Coach Ryan Keller, Lauren Keller, Coach Eric Keller and Wyatt Silhanek pictured during the 2024 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships held in Grand Island, Neb. this past June. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

AMES – Eighteen Iowa delegates showcased their skills and sportsmanship at the 2024 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Neb., June 23-28. The event attracted a record number of 708 youth from 40 states, competing in compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading and hunting skills disciplines.

The 4-H project area of Safety and Education in Shooting Sports helps young people practice self-discipline, concentration, sportsmanship, problem solving and the safe and responsible use of equipment.

Lauren Keller and Wyatt Silhanek, members of the Tama County Young Guns, were part of the Iowa Team. Wyatt Silhanek competed in compound archery and Lauren Keller competed in muzzleloader. In addition to these youth, Tama County Young Gun coaches, Ryan Keller and Eric Keller attended as coaches for the State of Iowa.

Tama County 4-H member Lauren Keller shared, “Going to Nationals is an amazing experience, and it was an honor to carry Iowa’s flag and represent our great state. I appreciate the many life lessons I have learned through 4-H Shooting Sports. Competing at nationals I had a lot of fun competing and making new friends.”

Lauren also shared the best advice she was given to her by her coach (dad Ryan Keller), “Don’t worry about your last shot, your last shot tells you where to aim for the next shot.”

For more information on the Safety and Education in Shooting Sports project area and events, please contact the Tama County Extension and Outreach Office in Tama County at 641-484-2703 or jhulme@iastate.edu or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.