Grand Island, Neb – The National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships, held from June 23-28, 2024, saw over 700 4-H teenage youth from more than 40 states gather to compete in various shooting sports disciplines, including shotgun, archery, rifle, and pistol, in an Olympic-style event. This year, Illinois 4-H fielded two teams, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship on a national stage.

The Illinois 4-H Shotgun team, consisting of Jakeb Paul of Wayne County, Nathaniel Kern of Franklin County, Gianni Zanelli of Macoupin County, and Benaiah Bremer of Madison County, competed throughout the week. They participated in sporting clays, skeet, and trap shooting, ultimately securing 18th place out of 33 states. A standout performance came from Jakeb Paul, who finished 9th out of 129 shooters in the trap shooting event.

Meanwhile, the Illinois 4-H Recurve Archery team, featuring Eve Snider of Mason County and siblings Allison, Rebecca, and Nathan Perkins of McHenry County, excelled in 3-D, F.I.T.A, and Field archery contests. Their efforts earned them a commendable 5th place overall nationally. Rebecca Perkins was a standout, finishing 9th out of 66 archers in the challenging 3-D range competition.

Curt Sinclair, University of Illinois 4-H shooting sports specialist, praised the event’s atmosphere, highlighting the tremendous family support and positive sportsmanship displayed throughout the week. “No one I saw or spoke with all week had one negative thing to say about this national experience,” says Sinclair. 

A cherished tradition at the championships involves trading state representative hat/lapel pins, fostering new friendships and cultural exchanges among participants. The Illinois 4-H teens left Nebraska with new contacts from over 40 states and cherished memories of their time at the 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. 

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Source/Writer: Curt Sinclair, Natural Resources and Shooting Sports 4-H Specialist, sinclair@illinois.edu