The North Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports delegation returned home with another strong national performance, earning a sixth place overall finish at the 26th Annual National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships, held June 22–27 in Grand Island, Nebraska.

This year's event brought together 767 youth from 42 states to compete in nine shooting sports disciplines. Representing North Carolina were 35 youth competitors, nine coaches and numerous family members and supporters who traveled to cheer on the team throughout the week.

Earning a place on a North Carolina national team is an achievement in itself. Youth members qualify through statewide tryouts held each October before spending the next seven months practicing and preparing for the national championships.

Their preparation paid off with strong performances throughout the week. North Carolina teams and individuals posted strong performances across all nine disciplines.

Results

Air Pistol

• Team: 6th Place
• Individual: Callie Yates – 1st Place Overall

Air Rifle

• Team: 14th Place
• Individual: Alyssa Hart – 13th Place Overall

Compound Archery

• Team: 17th Place
• Individual: Austin Johnson – 2nd Place Overall

Hunting Skills

• Team: 10th Place
• Individual: Levi Williams – 17th Place Overall

Muzzleloading

• Team: 4th Place
• Individual: Emmaline Farmer – 11th Place Overall

Recurve Archery

• Team: 6th Place
• Individual: Wesley Salley – 12th Place Overall

Shotgun

• Team: 13th Place
• Individual: Breydan Messer – 23rd Place Overall

Smallbore Pistol

• Team: 2nd Place
• Individual: Evan Durham – 4th Place Overall

Smallbore Rifle

• Team: 12th Place
• Individual: Elias Pressley – 46th Place Overall

Behind the Success

Following the competition, Chad Ray, interim state 4-H shooting sports coordinator, reflected on what the experience means for the youth who earn the chance to represent North Carolina.

"For youth to represent their state at a national event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Ray said. "Youth work extremely hard practicing their craft to showcase it in front of all of 4-H on a national stage."

Ray also recognized the coaches and volunteers whose dedication makes the program possible.

"This would not be possible without the coaches," Ray said. "Coaches spend their time and money out of their own pocket to travel and provide supplies for these 4-H'ers. This is a huge commitment, and we have coaches that have been participating for the past 20+ years. North Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports would not exist without the sacrifices of these volunteers."

The accomplishments of this year's delegation reflect the dedication of the youth, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters who make North Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports possible.

Congratulations to all of this year's competitors for representing North Carolina with excellence on the national stage!