Junior Competitive Shooters are on the Rise
Meet young Champions Brian Hampton, Katelyn Francis and Tim Yackley at the 2014 Colt 3 Man 3 Gun in Topton, Pennsylvania, where their team placed 17th out of 70 teams, all of which were adults! They are prime examples of the talented young role models in the competitive shooting world!—Photo Courtesy of Becky Yackley Photography
Of all the competitive shooters out there, my favorite shooters are the Juniors. What you may not realize, if you have never met a junior shooter, is that they are incredible! Junior competitive shooters are responsible, polite adolescents with an impressive knowledge of firearms that would astound most people. They generally have a wonderful sense of humor, sense of self-worth and strong character.
Reanna Kadic, 15, has been shooting competitively for one year. She is rapidly progressing through the ranks of her fellow 3 Gun Competitors, so plan on seeing a lot more of Reanna! –Photo Courtesy of Stefan Kadic
These juniors of the sport, despite their size, weight or gender, compete against adults on a regular basis. They do so while still having school, peer pressure and all the trials of growing up. They stand out as shining examples and role models to not only their peers, but to adults as well! They are still your normal kiddos who play video games, listen to horrible music and have interesting fashion sense (at least to some of the older generations). They actively stay out of trouble and spend much of their extra time training and attending matches with their mostly mature, adult counterparts. These children of the sport generally progress rapidly and very quickly start beating their adult competitors.
So what is the difference? Why do these children decide to join a sport that consists of mostly adults and how did they become so awesome? It all started with great parenting. Instead of keeping firearms a secret and letting their children learn about them from video games or television, they actively sought out to fully educate their kids on their own terms. They taught them the safety and joy of firearms in a positive and enjoyable manner, and like most things that kids are taught in a positive environment, these kids grow to love it on their own.
Here I am at age four and eight. Even as I rescued Princess Kitty from bandits I knew the difference between real guns and toys. The education provided by my parents prepared me to be mature enough to have a Red Rider BB Gun and hunting knife as I became older.
When I was eight years old I wanted an Old Timer hunting knife and a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas, amongst the usual Barbie’s, ponies and such. My parents, instead of being horrified at this request, actually bought them for me! They were not shocked when I asked for such a gift, they knew it was only a matter of time. From the moment I could walk and talk I began my education on firearms. When I was four, my dad would take me to the range with double hearing protection, big goofy 80’s eyepro and let me watch, and occasionally shoot a couple rounds. As I grew older I was allowed to tag along on hunting trips and learn to shoot for real. These positive experiences gave me a love and joy of firearms, so of course the moment I was old enough, I wanted a BB gun and the accompanying knife. Guess what…I DID NOT SHOOT MY EYE OUT! I was safe, and responsible and treated my BB gun as if it were a real lever action rifle (I thought I was Annie Oakley). I also did not stab myself or anyone else for that matter with my hunting knife. When I was old enough, I was able to progress towards an air rifle and eventually my own 20 Gauge shotgun. My positive experiences with firearms gave me a respect and love for them, and I saw them as fun, not just for hunting or self-defense.
Because of this education as a child, I have always loved firearms and owned them throughout the years. Thankfully through my marriage to my wonderful husband I was introduced to the competitive shooting world. I only wish that my parents had known about the various Junior Programs for young shooters! The opportunities available for juniors in the sport are amazing. The ones who stick with it are given a wealth of opportunities to progress through the sport and toward their future!
This is Riley Satterwhte, an incredible 16 year old who started competing at age 14. She is another to look out for, as she is rapidly progressing through the ranks of IDPA and USPSA.—Photo Courtesy of Rod Satterwhite
After talking to the parents of many of top junior competitive shooters, the consensus was the same:
- Start their firearms education early.
- Every child is different, so assess your child by their maturity level and decide at what age they are ready to progress.
- Show them the fun of the sport and debunk any of the firearm “myths” out there.
- Be supportive, and if they decide it’s not for them, don’t push, and let them make their own decision. They may eventually decide to come back to it, if not, it’s just not the sport for them.
- Once your child is safe with guns at home, then decide to introduce them gradually into the sport. Let them watch and learn by watching strong competitors.
- Get them involved in Junior Programs offered by many ranges or clubs and the NRA, NSSF, USPSA, USA Shooting, 4-H and many others.
Ty Starling is a 17 year old Junior on the rise. He has only been competing for a year and is already ranking amongst and above some of the top Pros at Major Matches.—Photo Courtesy of Jason Webb at Rock Street Photoraphy
So aside from junior shooters being incredible young humans, why am I such a fan?? Because they are the future of the sport. I love my guns. I love to shoot my guns. I love to carry my guns. I love to compete in high action, super fun sports with guns. If I want to continue to do any of these things, I and my fellow adults who share the same interests can’t be the only ones standing up for our 2nd Amendment rights. These junior shooters will eventually become voting adults. They will also most likely raise families of their own. If they have positive experiences with firearms, they will continue the legacy with their own children, and their children’s children and so on. You see the big picture, right? Also…these kids are trend setters!
Their knowledge of the sport and positive experiences will bring others into the shooting sports.
So next time you’re at the range, make sure you help out your juniors. Take part in Junior Camps and matches that help to raise support for them. I know, it can be heartbreaking to have a 16 year old “shoot” circles around you, but set your pride aside and give them a helping hand! These kids are our future, remember that next time you’re out shooting!
Todd Jessee competing at age 10 (now a 15 year old Junior State Champion), at Sir Walter Raleigh Gun Club in Creedmore, North Carolina. Champion Shooter Todd Jarrett is giving young Todd some words of wisdom. Look at this kid’s focus! –Photo Credit of Rob Jessee
For more information on programs for juniors, check out the following links:
Nice. We whole-heartedly agree, kids and juniors are our future.
Alan Chwick, Managine Coach
Freeport Junior Club
http://www.FreeportJuniorClub.org