Franklin Regional Sporting Clays team seeks new members for fall season

Terry Ventorini of Murrysville knows a few kids who might be interested in taking aim at the Salvation Army’s “Shoot for Hope” fundraiser, set for Aug. 18 at Highlands Sporting Clays in Champion.

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

The program is young, having started just last year with a half-dozen participants. The team is taking registration for the fall, and Ventorini is excited for the opportunities it presents.

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

The team shoots at the Murrysville sportsmen’s club, where it benefits from the expertise of shotgun instructor Maureen Zang, who has been working 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 taking the NRA program? Most of them have never shot before,” Ventorini said. “I was talking with a few kids from Penn-Trafford who were interested, since they don’t have a team out there.”

Anyone interested in the team can contact Ventorini at tventorini1@gmail.com or visit Crowfoottrap.wixsite.com/frtrap.

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

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

The early-bird cost to participate is $250. Registration opens at 8 a.m., with safety training at 9:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. start, followed by lunch and an awards ceremony. Shooters of all skill levels are invited to participate in the 100-target event. Shotguns will be available at each station and ammunition is provided, but participants also can bring their own equipment.

Highlands Sporting Clays is at 199 Teal Drive in Champion. For more, see SalvationArmyWPA.org/shootforhope.