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🏆 A Strong Finish to State Shoot Week: Varsity & JV Close Out the 2026 SCTP Iowa State Shoot Championship 🏆

June 11th, 2026

Friday marked the final day for the Grinnell Sure Shots at the 2026 SCTP Iowa State Shoot Championship.

After a week filled with sunshine, rain, wind, lightning delays, flooded trap houses, early mornings, long days, and countless memories, our Varsity and Junior Varsity athletes stepped to the line one final time for the Singles competition.

For some athletes, it was another opportunity to chase a personal best. For others, it was the final competitive targets they would ever shoot as a member of the Grinnell Sure Shots. Regardless of the scorecard, every athlete had the opportunity to finish the week doing what they love—competing alongside teammates, friends, coaches, and family.

And what a way to finish.

🎯 Cameron Corey Refuses to Miss

Leading the Grinnell Sure Shots was Cameron Corey, who absolutely caught fire on Friday and posted a team-high score of 195 out of 200.

His rounds of:

25, 24, 24, 24, 24, 25, 25, and 24

were about as consistent as it gets.

At one point, we were all pretty sure Cameron was personally offended every time a target escaped.

His performance was one of the strongest scores of the week and a tremendous way to close out his Grinnell Sure Shots career.

🏆 Liberty Continues Her Outstanding Week

Not far behind was Liberty Starrett, who posted an impressive 193 out of 200.

Liberty started the day with back-to-back 25s and never really looked back. Her score capped off an incredible State Shoot week and added yet another highlight to an already impressive season.

Other top Varsity performances included:

Tyler Brown – 191
Nicholas Kenkel – 189
Sean Kivi – 189
Isaiah Williams – 185
Jase Aldridge – 184
Mia Starrett – 182

The Varsity squad demonstrated exactly why they have been one of the strongest groups in the program all season long.

🎯 Everybody Contributed

One of the best parts of Friday was watching athletes battle through all 200 targets.

By the end of the day, shoulders were sore, feet were tired, and many athletes had reached the point where they were pretty sure every orange target looked exactly the same.

Additional Varsity results included:

Jamison Hidlebaugh – 177
Joel Koepp – 177
Dirk Sokol – 177
Dasha LaRue – 176
Korbin Reams – 175
Trinity Ahrens – 172
Damien Haines – 169
Breyen Innis – 168
Emmett Otto – 165
Rio Romo – 159
John Ashing – 152
Zoee Tauber – 146

Every target mattered. Every athlete mattered. Every score contributed to another successful State Shoot experience.

🎯 Junior Varsity Continues to Impress

The Junior Varsity squad was not about to let Varsity have all the fun.

Leading the way was Gunner Morrison, who posted an outstanding 184.

Right on his heels was Alaina Holmes with a score of 183, continuing what can only be described as an incredible week after earning 2nd Place in Ladies Junior Varsity Doubles the day before.

Additional JV scores included:

Ashton Fielding – 182
Tyler Pease – 156
Joe Sokol – 144

The future is bright for this group, and they proved throughout the week that they are more than capable of carrying on the Grinnell Sure Shots tradition.

📋 Score Verification Update

As many families are aware, there appear to be a few discrepancies in some of the scores currently posted by SCTP.

We have already reached out to event officials and are working through the verification process.

At this time, we do not believe any corrections would impact placements or awards. However, we believe every athlete deserves to have their performance accurately reflected, and we will continue following up until the matter is resolved.

We appreciate everyone's patience as that process works its way through the system.

🎓 A Final Round for Eleven Seniors

Friday wasn't just the end of State Shoot.

It was the end of an era.

For 11 Grinnell Sure Shots seniors, Friday marked the final targets they would shoot while representing the Grinnell Sure Shots.

This year's graduating senior class included:

Cameron Corey

Jamison Hidlebaugh

Joel Koepp

Korbin Reams

Liberty Starrett

Mia Starrett

Sean Kivi

Dirk Sokol

Breyen Innis

Zoee Tauber

John Ashing

These athletes have spent years helping build our program into what it is today.

They've battled cold practices, hot practices, muddy practices, windy practices, and occasionally practices where Coach Starrett swore the weather was "perfect" while everyone else questioned his definition of the word.

They've weathered rain delays, celebrated personal bests, endured frustrating rounds, helped younger athletes, volunteered at events, sold raffle tickets, and proudly represented the Grinnell Sure Shots both on and off the shooting line.

More importantly, they've helped create a culture that makes this program special.

While Friday may have marked their final competitive targets as Grinnell Sure Shots athletes, their impact on this team will continue for years to come.

To our seniors:

Thank you for your dedication.

Thank you for your leadership.

Thank you for your commitment to the team.

Thank you for the memories.

Thank you for helping shape the next generation of Grinnell Sure Shots.

Most importantly, thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your journey.

No scorecard can truly measure the impact you've had on this program.

We wish each of you the very best as you begin your next chapter.

Once a Sure Shot, Always a Sure Shot.

💬 Final Thought

At the end of the day, trophies are great. Scores are great. Breaking a 25 is really great. But the best part of this week wasn't found on a scoreboard. It was found in the laughs during weather delays. The conversations under shelters. The friendships. The memories. Years from now, most athletes won't remember every score they shot. But they'll remember the people they shared those moments with. And that's what makes the Grinnell Sure Shots special.

Thank you to every athlete, parent, coach, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who helped make this season possible.

Now go get some rest.

You've earned it.

🏆🎯 Finish strong. Stay humble. Keep breaking targets. Once a Sure Shot, Always a Sure Shot. 🎯🏆

🌧️🎯 Weather Delays, Strong Winds, and Lasting Memories: Grinnell Sure Shots Take on Doubles at SCTP State

June 11th, 2026

If there was one word to describe Thursday's SCTP State Doubles competition, it would be patience.

The Grinnell Sure Shots arrived ready to compete in one of the most exciting disciplines of the State Shoot, only to be greeted by Mother Nature's version of Doubles competition. Throughout the day, athletes battled strong winds, heavy rain, lightning delays, and even flooding on several trap houses across the grounds.

At times, it seemed as if the weather had no intention of cooperating. Squads were delayed, schedules shifted, and athletes spent hours waiting for conditions to improve. Despite all of that, our athletes remained positive, supported one another, and stayed ready when it was finally time to step on the line.

While the weather may have interrupted the competition, it certainly didn't stop our athletes from making memories.

🏆 Alaina Holmes Brings Home State Hardware

The highlight of the day came from Alaina Holmes, who turned in an outstanding performance in the Ladies Junior Varsity Doubles division.

Alaina posted scores of 42 and 48 for a combined total of 90, earning 2nd Place Overall in Ladies Junior Varsity Doubles and bringing home a State Runner-Up finish for the Grinnell Sure Shots.

To perform at that level after one of the longest weather delays of the week is a testament to Alaina's focus, determination, and ability to stay mentally prepared despite the constantly changing conditions.

Congratulations, Alaina, on an outstanding accomplishment and a well-deserved trip to the podium!

🎯 Grinnell Athletes Rise to the Challenge

The Grinnell Sure Shots saw several strong performances despite the difficult shooting conditions.

Leading the way was Alaina Holmes, who posted scores of 42 and 48 for a total of 90, earning 2nd Place Overall in Ladies Junior Varsity Doubles and the highest score recorded by a Grinnell athlete on the day.

Not far behind was Cameron Corey, who posted scores of 41 and 47 for a total of 88, leading the Varsity squad in challenging conditions.

Other notable performances included:

Tyler Brown – 82
Nicholas Kenkel – 81
Jase Aldridge – 78
Joel Koepp – 75
Korbin Reams – 73
Trinity Ahrens – 71
Breyen Innis – 69
Liberty Starrett – 63
Mia Starrett – 62

Doubles is one of the most challenging shotgun disciplines, requiring athletes to break two targets launched simultaneously. Add strong winds and rain to the equation, and the challenge becomes even greater.

