Seven members of the Central Kansas District (CKD) 4-H Shooting Sports program recently traveled to Sedgwick and Augusta to compete at the Kansas 4-H State Shotgun Match on October 14 and 15. To participate at the state level, youth must have shot an eligible score at one of several regional qualifiers earlier in the summer.
In total, there were over 200 4-H’ers from 31 different local Extension units. Those making the trip from CKD were Lane and Gauge Fritz of Gypsum, Coy Malmberg, Callan Rensink and Charlie Klein from Minneapolis, and Clayton Shamburg and Mayson Nagel of Bennington. Klein and Lane Fritz shot in the Senior Age Division with all others entered in the Junior Division.
The district was showcased in several classes including Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays. Combined scores from all three classes made up the Aggregate Score.
Despite high winds and chilly temperatures, three local youth brought home awards from the weekend. In the Junior Division, CKD had the top two trap shooters in the state with Coy Malmberg being named State Champion and Gauge Fritz as Runner-Up. Malmberg also placed eight in Sporting Clays and was 11th Overall in the Aggregate. For the Seniors, Lane Fritz placed fifth in trap.
Now that the fall season is complete, CKD 4-H members will spend the winter practicing BB gun and air rifle in hopes of qualifying for state in April. Moreover, they will be looking to repeat as a Kansas team at the 2024 Daisy National BB Gun Championship Match in Rogers, Arkansas next summer.