Three Carbon County Youth Headed to Daisy Nationals

The Laurel Shooting Education Black Team won the MT State BB gun tournament in record-setting fashion last April, securing an invitation to Daisy Nationals, in Rogers, Arkansas, the first week of July. Obliterating the previous state team record by 11 points, the team scored an impressive 2,388 out of 2,500 possible points. While the program is based in Laurel, the team of five, and two alternates, boasts three youth with Carbon county ties; Taylor Slyder (match winner & new individual state record holder), Kash Werning and Sophia Schellig. Laurel based Nationals team members are Bridget Thomas and Zoey Kogelmann , as well as alternates Eliana and Zane Johnston.

Sophia Schellig demonstrating the standing position.

The youth have put a lot of time, and many years, into perfecting their craft. Schellig, a Joliet High School sophomore, has been shooting competitively since the age of 8. This will be her third, and final, trip to nationals, as she will age out on her 16th birthday. At that point, she will no longer be eligible for BB gun competition. After a fourth place individual finish at state, she is looking forward to going up against the 500 or so top shooters from across the country, and being a significant contributor to overall team placing.

At Daisy Nationals, all competitors shoot one target in each of the prone, sitting, standing and kneeling positions. They also take a gun safety and knowledge test that is worth up to 100 points, the same as a target. Overall individual awards are given, based on the total score of the 4 targets and the test, as well as awards for each position. Team awards are also given based on the total score of the 5 team members' targets and tests.

The competition lasts three days, with a fun opening ceremony (complete with team costumes) kicking everything off the first night. Equipment does have to be checked by Range Officials prior to competition to ensure top standards are adhered to and everyone is on the same playing field. At the end of the competition, awards are given out and the local waterpark is reserved for all competitors and their families to relax and have fun together.

The Daisy organization also makes sure the youth get a break from the intensity with a Barter Bar event the evening of the second day of competition. Daisy invites athletes to bring items that represent them, or their state. They then use the items to trade with their fellow competitors and Daisy staff. Daisy staff usually brings some highly sought after trading items, such as special edition air rifles. Schellig has her eye on one of those top prizes. She's taking an American flag blanket she crocheted that she hopes will pique their interest.

Click here to follow results, starting July 1.