07/31/2023
Last year at our first S3DA Outdoor and 3D target nationals, we brought 5 kids and 13 supporters. One year later, we had 7 kids and 18 supporters travel all the way to Helena, Montana. Not only did our numbers grow, but our scores went up and our placings improved as well.
Day 1 - it was rainy and cool and we fought lightning delays on and off throughout the day. The lightning also caused the shootoffs to be canceled, which was a big letdown for those who qualified. Instead, elimination scores determined placings.
Jr Eagle Female Open
2nd - Scotti
Youth Male Pins
6th - Rhielan
7th - Raingler
11th - Jaxson
15th - Dallas
Youth Male Open
11th - Eli
Young Adult Male Open
5th - Isaiah
We also had a little team get together that evening thanks to a generous donation. The adults enjoyed some down time, and the kids got a much needed break from all the stress and pressure. It was such a good time that I failed to even get a single picture.
Day 2 - We shot the first half of the 3D part of the competition. It was a beautiful day to be shooting in the mountains. All the kids shot great and seemed to have a great time doing it. These ranges they've set are tough! There are few, if any, level shots, and you're lucky if you're shooting on level ground, especially at the 40 yard stakes. At the end of the day 1 of 3D the standings were:
Jr Eagle Female Open
2nd - Scotti
Youth Pins Male
5th - Rhielan
8th - Raingler
11th - Dallas
15th - Jaxson
Young Adult Open Male
5th - Isaiah
Day 3 - Today was our final day, and the kids showed up eager to shoot. The boys had the tougher of the 2 ranges today and still put up great scores. Going into the shootoff the placings were:
Jr Eagle Female Open
2nd - Scotti
Youth Male Pins
6th - Rhielan
8th - Raingler
13th - Jaxson
18th - Dallas
Young Adult Open Male
5th - Isaiah
After a short break, Isaiah headed into the shootdown. This was his big goal for the shoot. Leading up to nationals I had told all the kids to practice 14s because if you go into the shootdown in 5th, it's your only option and you have nothing to lose. It paid off because Isaiah blasted three 14s to come up to 2nd place!
Afterwards, Scotti was awarded Jr Eagle Female Open Shooter of the Year!
All the kids worked so hard to get here and have so much to be proud of. I tell my kids all the time that you get out of it what you put into it, and it was great to see all their hard work pay off and see their successes at the national level.
To the parents, grandparents, and siblings that made the long drive to be here, thank you so much! These parents have spent countless hours and dollars making this happen, and none of this could happen without your support. Every kid grew so much this weekend, and they all grew closer together. We truly have the best team, and I'm so lucky to be their coach.