🎯 Intermediate Athletes Gain Valuable State Experience

Several of our Intermediate athletes took on the challenge of State Doubles, with some competing in this discipline at State for the very first time.

Leading the Intermediate Advanced group was Blayne LaRue, who posted a score of 71, followed closely by:

Eli Bauman – 69
Brock Van Briesen – 66
Nile Smith – 61
Maximus Starrett – 61
Jackson McGee – 52

In Intermediate Entry, Tatum McCain finished with a score of 47 while gaining valuable State Shoot experience.

Unfortunately, Corbin Hafkey was unable to record a score, but we are proud of his effort and willingness to step up and compete at the State Shoot.

While scores are always important, one of the biggest victories for many athletes was simply gaining experience in a discipline that can be difficult even under perfect conditions.

🌧️ More Than a Competition

Sometimes State Shoot week isn't just about scores and trophies.

Sometimes it's about spending hours under shelters waiting out storms.

Sometimes it's about sharing snacks, telling stories, laughing with teammates, and making memories that will be remembered long after the scores are forgotten.

Thursday was one of those days.

Our athletes handled the delays, uncertainty, and less-than-ideal conditions with maturity and positivity. They continued to support one another and made the best of a situation that none of us could control.

Looking Ahead

As State Shoot week comes to a close, we continue to be proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and resilience displayed by our athletes.

Thursday's highlights included:

🥈 Alaina Holmes – 2nd Place, Ladies Junior Varsity Doubles and Team High Score of 90

🎯 Cameron Corey – Varsity High Score of 88

🎯 Valuable State Doubles experience for athletes across every division

🌧️ Patience and perseverance through one of the longest weather delays of the week

💬 Final Thought

The scores from Thursday will be recorded in the books.

The weather delays will eventually be forgotten.

But the memories made with teammates, coaches, parents, and friends will last forever.

State Shoot isn't always about perfect weather or perfect scores.

Sometimes it's about making the most of an imperfect day.

And the Grinnell Sure Shots did exactly that.

Congratulations to all of our athletes, and a special congratulations to Alaina Holmes for earning 2nd Place in Ladies Junior Varsity Doubles at the SCTP State Shoot!

🏆🎯 Rain, wind, delays, and all—we wouldn't have wanted to experience it with anyone else. 🎯🏆

🏆 Two Top-10 Team Finishes Highlight Strong Handicap Day for Grinnell Sure Shots🏆

June 10th, 2026

The Grinnell Sure Shots returned to the SCTP State Shoot grounds on Wednesday for the Handicap competition, facing changing weather conditions, schedule delays, and long periods of waiting throughout the day. Despite the challenges, our athletes remained focused, patient, and ready whenever it was time to step onto the line.

When the day was complete, the Grinnell Sure Shots had delivered one of their strongest performances of State Shoot week, highlighted by two Top-10 team finishes and four Top-20 individual performances across multiple divisions.

🏆 Two Teams Finish Among Iowa's Best

One of the biggest accomplishments of the day came from our team performances.

Our Intermediate Advanced squad finished 7th Overall in the State of Iowa with a team score of 425, competing against some of the best young shooters in the state.

The team was led by:

Blayne LaRue – 93
Brock Van Briesen – 89
Maximus Starrett – 85
Eli Bauman – 81
Nile Smith – 77

🏆 Liberty Starrett Earns Top-5 Finish

Leading the way for the Grinnell Sure Shots was Liberty Starrett, who posted an outstanding score of 91 to earn 5th Place Overall in Ladies Varsity Handicap.

Competing against more than one hundred of Iowa's top female shooters, Liberty's performance placed her among the elite competitors in the state and continued what has been an impressive season. Her focus and consistency throughout the round helped lead the Varsity team to its Top-10 finish.

Also representing Grinnell in Ladies Varsity Handicap were:

Mia Starrett – 15th Place (88)
Trinity Ahrens – 40th Place (79)
Dasha LaRue – 95th Place (60)

🏆 Blayne LaRue Finishes in the Top 10

The Intermediate Advanced division provided another major highlight for the Grinnell Sure Shots.

