By JAKYN TYSON
The 2022 Emanuel County 4-H Project S.A.F.E. Modified Trap team wrapped up their season during the State 4-H Modified Trap Match. Emanuel County 4-H’ers participated in three levels of competition: the local Randy Fagler Memorial County Match, Southeast District 4-H qualifiers, and the State 4-H Modified Trap match in Eatonton. The program is open to 7th through 12th grade students in Emanuel County who are enrolled in the 4-H Program.
4-H’ers in the modified trap contest are given 25 clay targets they must hit from a single thrower. All 4-H’ers are coached by volunteer leaders from the 4-H program who are certified instructors. The Modified Trap program is coordinated by 4-H volunteers Ed and Brandi Akridge. Emanuel County 4-H had 33 total 7th through 12th grade 4-H’ers participating in the Project S.A.F.E. Modified Trap program for the 2022 year.
Seventh through 8th grade 4-H’ers on the Modified Trap Team were: Aaden Cumbee, Paxton Dixon, Randon Durden, Gage Johnson, Gunner Johnson, Trevor White, Sam Williams, Bryan Beasley, Brody Fagler, Lillian Hammond, Landon Lindsey, Kristen Mulrooney, Maddox Robertson, and Lauren Sapp.
Ninth through 12th grade 4-H Modified Trap members were: Olivia Boatright, Natalee Brown, Gage Gay, Spencer Lawrence, Peyton Lee, Sean Wilkerson, Ben Bennett, Jacob Fagler, Gavin Gay, Luke Lariscey, Kason Palmer, Slade Hicks, Chloe Mulrooney, Garrett Peebles, Evan Rogers, Mason Simmons, Shanna Wilkerson, Jack Williams, and Hoage Reynolds.
The Randy Fagler Memorial County Match was held on Sunday, May 1. The following 4-H’ers were recognized as top shooters for their grade level: 7th grade Trevor White; 8th grade Maddox Robertson; 9th grade Spencer Lawrence; 10th grade Jacob Fagler; 11th grade Garrett Peebles; 12th grade Hoage Reynolds. Overall top awards went to Senior Female Shanna Wilkerson; Senior Overall Jacob Fagler; Junior Female Lauren Sapp; and Junior Overall Maddox Robertson.
The Southeast District qualifier was held on Saturday, April 23 at Bay Gall Sporting Clays. At the district match, 24 of the youth shooters qualified for state competition.
The state competition was held on Saturday, May 7 in Eatonton, and Emanuel County was represented by 22 4-H’ers. Shooters are grouped by age to form teams of five. The Junior Team made up of Maddox Robertson, Landon Lindsey, Gunner Johnson, Paxton Dixon and Trevor White placed 7th in the competition.
Emanuel County 4-H would like to thank its volunteers who have donated hundreds of hours of service to coach this year’s team. Without Brandi and Ed Akridge, Becky Amerson, Becky Amerson, Joey Amerson, Cade Bennett, Chesley Dixon, Mitchell Fagler, and Brad and T’Neil Williams, a program of this quality would not be possible.
4-H provides fun, exciting, and educational events year-round for youth in 4th -12th grade. For more information about Emanuel County 4-H and how you can get involved as a member, volunteer, or sponsor, contact Jakyn Tyson at the Emanuel County Extension Office at (478) 237-1226.
