The 2024 Emanuel County 4-H Project S.A.F.E. Modified Trap team wrapped up their season during the State 4-H Modified Trap Match on Saturday, May 11. 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 6th 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 44 total 6th through 12th grade 4-H’ers participating in the Project SAFE Modified Trap program for the 2024 year.
Sixth through 8th grade 4-H’ers on the Modified Trap Team were: Bentley Brinson, Addi Rae Robertson, Julianne Way, Noah Brantley, Sam Lawrence, Jake Marsh, Amelia Clements, Nathaniel Harry, Ethan Mason, Tate Torpy, Eli Way, Brett Way and Abigail Wilks. Ninth through 12th grade 4-H Modified Trap members were: Hagan Brown, Aaden Cumbee, Paxton Dixon, Randon Durden, Gage Johnson, Gunner Johnson, Jackson Smith, Sam Williams, Bryan Beasley, Brody Fagler, Lillian Hammond, Jake Palmer, Maddox Robertson, Lauren Sapp, Olivia Boatright, Natalee Brown, Spencer Lawrence, Peyton Lee, Sean Wilkerson, Ben Bennett, Jacob Fagler, Luke Lariscey and FaithAnn Rogers.
The Southeast District qualifier was held on Saturday, April 13, at Bay Gall Sporting Clays. At the district match, 18 of the youth shooters qualified for state competition and two teams placed in the contest. The junior team made up of Eli Way, Nathaniel Harry, Sam Lawrence, Brett Way and Amelia Clements placed second in the junior division. The senior team made up of Maddox Robertson, Luke Lariscey, Spencer Lawrence, Ben Bennett and Jacob Fagler placed first in the competition.
The Randy Fagler Memorial County Match was held on Sunday, April 30. The following 4-H’ers were recognized as top shooters for their grade level: 6th Grade Julianne Way, 7th grade Jake Marsh; 8th grade Eli Way; 9th grade Gunner Johnson; 10th Maddox Robertson; 11th grade Peyton Lee; 12th grade Luke Lariscey. Overall top shooter awards went to Senior Female Olivia Boatright; Senior Overall Peyton Lee; Junior Female Julianne Way; and Junior Overall Eli Way. Lee, Lariscey and Robertson all shot perfect scores of 25. After a third round of doubles to break the tie, Lee shot a perfect 55/55 for the day. The state competition was held on Saturday, May 11, in Eatonton and Emanuel County was represented by 18 4-H’ers.
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, Joey Amerson, Cade Bennett, Chesley Dixon, Senaca Lawrence, 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.