Blayne LaRue posted a score of 93, earning 8th Place Overall in a highly competitive field. His performance helped lead the Intermediate Advanced team to its 7th-place state finish and secured another Top-10 individual finish for Grinnell.

Additional Intermediate Advanced results included:

Brock Van Briesen – 89
Maximus Starrett – 85
Eli Bauman – 81
Nile Smith – 77

Our Varsity squad also delivered a tremendous performance, finishing 9th Overall in Iowa with a team score of 443, earning another Top-10 finish for the Grinnell Sure Shots.

The Varsity team was led by:

Liberty Starrett – 91
Jase Aldridge – 89
Cameron Corey – 89
Mia Starrett – 88
Korbin Reams – 86

Our Junior Varsity squad also represented the team well, finishing 35th in the State of Iowa, led by Alaina Holmes and Tyler Pease.

🏆 Alaina Holmes Finishes 4th in Ladies JV Handicap

The Junior Varsity division saw another outstanding performance from Alaina Holmes.

Alaina posted a score of 86, earning 4th Place Overall in Ladies Junior Varsity Handicap. In an incredibly competitive field, she narrowly missed a podium finish after tie-break procedures were applied among shooters with identical scores.

Her performance placed her among the top Junior Varsity female shooters in Iowa and highlighted the hard work she has put in throughout the season.

🎯 Brecken Innis Leads Intermediate Entry

The Intermediate Entry division continued the strong showing for the Grinnell Sure Shots.

Brecken Innis led the way with a score of 82, earning 17th Place Overall and placing himself among the top competitors in his division.

Brecken's performance added a fourth Top-20 finish to the team's impressive day and demonstrated the continued growth of our younger athletes as they gain valuable State Shoot experience.

🌦️ Staying Ready Through the Delays

While the scores and placements tell part of the story, they don't tell the whole story.

Handicap Day challenged athletes with weather concerns, schedule interruptions, and long stretches of waiting. The ability to remain mentally prepared throughout the day is often just as important as the ability to break targets.

Our athletes did an outstanding job staying focused, supporting one another, and being ready when their turn came to compete.

😂 State Shoot Safety Reminder

In addition to competing in Handicap, one of our Intermediate Entry athletes apparently decided to take on an additional challenge by trying to become the next Coach Starrett and slicing a finger with a brand-new knife.

The good news is that everyone is okay.

The bad news is that Coach Starrett may now have competition for the team's unofficial "Most Likely to Need a Band-Aid" award.

Thankfully, the incident resulted in nothing more than a good story, a little first aid, and a reminder that targets are the only things we're supposed to be cutting up during State Shoot week. 🎯😄

As always, safety comes first—whether you're handling firearms, equipment, or apparently opening packages with a brand-new knife!

Looking Ahead

When the dust settled, the Grinnell Sure Shots had plenty to celebrate:

🏆 7th Place Intermediate Advanced Team

🏆 9th Place Varsity Team

🏆 Liberty Starrett – 5th Place Ladies Varsity Handicap

🏆 Alaina Holmes – 4th Place Ladies JV Handicap

🏆 Blayne LaRue – 8th Place Intermediate Advanced Handicap

🏆 Brecken Innis – 17th Place Intermediate Entry Handicap

These accomplishments are a direct reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment our athletes have shown throughout the season.

💬 Final Thought:

Handicap shooting is designed to challenge every athlete equally.

Success comes from focus, discipline, and the ability to trust your training regardless of the conditions.

On Wednesday, the Grinnell Sure Shots did exactly that.

Two Top-10 team finishes, multiple Top-20 individual performances, and countless examples of sportsmanship, perseverance, and teamwork made for an outstanding day at the SCTP State Shoot.

Congratulations to all of our athletes. We are incredibly proud of the way you represented the Grinnell Sure Shots, your families, and your community.

