The recent Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program (TNSCTP) season officially came to a close this past Saturday as athletes, coaches, and families gathered at the Maury County Gun Club for the All-State Banquet.
The event celebrated a standout year and honored the 128 members of the Academic All-State Team. These athletes exemplify the balance of sportsmanship, dedication, and academic success, representing the very best of TNSCTP. For the full list of honorees, click here.
Event Highlights
The day featured a Mini-Ironman shoot, a catered lunch from Jim ‘N Nick’s, a shoot-off, and an awards presentation recognizing some of the season’s most notable accomplishments.
Winners of the 2024 All-State Banquet Mini-Ironman include:
Coach/Parent Champion
Jason Lankford (Warriors)
Rookie Champion
Carson Meggs (McKenzie Shooting Sports)
Intermediate Lady Champion
Lexi Orr (McKenzie Shooting Sports)
Intermediate Men Champion
Carson Spurgeon (Houston Co Lucky Shots)
Varsity Lady Champion
Ellie Huddleston (Zion Christian Academy)
Varsity Men Champion
Collin Whitehead (Henry Co. No Fly Zone)
Honoring Season Achievements
One of the most anticipated moments was the presentation of the Rudy Cup and the Poston Cup. These awards honor the top Tennessee athletes in American Skeet and Singles Trap from the National Championships in July. Collin Whitehead (Henry Co. No Fly Zone) secured the Rudy Cup at Nationals, while Remington Lowe (Henry Co. No Fly Zone), claimed the Poston Cup after a shoot-off against Ben Yarbrough (HSSC Crush) at this All-State banquet.
TNSCTP offers scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors to use in pursuit of a higher education. This year, we awarded seven scholarships, with the banquet serving as the ideal setting to present these checks to the new TNSCTP alumni.
Hayden Wright (Zion Christian Academy Shooting Sports), recipient of the 2024 Dr. John O. Gayden Memorial Scholarship.
This year’s scholarship recipients were:
TNSCTP Scholarships: Zachary Morgan (Briarcrest Trap Club), Caroline Cashion (Columbia Central High School), Jackson Bailey (FACS Trap), Lauren Massey (St. Mary’s Trap Team), and Colby Byard (Clarksville Academy)
Dr. John O. Gayden Memorial Scholarship: Hayden Wright (Zion Christian Academy Shooting Sports) (pictured above)
Robert E. Tipton Memorial Scholarship: Gabby Worthen (Dickson Clay Commanders)
Continuing a tradition that began last year, we also presented state rings to the High Overall (HOA) Main Events and High All-Around (HAA) All Events Grand Champions, both male and female. Though initially recognized during the state championships, the banquet provided a special moment to present the rings and honor their achievements.
Charles Cherry (Henry Co. No Fly Zone, left) is the HOA Men’s Grand Champion. Gabby Worthen (Dickson Clay Commanders, middle) is the HOA and HAA Ladies Grand Champion. Luke Lankford (Warriors, right) is the Men’s HAA Grand Champion.
Looking Ahead
With the 2023-24 season behind us, we look forward to the excitement of the new season, which officially began on September 1, 2024. To stay updated on upcoming events, be sure to check the TNSCTP calendar.
Feature Photo by Houston County Shooting Sports Association
