing to win prizes as well. Most notable was a Winchester SX3 shotgun donated by the MidwayUSA Foundation and awarded to Brent Roundy. A pair of Leupold X2-Acadia Binoculars, also donated by the MideayUSA Foundation, were awarded to Beth Pearson. An AKC Lab Puppy donated by White’s Labs was awarded to Morgan Witt.
“Each year our team grows and becomes more dedicated to the sport that I love. Seeing the excitement in the faces of these young shooters as they accomplish their goals in gun safety and shotgun shooting is the best feeling ever! I am so privileged to be a part of their lives and their shooting experience,” said Jenny McGowan, Head Coach, Skyline X.
The Skyline X Youth Shooting Team is under the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Utah Scholastic Clay Target Program with athletes from Utah County. The team meets weekly at either the Spanish Fork Gun Club or Provo Gun Club. They promote education, safe shooting and good sportsmanship while practicing trap, skeet and sporting clays. The team’s goal is to introduce youth shotgun shooting sports to as many of Utah County’s youth as possible; helping them use sports to develop and grow and to be educated in gun safety and the proper handling of firearms. The Skyline X team is one of the largest and fastest growing youth shotgun teams in the state.
“I love this program! Not only do our kids learn the skill of shooting, these coaches are teaching life skills like respect, team spirit, and good sportsmanship. My kids have made lifelong friendships with kids all over that they normally would never have met without Skyline X,” said Nadine White, parent of two athletes on Skyline X.
For more information about the Skyline X Youth Shotgun Shooting Team please visit facebook.com/skylineshooters or call 1-801-318-5894.