🏆🎯 Keep grinding. Keep believing. Keep breaking targets. And please leave the finger-cutting to Coach Starrett. 🎯🏆😄

🏆🎯Strong Start to State: Grinnell Sure Shots Earn Top-5 and Top-15 Team Finishes🎯🏆

June 9th, 2026

The Grinnell Sure Shots kicked off State Shoot week today with our Rookie and Intermediate athletes taking the line against some of the best shooters from across the State of Iowa.

From the first squad to the last, Grinnell Sure Shots athletes embraced the challenge of competing against some of the best shooters in Iowa. The State Shoot is where hard work, preparation, and determination are put to the test, and our athletes rose to the occasion.

Our Intermediate Entry squad delivered a strong performance, finishing 15th out of 97 teams. Competing against nearly one hundred teams from across Iowa, these athletes represented Grinnell Sure Shots with pride and determination.

Our Intermediate Advanced squad continued their impressive season by finishing 5th out of 101 teams, placing themselves among the elite teams in the state. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the season were on full display.

Intermediate Advanced Highlights

Leading the way for the Grinnell Sure Shots was Nile Smith, who posted an outstanding 193, finishing 13th overall in Intermediate Advanced. A tremendous accomplishment in one of the largest and most competitive divisions at the State Shoot.

Other Intermediate Advanced scores included:

Blayne LaRue – 187
Maximus Starrett – 187
Brock Van Briesen – 183
Jackson McGee – 182
Ryan Kostow – 173
Eli Bauman – 165
Dylan Anderson – 159
Henry Vitek – 147

Intermediate Entry Highlights

Leading the way for the Intermediate Entry squad was Grayson Engbers, who posted the team's highest score with a 173. Grayson provided steady leadership for the squad throughout the day and played a key role in helping the Intermediate Entry team secure a Top-15 finish out of 97 teams competing at the State Shoot.

Additional Intermediate Entry scores included:

Corbin Hafkey – 169
Brecken Innis – 164
Ryan McGee – 161
Tatum McCain – 137

Another memorable performance came from Ryan McGee, who encountered an issue with her shotgun during competition. Despite the unexpected challenge, Ryan remained composed, worked through the problem, and continued competing. Her determination and perseverance paid off as she earned 7th Place in Ladies Intermediate Entry. Rather than letting adversity define her day, she fought through it and still found herself among the top female shooters in her division. Great work, Ryan!

Rookie Division

Our two brave Rookie athletes also represented Grinnell Sure Shots exceptionally well during their State Shoot experience.

Maxwell DeZwarte finished 18th out of 112 Rookie shooters, an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to the hard work he has put in throughout the season.

Vaughn Vanlandschoot finished 85th out of 112 shooters. While the score may not reflect the effort, Vaughn stepped onto one of the biggest stages of the year and gained valuable experience that will help him continue to grow as a shooter.

For both athletes, this was an opportunity to gain valuable State Shoot experience, learn from the moment, and continue building the foundation for future success.

Looking Ahead

State Shoot is about more than scores and placements. It is about learning to compete under pressure, overcoming adversity, supporting teammates, and representing your team with pride.

Today, our athletes did exactly that.

The Intermediate Advanced squad's Top-5 finish, the Intermediate Entry squad's Top-15 finish led by Grayson Engbers, Nile Smith's outstanding Top-15 individual performance, Ryan McGee's perseverance through adversity and 7th-place finish in Ladies Intermediate Entry, and the valuable experience gained by our Rookie athletes all made for a successful opening day of State Shoot week.

As we continue through the week, we couldn't be more proud of the sportsmanship, determination, and positive attitudes displayed by our athletes.

💬 Final Thought:

Success at the State Shoot isn't measured solely by trophies and scores.

It's measured by preparation, perseverance, sportsmanship, and the courage to step on the line and compete against the best.

Today, the Grinnell Sure Shots did exactly that.

Congratulations to all of our Rookie and Intermediate athletes. We are proud of every one of you, and we can't wait to see what the rest of State Shoot week has in store.

🦖ANKENY DINO MEET – Wind, Speed, and Straight Grit

April 18th, 2026

The Grinnell Sure Shots traveled to Ankeny on April 18th for the Dino Meet, where the sun may have been out—but the wind had other plans.

