Buckeye Firearms Association sponsors two members of Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Team at 2015 National Championships

"Have you ever been to Nebraska?"

I can still remember hearing that question in a January phone conversation with my friend and fellow 4-H instructor, Frank Steed. He told me that his son Jimmy Steed and my son, Levi Mercer had been offered spots on the Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Team to compete at the National 4-H Championship in Grand Island, Nebraska.

We both thought WOW!...What an opportunity…Can we really make this happen?

A quick check of the map determined that Grand Island, Nebraska is about 1000 miles from Guernsey County. Our families decided that the boys have worked hard and deserved to make the trip - not only to represent the Conservation Kids 4-H Club, but Guernsey County and the State of Ohio.

Levi and Jimmy have both represented Guernsey County at the Ohio State Fair with their individual accomplishments. Both have just received Junior Leader Training at Canter’s Cave 4-H Education Center near Jackson Ohio, May 1st-3rd. Levi has completed the Pistol Course and Jimmy completed the Shotgun Course to further prepare them for the 4-H National Championships, June 21-25th.

So it’s off to Nebraska. The whole community has been great, and this would not be possible without their support and sponsorship. We have made many new friends along the way and know we will meet more.

We would like to thank our sponsors, Deerassic Park, Woodbury Outfitters, Buckeye Firearms Association, Thunder Valley Precision Range, Seneca Machining & Engineering, Mallett Concrete, Lehotay Hauling & Excavating, Hoenig Trucking, Wallys Pizza & Subs, Stop Nine Church of Christ, Bobs Auto Body, Agland Co-Op and several individual sponsors. Yep…You are all going with us!

Pictured from left to right: Frank Steed, Shotgun Coach, Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports; Levi Mercer, Pistol Team, Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports; Jimmy Steed, Shotgun Team, Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports; Jim Mercer, Pistol Coach, Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports.