Franklin Regional Sporting Clays team seeks new members for fall season

Terry Ventorini of Murrysville knows a few kids who might be interested in getting involved in the Salvation Army’s Shoot for Hope fundraiser being held August 18 at the Highlands Sporting Clays in Champion.

“We had three kids who went to the Pennsylvania State High School Clay Target League state tournament in Elysburg,” said Ventorini, coach of the Franklin Regional Sporting Clays team. “It was a really good time and we ended up finishing second at our conference.”

The program is young, it only started last year with half a dozen participants. The team is accepting registration for the fall and Ventorini is looking forward to the opportunities in store for him.

“I went to the West Penn Sportsmen’s Association (in Murrysville) on Thursday to speak to kids who were on an NRA-sponsored program and a lot of them had some interest in the team,” he said. “And with the fall season, we’re not competing against spring sports.”

The team shoots at the Murrysville Sportsmen’s Club, where they benefit from the expertise of shotgun instructor Maureen Zang, who has worked with Kiski Area’s Kiski Clay Breakers team since its inception two years ago.

“The kids I had last year have all shot before, but the kids who are in the NRA program? Most of them have never shot before,” said Ventorini. “I spoke to a couple of kids from Penn-Trafford who were interested as they don’t have a team out there.”

Anyone interested in the team can contact Ventorini at [email protected] or visit Crowfoottrap.wixsite.com/frtrap.

For those interested in The Salvation Army’s fundraiser, it will benefit the nonprofit’s Pathway of Hope program, a client-centered case management program designed to strengthen families and address the root causes of poverty.

“Shoot for Hope is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors while also participating in a little friendly competition for a good cause,” said Lauren Fair, social services director for the Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Department. “The funds raised through this one-day event will have a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors in need.”

The early bird entry fee is $250. Registration opens at 8:00am, safety practice at 9:45am and start at 10:00am followed by lunch and an awards ceremony. Shooters of all skill levels are invited to participate in the 100 target event. Shotguns and ammo are available at each station, but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.

Highlands Sporting Clays is at 199 Teal Drive in Champion. Visit SalvationArmyWPA.org/shootforhope for more information.