The 2025 Ironman marked a significant start to the Tennessee SCTP season, with several key milestones.
It was the first shoot of the year, the first shoot under new leadership, and the first time the program expanded the shoot’s capacity to 240 competitors—ultimately surpassing that mark with 242 athletes from 40 different teams competing at the Nashville Gun Club.
Despite the cold and windy conditions, the competitive spirit remained high throughout the weekend.
In a rare turn of events, there were no shootoffs on Sunday, which allowed for a timely awards presentation. Most notably, Ben Yarbrough of HSSC Crush (pictured) was crowned the High Over All (HOA) Grand Champion for the second consecutive year.
Welcoming a New Tennessee SCTP Manager
This shoot was the first event overseen by Dillon Barnes, the new Tennessee SCTP Manager. A former Tennessee SCTP athlete, Barnes brings a wealth of experience in both the program and shooting sports. He competed collegiately at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN, and has spent over a decade involved in the program, including serving as Region II Director and State Skeet Director.
I want to thank all the athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers for making my first Ironman an event to remember. It was an incredible experience, and it makes me excited for the year ahead. With multiple opportunities for our athletes to compete and shoot more targets, I am eager to implement fresh ideas and continue growing this program to its fullest potential!
Dillon Barnes, Tennessee SCTP Manager
Building on the momentum from the Ironman, Tennessee SCTP athletes and teams are now preparing for the next competition—the Smashtown Skeet Classic. As the program celebrates the performances of all its athletes, let’s recognize the top scorers from this weekend’s competition.
2025 Ironman Awards
Ironman HOA Grand Champion: Ben Yarbrough, HSSC Crush
Team Champion: HSSC Crush – Carson White, Ben Yarbrough, Channing Garrett, Tate Smith, Max Thorsby, Summer Fouts, Dawson Logan
Team Runner-Up: Unaka Shooters – Hamilton Cole, Lauren McCown, Scott Dunn, Lawson Frizzell, Robby Hinman, Reed McCown, Jacob Sexton
Team Second Runner-Up: McKenzie Shooting Sports – Taylor Hilliard, Morgan Hilliard, Barrett Bowers, Charlee Sanders, Robert Strain, Peyton Hilliard
Varsity Lady Champion: Morgan Hilliard, McKenzie Shooting Sports
Varsity Lady Runner-Up: Charlee Sanders, McKenzie Shooting Sports
Varsity Lady Second Runner-Up: Allie Watson, Middle Tennessee Christian School
Varsity Men Champion: Cooper Carver, Henry Co No Fly Zone
Varsity Men Runner-Up: Collin Whitehead, McKenzie Shooting Sports
Varsity Men Second Runner-Up: Taylor Sims, Columbia Academy GunDawgs
Intermediate Lady Champion: Taylor Hilliard, McKenzie Shooting Sports
Intermediate Lady Runner-Up: Peyton Hilliard, McKenzie Shooting Sports
Intermediate Lady Second Runner-Up: Lauren McCown, Unaka Shooters
Intermediate Men Champion: Channing Garrett, HSSC Crush
Intermediate Men Runner-Up: Brooks Kelley, T-County Clay Busters
Intermediate Men Second Runner-Up: Ian Fife, Str8 Shooters Clay Team
Rookie Champion: Jaxon Price, Clarksville Academy
Rookie Runner-Up: Jackson Houser, Str8 Shooters Clay Team
Rookie Second Runner-Up: Abigail Burgess, Cumberland Co Youth Shooting Sports
Feature photo by USJ Shooting Sport Team
