The Emanuel County 4-H .22 sporter rimfire teams traveled to Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton on Saturday, May 2, to compete in the annual State 4-H .22 Rimfire Match.
Georgia 4-H offers the .22 Rimfire Sporter program as a premier competitive shooting discipline for youth. Designed to teach marksmanship and responsible firearm handling, the program follows Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) rules. Shooters may compete individually or in teams of three to four members in either the telescopic or open sight class. Competitors fire a total of 60 shots from prone, sitting/kneeling, and standing positions at distances of 25 and 50 yards. The competition includes both slow-fire and rapid-fire rounds that test accuracy, speed, and shooting fundamentals.
4-H’ers from 12 counties across Georgia competed in the state match this year. One Emanuel County team, made up of Sam Lawrence, Ethan Mason, Brett Way, and Sam Williams, competed in the telescopic class, while Bentley Brinson and Jace Henry competed individually in the open sight class.
The shooting sports discipline of .22 Rimfire is a growing program for Emanuel County 4-H and is coached by 4-H volunteers Spencer Lawrence, Cliff Mason, Senaca and Whitney Lawrence, and Erin and Jeremy Way. Spencer, a 4-H alum and former National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador, helped launch the local program.
“I can’t thank all of our coaches, parents, and sponsors enough for making this happen,” said Lawrence. “This was year two of the rifle team in Emanuel County. We went from five shooters last year to six shooters this year, while I transitioned into a coach’s role. The rifle season was short, but it was amazing to see the improvements each shooter made from practice to practice. I’m most proud of how they encourage one another and, most importantly, have fun. I can’t wait to see what next season has in store.”
The program is open to youth in grades 7–12 and is looking to expand participation, recruit additional coaches, and secure financial support to help purchase equipment and keep costs accessible for local families. For more information on how to get involved in Emanuel County 4-H as a youth member, volunteer, or donor, contact Emanuel County Extension at 478-237-1226 or visit the office at 129 N. Anderson Drive in Swainsboro.
