Amber Robinson Contributing writer

STORY ORIGINALLY RAN IN THE 9.14.16 EDITION OF THE NEW CASTLE RECORD:

This past weekend The Craig County 4-H Shooting Stars Shooting Education Club competed in the Virginia State Shoot. Almost 300 individuals from across the state gathered at the Holiday Lake 4-H Center in Appomattox (VA) to compete in various disciplines. Three youth from Craig County travelled to compete in Progressive Position Pistol Air Pistol, Skeet, Smallbore Rifle Silhouettes and Air Pistol Silhouettes.

Michael Hinson competed in both Skeet and Smallbore Rifle Silhouettes while Keegan and Keith Burnette competed in the Basic Supported position of Progressive Position Air Pistol. Keegan

scored 355 points out of a possible 400 and placed second in the State of Virginia in Air Pistol for all the positions (overall) and second for the Basic Supported position. Keith scored high as well and earned an 11th place finish overall and ninth in the Basic Supported position.

Both young men also went on to compete in Air Pistol Silhouettes and Smallbore Rifle Silhouettes. In the silhouette competitions youth receive a green, bronze, silver, or gold ribbon based on the total number of silhouettes when they score a hit. Keegan received a bronze ribbon for air pistol and a silver ribbon for smallbore. He was also ninth in the state overall and seventh for Junior shooters in Air Pistol Silhouettes. Keith received a silver ribbon for Air Pistol Silhouettes and a green ribbon in Smallbore Rifle Silhouettes. His air pistol silhouette finish earned him fourth place in the state overall and fourth place among all Junior aged shooters. This was only the second competition for both Keith and Keegan Burnette.

Anyone who is interested can join the Shooting Stars Club at no cost.

This sport is very different from hunting despite using similar equipment. It is a sport that requires a lot of practice and helps develop focus and self-discipline in shooters. However, all that practice pays off at the competitions! We would like to thank Mike Hinson and Gary Greene for taking time to instruct shooters and help them improve. Also, thank you to our supporters including the Dorothy Cate and Thomas S. Frist Foundation and the Friends of the NRA Foundation for helping provide equipment and funds to support the program. Shooting sports are expensive and your support allows us to provide these educational opportunities to youth at low cost. For more information, please contact Amber Robinson at (540) 864-5812 or hamber08@vt.edu.