Grand Island, Neb— The 25th anniversary of the 4-H National Shooting Sports Championships was one to remember, marking a record-setting year for participation and achievement. Hosted by Nebraska 4-H, the event welcomed over 740 top-tier 4-H shooting sports participants from 40 states for three days of high-caliber competition.
Representing Illinois 4-H, youth competed in the shotgun and compound archery disciplines against the nation’s most elite shooters. The shotgun team—Elijah Bryant (White County), Jake Glasgow (Brown/Schuyler County), Reid Henry (Adams County), and Ben Stevenson (Franklin County)—delivered a strong showing, finishing 9th out of 28 teams in the trap event. Each day presented a new challenge, with events in sporting clays, skeet, and trap pushing even the best athletes to their limits.
Illinois was also proudly represented in compound archery by LaSalle County’s Tate Sundberg and Piper Brodbeck. The competition featured FITA on day one, field archery on day two, and 3-D archery on day three. Despite a staggering 7.5 inches of rainfall in just 11 hours that temporarily rendered the archery range unusable, the event adapted swiftly. The postponed 3-D contest resumed later that day at an alternate location. Tate placed an impressive 27th out of 123 national competitors, while Piper also delivered a strong finish, showcasing skill, perseverance, and true 4-H grit.
Beyond competition, the championships served as a celebration of friendship, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Participants gained more than scores—they practiced patience, resilience, and adaptability, hallmarks of the 4-H experience.
Illinois 4-H commends its remarkable youth for representing the state with excellence and extends sincere thanks to Nebraska 4-H for hosting this unforgettable national event.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
For Further Information, Contact:
Source and Writer: Curt Sinclair, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, sinclair@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.