GRAND ISLAND, NE — Pennsylvania 4-H members recently competed in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship.

In particular, Wayne County’s Ayden Schwesinger competed in the Small Bore Rifle category.

The competition included 719 participants from 42 states—a new record. Notably, Sadie Palfrey, of Indiana County, placed first in the individual air rifle category.

Paul McFarland Jr., education program specialist with Penn State Extension, reflected on the value of Pennsylvania 4-H shooting sports.  

“4-H is about positive youth development, and Pennsylvania 4-H shooting sports is about more than hitting the target; it’s about exploring your passions and trying your absolute best when faced with adversity. 

“It’s about developing long-lasting friendships with folks from other states or parts of Pennsylvania. 

“It’s about creating that sense of belonging. 

“It’s about developing life skills where a champion athlete can make the choice to congratulate all the other award winners for their accomplishments before accepting her own.”

Under the guidance, training and supervision of adult mentors, 4-H shooting sports offer a positive and safe environment for youth, fostering responsible and ethical practices in the use of firearms and archery equipment, according to a news release from Penn State Extension.

The following were members of Pennsylvania teams.

Shotgun

Matalynn Morigi, Fayette County

Alexander Kobel, Fulton County

Luke Bivens, Fulton County

Adam Carbaugh, Fulton County

Coach Daryl Carbaugh

Small-bore rifle

Ayden Schwesinger, Wayne County

Bo Carbaugh, Fulton County

Coach Drue Schwesinger

Compound archery

John Bruner, Indiana County

Sami Jo Hayman, Somerset County

Coach Ted Reffner

Air rifle

Sadie Palfrey, Indiana County

Coach Suzanne Palfrey

Pennsylvania 4-H members secured awards throughout the week, both in team and individual categories.

“I am incredibly proud of all our folks representing Pennsylvania at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships this year and want to thank all those who helped make this an incredible experience,” McFarland said.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website at www.extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/counties.