The Patrick County 4-H Marksmen traveled to the Holiday Lake 4-H Education Center in Appomattox on July 24 to take part in the 2017 Central District 4-H Shooting Education Competition. Over 15 different 4-H shooting clubs from around the state attended with 56 kids competing in 10 different events.

Competing for the Patrick County 4-H Marksmen were Thomas Coleman, Steele Foley, Nick Hooker and Caleb Murphy. This team took first place in the Shotgun/Trap competition and were awarded a trophy that will stay with them for the next year.

Individual results include: Thomas Coleman, first place, Smallbore 3P, second place, Smallbore Rifle Silhouette, second place, Smallbore Pistol Silhouette, and first place, Air Rifle; Nick Hooker, third place, Smallbore 3P, sixth place, Air Rifle; Steele Foley, first place, Smallbore Pistol Silhouette, and eighth place, Smallbore Rifle Silhouette; and Caleb Murphy, seventh place, Air Rifle.

The Patrick County 4-H Marksmen use shooting as a vehicle to teach youth ages 9 to 19 life skills such as responsibility, self-discipline and teamwork through skills learned in archery, muzzle loading, pistol, rifle and shotgun. Through these disciplines, youth also learn firearm safety and marksmanship.

The Patrick County Shooting Education Club is no longer affiliated with 4-H.

Patrick County 4-H Marksmen club practices will begin with the start of the school year and new members are welcome. For more club information, please contact Terri Alt at the Patrick County Extension Office at (276) 694-3341.