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Davie 4H Shooting Sports had 18 to compete in the 2024 NC 4H State Shooting Sports Tournament at the Millstone 4H Camp and adjacent John M Lentz Hunter Education Center on Sept. 14.

“We didn’t have the medal haul we had at the Central Regional last month, but we certainly brought home some hardware,” said Nelson Cowden.

The Junior “DC Hunters” team with Porter James, Mason Wood, Colton Lockard, Ethan Manley and Hunter Myers struck Gold in the Muzzleloader competition. Colton was the Junior HOA (High Overall) as well.

DC Hunters Porter, Colton and Mason also mined some Silver for Compound Archery.

Hunter Myers shot a perfect Shotgun Score (25/25) early in the morning and then finished with the Silver Medal after a late afternoon shootoff.

Other Junior competitors were Saul Hardy, Peter Redelsheimer and Walker Evans. They had some good scores and personal bests, but came up short of the podium.

“The great news is that all of our Juniors have several years left to compete and there are medals or more medals in all their futures if they stay with it.”

The Seniors didn’t strike Gold, but brought home Silver and Bronze. The DC Longhunters consisting of Brantlee Evans, Reece Long, Maddox Nifong and Brook Lockard took the Silver in Muzzleloader and the DC TrailBlazers got the Bronze. The Trailblazers are made up of Riley Barnes. Dakota Wilkinson-Hohf, Levi Williams and Cameron White.

Evan Durham, competing as an individual in Open Sight Rifle, scored a Silver and a Bronze.

The good news is that Davie has a young group of Seniors, too. The only returning Senior Division (ages 14-18) shooter was Levi and all the others were competing for the first time in the State Tournament as Seniors.

“We have a phenomenal group of kids that are so fun to work with and I look forward to seeing them mature, improve and progress in shooting sports,” Cowden said.

Special thanks to Rifle Coach Em Cheramie who made the drive from Kentucky. Steve Carson is the archery coach.

“Thanks to all of our parents, grandparents, siblings and others who help. We can’t do this without y’all.”

Instructors include Matt Evans, Maurice Walker and Jimmy Staley.

Naomi Hellard, Stephen Timbinaris and Dallie Lakey are regular volunteers. Charles Young is the state director. Chad Ray and Misty Varnell from McDowell County 4H managed the event.

“Y’all are awesome,” Cowden said. “