Spaghetti served for shooters

SUPERIOR – Two Superior 4-H shooters have been granted the chance to go to the National Rifle Association National Championship. As part of preparations, a spaghetti feed, bake sale and auction was held to raise money for the trip.

The two shooters, Luke Boyce and Jonna Rae Warnken were rushed to raise the money for the Saturday, April 5, competition in Fountain, CO. Both qualified in the rifle competition.

According to Don Warnken, rifle coach for the 4-H shooters, they do a fundraiser just about every year. He said the group usually has people going to nationals and noted Boyce has competed before. This will be Jonna’s first trip to the national competition.

Both shooters qualified for the Sport Air Rifle category. Don said the competition places restrictions on what kind of sight can be used and how much the gun can cost. This puts everyone on a more even field and nobody would have an advantage because of the equipment they were using.

The trip is expected to take approximately a week, which includes travel time. Don felt this was a big opportunity for Boyce and Jonna. He said both shooters were definitely qualified to be there and stood a good chance of placing, if not outright winning, the championship.

According to Don, 4-H competitions are very competitive, especially on the national level. There will be a number of coaches for college shooting sports in attendance as well as the opportunity for scholarships. Don said it could even be possible to qualify for the Olympic teams.

“There’s certainly a progression up the ladder,” Don said.

Boyce was excited for the competition and said it would be lots of fun. The potential for scholarships would be good for Boyce and Jonna’s futures. They would also have the opportunity to make professional connections.

As long as they keep their heads straight, Boyce was confident of their chances in the competition. He said Jonna and himself should place high as long as they do not let the stage intimidate them or lose focus. They have not started any new training regimens to prepare and are focusing on keeping their skills sharp.

“It’s just practice, practice, practice,” Boyce said.

Don agreed the key was to remain calm and not let nerves take over.

“It’s on your shoulders and you’ve got to be calm and not nervous and certainly focus in on the process,” he said.

The dinner was very popular, packing the Mineral County Fairground’s 4-H Building and forcing delays while more spaghetti was cooked.

Admission to the event was not the only source of fundraising as 4-H parents made cookies, bread, cupcakes and a variety of other goods for the bake sale. Local groups, businesses and organizations also contributed items for a silent auction. Don said the 4-H Council also chipped in to help them.

Boyce said it was nice to have the community’s support for the 4-H program.

There are approximately seven rifle shooters and 11 archery shooters currently on the 4-H shooting team.