From the first squad on, targets came out fast, low, and doing things they probably weren’t supposed to do. The wind kept shooters guessing all day, forcing constant adjustments and testing even the most disciplined fundamentals. This wasn’t a “pretty” shoot—it was a grind.

And that’s exactly where this team showed up.

🏆 Team Highlights

Despite the brutal conditions, the Sure Shots turned in some impressive performances:

1st Place – Intermediate Team (203)
1st Place – Senior Team (229)

That’s right—two team wins on a day where conditions were anything but easy.

💬 The Reality of the Day

This wasn’t about perfect scores—it was about who could adapt.

The wind pushed targets off line, dropped them early, and created angles that forced shooters to trust their eyes, trust their hold points, and most importantly—stay mentally tough.

Days like this separate shooters. Not by score—but by response.

And this team responded.

🔥 Individual Standouts

Cameron Corey & Damien Haines led the Varsity group with strong 47s
Tyler Brown added a solid 46 in tough conditions
Alaina Holmes took 1st in Ladies JV with a 39
Liberty Starrett tied for 2nd in Ladies Varsity with a 44
Ryen McGee earned a 2nd place finish in Ladies Intermediate Entry (29)

🎯 Final Thought

You can’t control the wind.
You can’t control the target.

But you can control your focus, your discipline, and your mindset.

And that’s exactly what the Sure Shots did.

💥 Knoxville Invitational – Rain, Grit, and Gold: Sure Shots Dominate Knoxville Invitational

April 11, 2026

The Grinnell Sure Shots traveled to Knoxville on April 11th to compete in the Knoxville Invitational, facing not only strong competition but also rainy conditions that persisted throughout the entire day.

From the first squad to the last, athletes battled wet weather, slick conditions, and the mental grind that comes with shooting in the rain. Despite the challenges, our team showed toughness, focus, and resilience—qualities that define strong competitors.

The highlight of the day came from our Varsity squad, who delivered an outstanding performance and took 1st place as a team with a score of 233, leading the field in a competitive lineup .

Individually, several athletes stepped up in a big way:

Tyler Brown led the team with an impressive 49
Liberty Starrett followed closely with a 48, also earning top female honors at the event
Strong supporting scores from Joel Koepp (46) and Jase Aldridge (46) helped secure the team victory

Our Intermediate Advanced squad also had a strong showing, finishing 2nd overall as a team with a score of 203, continuing to build momentum as the season progresses .

Even in the toughest conditions, our athletes continued to improve, compete, and represent Grinnell with pride. Matches like this are where growth happens—not when conditions are perfect, but when they are far from it.

💬 Final Thought:
Rain or shine, the mindset stays the same — step on the line, trust your training, and compete.

💥 North Mahaska Invitational – A Tough One to Open the Season

April 4th, 2026

This past Saturday, the Grinnell Sure Shots traveled to the North Mahaska Invitational at the Ottumwa Izaak Walton League, and it turned into a true test right out of the gate. As the first official competition of the 2026 season, it didn’t take long for our athletes to realize this wasn’t going to be an easy day.

The conditions made sure of that.

With steady wind, cold temperatures, and targets that seemed to have a mind of their own, this match challenged more than just shooting ability. It tested focus, patience, and the mental side of the game. These are the types of days where things don’t always go as planned, and how you respond becomes just as important as how you shoot.

And our athletes responded.

From an individual standpoint, there were strong performances across both the boys and girls divisions. On the men’s side, Brock VanBriesen led the way in Intermediate/Advanced, taking 1st place overall with a 45, while Maximus Starrett followed with a 43. In Senior/Varsity, Joel Koepp turned in a strong 45, with Jase Aldridge right behind at 44—solid early-season scores in a very competitive field.

On the ladies’ side, the performances were just as impressive. Alaina Holmes led the entire Senior/Jr. Varsity division, taking 1st place with a 44, setting the tone for the day and showing she’s already in mid-season form.

