The clay targets at LaSada Sporting Clays and Hunting Service in Russell never had a chance.
More than 160 shotgun-toting philanthropists turned out at the Barton Community College Foundation’s Sixth Annual Sporting Clay Shoot. The event raised about $10,000 in 2011 and $14,000 in 2012. This year the shoot broke the $15,000 mark.
Participant Paul Tschopp of Ellinwood said he has attended the shoot every year and has enjoyed witnessing its steady growth and the camaraderie with fellow shooters.
“I just love the sport,” he said. It has grown to be the largest sporting clay shoot in Kansas. He said he loves seeing support for the college. “I’m so pleased to see the community support. The commercial support (there were 45 station sponsorships) is very welcome.”
Foundation Director Darnell Holopirek said this year’s hoot saw interest from beyond Kansas’ borders, with one participant from California and another from Colorado.
All the work that goes into an event like this creates a fun and relaxing atmosphere for the participants, but the end goal is always to make the environment at Barton more conducive to learning.
“Several have asked where the money goes,” Holopirek said. “I’m happy to tell them it goes to mini-grants for faculty to use in their classrooms, but in the end it’s really for the students’ benefit. We’re very pleased with the whole event. We had good weather and great participation.”
Winners
Top Male Shooter Jeff Sammons; Top Female Shooter Caitlyn Young; Top Youth Shooter Andrew McVey; Top Adult Team Bill Dunn, Jeff Sammons, Zach Sammons; Top Youth Team Cesar Maldonado, Nick Franzitta, Andrew McVey