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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
New London Tiger Shooting Sports prepares for a second successful season
New London Tiger Shooting Sports has completed a very successful first season. John Smyth is the point person in the newly created team. However, John is very firm and makes it clear that the entire team exists because it has great support. There are six coaches, numerous sponsors and fantastic families all contributing to the success of the team. The New London school district recognizes the team, allowing it to use New London in the title and its mascot. All expenses and scheduling duties are the team’s responsibility. Wende Smyth, administrator of the Facebook Group, smoothly handled many duties such as score keeping, scheduling and record keeping.
The First Annual Banquet and Fundraiser was held at the VFW in New London. Clay Target Sports are very expensive. The goal was to ensure enough funds that any New London student who wanted to participate on the team could do so without worry. The fundraiser was a great success. The first season was everything everyone hoped it would be. Fourteen students went to the state meet in Cedar Falls the week of June 6. The Scholastic Clay Target Program is a fast-growing sport across Iowa. 120 schools and 3,300 kids participated in the 2023 State event. Levels are Rookie to Varsity so shooters at every level get a chance to show their skill. Again John and Wende shared their gratitude for the support of all the team members, team families, sponsors, and organizations that made New London’s Tiger Shooters a cohesive extended family committed to the success of all.
The Second Annual Banquet and Fundraiser will be held at the VFW, 300 Monroe St, Mount Pleasant Feb. 3, 2024. Social time 5:30 p.m. Dinner served 7 p.m. There will be a silent auction, live auction, and gun raffles. Tickets are $25.
This fundraiser is very important. One hundred percent of the funds go to the team for the cost of ammunition, practices, tournaments, and registration fees. Please call John Smyth @ 319-931-6673. Help is needed. Cash donations, auction items and any other help will be greatly appreciated. Sponsorships are available. Businesses and individuals are welcome to provide sponsorships. The Tiger Shooting team is a 501(c)3 non -profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible.
To give a bit of an idea of a season of Clay Target Shooting: the season began in February with safety lessons. Gun safety and tournament safety and protocol are taught. Coaches then help team members fit their guns properly. This was followed by five weeks of practice at Prairie Hunters in West Point. The first meet was held April 6. The weather was not always helpful but the team toughed it out and made every practice and tournament count. May 20 was the last competition of the season. May 22 was Fun Night for the team and its family members. It was an intense experience as are all athletic sports. The team performed well in all aspects of the sport by helping each other, working on skills, supporting everyone’s efforts and making every meet fun.
State Meet Results
June 7 was the first day at State. Weather was wonderful. Competition was singles for Intermediate Advanced and Intermediate Entry for men and women. The participants shoot 200 rounds each. Coaches and families were extremely proud of the New London Team. Congratulations Kane and Zach! Kane received first place in his division and Zach received third in his division.
Men's Intermediate Advanced: Kane Forseen shot 200 and received his straight 75, 100 and 200! Tyler Sours shot 180, Landon Smyth shot 170, Liam Garvey shot 168, Archer Bonnessen shot 164.
Men's Intermediate Entry: Zach Calhoun shot 193 and received his straight 50 and 75!! Michael Gossen shot 173, Rhys Nelson shot 155, Tucker Larkins shot 146, Cole Swanson shot 141, Emmett Garza shot 132.
Ladies Intermediate Advanced: Eden Millard shot 112.
On June 8, Handicaps and Doubles were the skills. Each competitor shoots 100 rounds.
Intermediate Advanced: Kane Forseen shot 98 and received place! Tyler Sours shot 83, Landon Smyth shot 81, Tucker Larkins shot 72.
Intermediate Entry: Zach Calhoun shot 84.
Varsity: Alex Calhoun shot 88.
Kane Forseen was the only member on the New London Trap team to shoot doubles. He received First Place in his division. Kane shot a 94 out of 100!
June 9 was the last day at state. Competitors shoot 2 sets of 100.
Varsity: Alex shot 176
JV: Carter shot 171
Congratulations to everyone who made it to state. New London Tigers are making a name for themselves in Scholastic Clay Shooting. The team looks forward to a second season and more kids signing up to try this fun sport.
