NEWS RELEASE – PREPARED BY Toni Pienta
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION, Bureau-LaSalle-Marshall-Putnam Unit
LaSalle County 4-H member earns State Shotgun Shoot Championship
More than 3,600 4-H members participate in one of the five 4-H shooting sports disciplines. Each fall, the oldest of those members compete in four state contests to determine the state winners and delegates to the National 4-H Shooting Sports Competition.
Top finishers in the contest have the option to advance to national competition if they have not already attended the national shoot for that discipline, said Curt Sinclair, Extension 4-H shooting sports specialist.
Cole Haynes, LaSalle County 4-H Shooting Sports member, missed only three shots all day to claim the 2019 State 4-H Shotgun Shoot championship, hitting 97 out of 100 targets. The 16-year-old LaSalle County 4-H member jumped to the top from an eighth place finish in 2018 by hitting three more targets than he did last year. Cole continues to progress and involve himself in other competitions by utilizing skills he has acquired
The shooting sports project teaches the responsible and safe handling of firearms. Members must be involved in a club led by a certified volunteer who has completed the National 4-H Shooting Sports training.
“4-H Shooting Sports Clubs are founded on the principles of positive youth development,” said Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois assistant dean and Illinois Extension 4-H director. “We want our members to feel welcomed in our program, to grow in leadership and independence, and be inspired to be generous in service to others as they master the skills of shooting sports.”
Sometimes the real wins have nothing to do with how many bullseyes you hit; it’s what changes inside of you because you tried.
The project teaches responsibility, patience, and precision which will transfer to other aspects of life. Older members take time during events to mentor and encourage younger members.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation provides financial support for the national teams.
If you would like more information about this program, contact the University of Illinois Extension, La Salle County Office at 815-433-0707.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate please contact us at 815-433-0707.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. Visit our website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/blmp/