Pictured front row (l-r) Wyatt Silhanek, Lauren Keller, and Zachary Vinson; back row Eric Keller and Ryan Keller. PHOTO COURTESY JENNY HULME

AMES – Twenty Iowa delegates showcased their skills and sportsmanship at the 2023 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska, June 25-June 30. The event attracted a record number of 718 youth from 42 states, competing in compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading and hunting skills disciplines.

The 4-H project area of Safety and Education in Shooting Sports helps young people practice self-disciple, concentration, sportsmanship, problem solving and the safe and responsible use of equipment.

Lauren Keller, Wyatt Silhanek and Zachary Vinson, members of the Tama County Young Guns, were part of the Iowa Team. Wyatt Silhanek competed in Archery recurve and both Lauren Keller and Zachary Vinson competed in rifle smallbore. In addition to these youth, Tama County coaches, Ryan Keller and Eric Keller attended as coaches for the State of Iowa. Lauren Keller of Tama County placed eighth in the smallbore rifle silhouette competition.

Ryan Keller coached the muzzleloader team. He shared, “It’s not that we only want the youth to complete to win, but the competition really helps them challenge themselves and grow their confidence.”

For more information on the Safety and Education in Shooting Sports project area and events, please contact the Tama County Extension and Outreach Office in Tama County at 641-484-2703 or jhulme@iastate.edu or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.