88 Competition literally went off with a bang as The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo hosted the annual Shoot for Scholarships and Jr. Shooting Sports Competition presented by AgTrust Farm Credit Saturday, October 3-5 at Defenders Outdoors Clay Sports Ranch in Fort Worth. “Hosting events outside the traditional dates of the stock show and rodeo has allowed the FWSSR to expand its reach in the Fort Worth community while providing more opportunities for scholarships to students from across Texas,” said FWSSR General Manager Matt Carter. “Entry numbers continue to grow, and the level of skill demonstrated by our student competitors is truly impressive. We were also pleased to have the opportunity to highlight the importance of shooting safety through the educational programs offered to all of our competitors.” All attendees were invited to enjoy educational sessions mornings and afternoons sponsored by the Higgins Branchini Shooting Foundation. Speakers included Texas A&M Trap and Skeet team coaches Jeff and Kathy Gregory, Schreiner University National Champion Shooting Team members Sidney Coffin and Grady Reynolds, 2016 PRCA World Champion Tie Down Roper Tyson Durfey, 2024 Summer Olympics Team USA head shotgun team coach Jay Waldron, and Tanner Jarrett of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. SHOOT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS In its fourth year, the Shoot For Scholarships held October 3 fielded a total of 151 shooters who competed for top shooter and team bragging rights, as well as FWSSR buckles. A total of $50,000 was generated to benefit the shooting sports scholarship program. Taking the win as top female shooter was Annabelle Ayers, a six-time ladies national champion, with FWSSR Shooting Sports Committee member Lynda Mears coming in as the reserve. Taking the male top shooter title was Jake Montgomery with Jeff Phillips taking the reserve accolades. In team competition, taking place over two courses, was champion team AG Insurance Agencies Inc. on the Cowtown course featuring team members Ryan Fussell, James Swanzy, Lonnie Mears and Jeff Phillips and on the Outlaw course the champion was Black Rifle Coffee Company consisting of team members Craig Jones, Dave Capps, Billy Imboden and Terry Matthews. JR. SHOOTING SPORTS More than 230 youth shooters from 63 Texas counties made their way to Defenders Outdoors October 4-5 to compete for $25,000 in premiums in the third year of Jr. Shooting Sports competition, with male and female divisions. Grand Champion shooter went to Noah Ruby of Montgomery County 4-H, who took home $2,250 and the grand champion belt buckle, while Champion Senior Male shooter went to Jay Friesenhahn FWSSR SHOOTING SPORT COMPETITIONS GO OFF WITH A BANG $45,000 awarded in Scholarships and Premiums L-R Lonnie Mears, Grand Overall – Noah Ruby, Montgomery County 4-H, Betsy & Tom Price and Senior Exec. VP & General Manager Matt Carter L-R, Lonnie Mears, Champion Senior Male Jay Friesenhaun of Poth FFA, Betsy & Tom Price and Matt Carter L-R, Lonnie Mears, Champion Senior Female Macie Krenek, Collin County 4-H, Betsy & Tom Price and Matt Carter
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