In the Senior/Varsity division, Grinnell was well represented with Trinity Ahrens and Mia Starrett both posting scores of 40, while Liberty Starrett added a solid 39 in a deep field that saw top scores in the mid-40s.

We also saw contributions across the lineup, with athletes continuing to gain experience and confidence in competition settings. Whether it was competing for the top of the leaderboard or gaining valuable match experience, every round mattered.

But beyond the scores, what stood out most was the mindset.

Throughout the day, we saw shooters stay locked in, make adjustments, and continue to compete regardless of the conditions. There were moments of frustration, no doubt, but there was also resilience. Athletes reset, trusted their training, and kept stepping back on the line ready for the next target. That’s the kind of mindset that builds strong competitors.

While the scores may not tell the whole story, the effort absolutely does. This match gave our team an early look at what it takes to perform when things aren’t perfect—and that’s where real growth happens. These are the experiences that prepare us for the rest of the season and beyond.

At the end of the day, this was a valuable start. Not because everything went smoothly, but because it didn’t—and our athletes still showed up, competed, and pushed through.

We’re proud of this group and the way they handled themselves. If this is how we’re starting the season, there’s a lot to be excited about moving forward.

Let’s keep building. 💪

💥 Otter Creek ATA Shoot – Strong Showing by Grinnell Sure Shots

March 29th, 2026

This past weekend, the Grinnell Sure Shots headed to Otter Creek for an ATA shoot—and the team showed up ready to compete.

With 59 shooters in Singles and strong competition across the board, our athletes didn’t just participate… they made noise.

🎯 Singles Highlights (59 Shooters)

It was a great day on the line with multiple athletes finishing near the top:

Liberty – 97 💥
➤ 2nd Place Overall
➤ 1st Place – C Class
Alaina – 95
➤ Tie for 4th Overall
➤ 3rd Place – B Class
Tyler B. – 95
➤ Tie for 4th Overall
➤ Tie for 2nd – A Class
Jase – 93
➤ Tie for 5th Overall
➤ Tie for 2nd – C Class
Brock – 93
➤ Tie for 5th Overall
➤ Tie for 4th – B Class
Blayne – 92
➤ Tie for 6th Overall
➤ Tie for 5th – B Class

👉 Strong consistency across the board—this is exactly what we like to see early in the season.

🏆 Handicap Highlights (26 Shooters)

Alaina – 94 💥
➤ Tie for 1st Place
Jase – 85
➤ Tie for 6th Place

🔥 Doubles Highlights (26 Shooters)

Alaina – 86
➤ Tie for 4th Overall
➤ 2nd Place – C Class

🎉 Milestones – 25 Straight Club

We also had some big personal milestones this weekend—these are the moments athletes remember:

First 25 Straight of the Season

Liberty Starrett
Jase Aldridge
Alaina Holmes

First 25 Straight EVER in Competition 💥

Brock VanBriensen
Jackson McGee

👉 These are HUGE accomplishments and a sign of the hard work paying off. Once you get that first one… more are coming.

💬 Final Thoughts

This was a great early-season test for our athletes. Different formats, solid competition, and a chance to step outside the normal SCTP flow—all of it adds value.

What stood out most wasn’t just the scores… it was the confidence, composure, and willingness to compete.

We’re building something strong here—and this was another step forward.

📸 For more photos and updates, keep checking back on our blog page and team updates.

🦅 Sure Shots Serve It Up at the Izaak Walton League Fish Fry!

November 6, 2025 – Grinnell, Iowa

The Grinnell Sure Shots once again stepped up to support our community — this time at the Izaak Walton League Fish Fry hosted at the Eagles Lodge.

Our team of volunteers arrived ready to help, serve, and represent the program with pride. From greeting guests to helping in the kitchen, clearing tables, and making sure everyone had a great evening — they did it all (and maybe enjoyed a few bites along the way! 😄).

