Posted: July 28, 2023
Pennsylvania 4-H'ers recently competed in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship in Grand Island, Nebraska. 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.
Back Row (L to R): Darlene Resh, Paul McFarland Jr., Drue Schwesinger, Daryl Carbaugh, Ted Reffner, John Bruner, Adam Carbaugh, Suzanne Palfrey, Phil Hoy Front Row (L to R): Ayden Schwesinger, Bo Carbaugh, Alexander Kobel, Sami Jo Hayman, Matalynn Morigi, Sadie Palfrey, Luke Bivens
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.
Pennsylvania teams included the following:
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’ers secured many awards throughout the week, both in team and individual categories.
In the air rifle individual category, Sadie Palfrey placed first in three-position and in standing contests. She earned fifth place in silhouette and was ranked first for overall individual.
John Bruner earned seventh place as an individual in the 3-D compound archery category. He ranked in eighth place overall as an individual in compound archery.
In the shotgun individual contests, Alexander Kobel earned eighth place in the trap category. The team earned sixth place.
"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.
