submitted by Scott and Lisa Poet of Pistol Prodigies Youth Pistol and Rifle Team

The Pistol Prodigies Youth Pistol and Rifle Team competed in the Michigan Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) State Championships in Sturgis, MI Father’s Day weekend. The 3-day match was hosted by the St. Joseph County Conservation and Sportsman Club. 11 teams from Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin were represented by 109 student athletes, competing in Rimfire or Centerfire Pistol, and Iron Sight or Optic Rifle divisions. In all there were 168 entries across all disciplines, ranging in age from 10 & 11 year old Rookies to College Seniors.

The Prodigies were represented by 9 shooters. Bodi, Eli R., Lauren, and Phoebe shot Iron Sight Rifle. Braden, Bryce, Eli. L., Hannah, and Nathan all shot both Rimfire Pistol and Iron Sight Rifle.

The SASP is a team program that has 6 different age divisions. Squads of 4 same age student athletes compete together speed shooting on steel targets. If the squad members are not the same age, then they shoot in the OPEN Division. As our team members vary in age, we typically compete in OPEN. This is the hardest division, as it has Rookies competing with Senior Varisty (High School kids), and every combination in between.

Every member of our team shot very well. And they all set at least 1 personal “best” time. Several shooters set team records as well. When the powder smoke cleared, we won both the OPEN Rimfire Pistol Division and the OPEN Iron Sight Rifle Division. The competition was very close. Our “Frenemies” team, the WWCCA Straight Shooters, from Plymouth, MI, was tough competition as always. The final time difference between our team and theirs for Iron Sights Rifle was only 4.03 seconds. The blink of an eye separated us in Pistol, just 0.43seconds.

Our next competition is the SASP National Championships in Marengo, Ohio, July 8-15th . We will be shooting against teams from all over the country. 2016 Nationals was a great year for us as we set several personal and team records. Our goal is to make 2017 Nationals even better.

We are lucky to have great kids and families on our team. It is truly an honor to be able to work with such amazing people. Our team sponsors are simply the BEST! Thank you to the parents and families who allow us to coach their kids and our sponsors for all the support. We couldn’t do it without you.

The Pistol Prodigies are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. If you would like more information about joining the Pistol Prodigies, sponsoring the team, or maybe starting your own team, please contact our Head Coaches Lisa and Scott Poet. They are also the State Advisors for SASP in Michigan. They can be reached at 734-323-5293 or emailed at thepoets@yahoo.com. You can also visit the team website at www.pistolprodigies.org or the Michigan SASP website at www.michigansasp.net.

Wish us luck at Nationals. Shoot Safe!