👏 Volunteer Shout-Outs

A big thank you goes out to our athletes and coaches who gave their time to make this event a success:

Athletes:
Trinity Ahrens • Alaina Holmes • Brock Van Briesen • Emmit Otto • Eli Bauman • Cameron Corey

Coaches:
Jeff Bauman • Seth Holmes

Not only did our athletes lend a helping hand, but Coaches Bauman and Holmes also rolled up their sleeves and joined in on the cooking — proving that leadership starts with example.

We’d also like to recognize our Grinnell Sure Shots athletes who participated through the Boy Scouts:
Daimen Haines • Nile Smith • Durk Sokol • Joseph Sokol
These young men did an outstanding job helping serve and support the event alongside their troop. It’s great to see our athletes making a difference in multiple organizations across the community!

📸 Picture-Perfect Moments

We had a great turnout, great food, and even better memories. Some of our favorite photos captured the athletes hard at work in the kitchen… and maybe doing just a little too much taste-testing along the way!

❤️ Community Impact

Events like this remind us that the Sure Shots are more than just a trap team — we’re a family that values teamwork, service, and community. Every volunteer effort strengthens not just our program, but the bonds we share within Grinnell.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make the evening a success — we’re proud of each and every one of you!

🦅 Grinnell Sure Shots Volunteer at Pheasants Forever Banquet

October 31, 2025 — Brownell’s Headquarters, Grinnell, Iowa

The Grinnell Sure Shots Trap Team once again showed what teamwork, professionalism, and community spirit look like in action! Our athletes and coaches volunteered at the Pheasants Forever Banquet hosted by Brownell’s on Halloween night, helping serve guests, assist with raffles, and keep the event running smoothly from start to finish.

The Pheasants Forever Board shared wonderful feedback following the event, expressing how grateful they were for the Sure Shots’ help throughout the night. It’s clear our team continues to make a strong impression not only on the range, but in the community as well.

To all of our athletes and coaches who gave up their Friday evening — and their Halloween night — to represent the Sure Shots, thank you. Your time and effort make a real difference in how our program is seen and supported across the region.

And as an added bonus, every Sure Shot who volunteered (and even a few who couldn’t attend) came away with something from the Youth Drawing — a fun reward for an evening of great work!

We are proud of the example this team continues to set both in competition and in service.
Thank you all for representing the Grinnell Sure Shots with pride, class, and community spirit.

🦆 Youth Pheasant Hunt – October 19, 2025

On Sunday, October 19th, twelve young hunters took to the field for the annual Youth Pheasant Hunt, an event filled with excitement, learning, and plenty of pheasants!

Among the group were four of our very own Grinnell Sure Shots athletes — Brock VanBriesen, Ryan Kostow, Nile Smith, and Max Starrett — who represented the team with enthusiasm and great sportsmanship.

👏 Kudos to Ryan Kostow, who kicked off the day by shooting the first bird with an outstanding shot!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Steve and Ryan Plate for graciously allowing the group to hunt on their beautiful land, and to Cody Jensen for hosting everyone in his excellent shop. Another huge thank you to the Poweshiek County Pheasants Forever Chapter for organizing this amazing event and giving our youth a safe, fun, and memorable opportunity to experience the outdoors.

Events like this remind us that it’s not just about shooting — it’s about community, mentorship, and building a lifelong love for the sport.

🎶 Teamwork in Action: Grinnell Sure Shots Volunteer at Brownells 85 & 80 Concert

On September 27th, several of our Grinnell Sure Shots athletes and parents volunteered their time to help at the Brownells 85 & 80 Anniversary Concert — an incredible community event filled with great music, local pride, and teamwork!

Our volunteers helped with parking, cleanup, and guest support throughout the evening, proudly representing the Sure Shots program with professionalism and enthusiasm. Their efforts did not go unnoticed — the Brownells team generously donated $2,500.00 to support the Grinnell Sure Shots program.

This donation will go directly toward athlete development, practice supplies, and travel support for the upcoming season. More importantly, it highlights the strength of our community and the spirit of service that defines our team.

A huge thank you to Brownells for their generosity and continued partnership, and to all the athletes, parents, and coaches who made this night a success. Events like these show that when we work together — both on and off the range — we all win.

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