BULL'S EYE

Shooting sports program appeals to some at high school

By Carol Rolf

LITTLE ROCK — Izard County Consolidated School District prides itself on being "a place where everybody is somebody."

One case in point is the shooting sports program offered at Izard County Consolidated High School. Now in its second year at the local school, the shooting sports program is under the direction of Wayne Neal, agriculture teacher, and is sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

"I can't say enough positive about this program," Neal said. "We are teaching kids to improve their shooting skills, to respect safety and the importance of teamwork. It's a life-skills program."

The Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program, according to its printed handbook, "is focused on providing a fun, safe environment for participating in shooting sports and reconnecting kids with the joy of being outdoors. The AYSSP will raise awareness of conservation-related sports, promote safety and responsibility and raise self-esteem."

"We started with 29 members last year," Neal said. "This year, we've had an increase, to about 40 students.

"The beauty of the program is that everyone can compete," said Neal, who is certified by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to teach the program.

The shooting sports season begins in February and ends in June of each year. Participants practice after school and on weekends.

"We practice off school property," he said. "A private individualallows us to use his land, which is about four or five miles from the school.

"An individual has to be really dedicated to this to practice on his or her own time," Neal said.

"Students that could be borderline as far as discipline goes can jump into this program and change dramatically," he said. "It's not for everyone. But maybe the non-athlete can become an athlete in this program. It offers a lot of competition. It's really a neat program."

Neal said both junior and senior squads compete in teams of five.

Izard County competes in the North Region of the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Regional Tournament held at the Remington Gun Club in Lonoke. This year's regional competition will be Saturday, May 2, 2009, followed by the state tournament on Saturday, June 6, 2009.

A senior team, composed of Caleb Blevins, Wade Hilliker, Melissa Rush, Dustin Noblin and Ethan Porter, placed second in the senior division at last year's regional competition held May 31 at the Remington Gun Club. All members except Noblin, who graduated in 2007, are returning this year.

A junior team, composed of Preston Harmon, Toby Wallace, Jake Dockins, Jordan Everett and Isaac Blankenship, placed fourth in the junior division last year.

Neal said students are able to win individual trophies as well as team trophies. "Scholarships are also available," he said.

Neal said he received $4,000 from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to operate the program. With this money, he purchased one trap machine. Also, each student is given six boxes of ammunition and eye and ear protective wear.

"If they fulfill their part and make six practices, they qualify for the state and regional tournaments," said Neal, who added that students have to make their own clay targets. "There's some math involved there, too," he said. "So they're learning more than just how to shoot."

He said the students have to help with setting up the trap machine and with keeping the range in shape. "It's just a bare hay field right now," he said. "There is no restroom facility. We're starting out slowly and hope to improve not only our skills but also our facility."

Neal is beginning his sixth year as the agriculture teacher at Izard County Consolidated Schools. He is also the 4-H adviser and FFA adviser.

"I'm also a hunter education instructor," he said. "We have an active livestock program, too. The kids have been to several fairs already and are planning to participate at the Arkansas State Fair, too," which begins Friday and continues through Sunday, Oct. 19.

Neal is a graduate of Arkansas State University with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture. He was an agent with the Izard County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, prior to becoming a teacher. He is a graduate of Viola High School in Fulton County.

- crolf@ arkansasonline.com

Three Rivers, Pages 54 on 10/09/2008