Fayette YHEC team does well in states
On June 17, 17 local youngsters competed in the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) State competition at Scotia Range in State College. The local team, which is coached by Ron Brooks, finished 11th in all events which pit the best young outdoorsmen of Pennsylvania against one another.
Competition consists of shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader and archery shooting, plus a written examination, which probes the youngsters’ knowledge of the hunter education manual, game law, and wildlife identification.
The local five-member team included Nick Paroda, Jacob Wiltrout, Nate Edenfield, Matt Wiltrout and Bryce Burnsworth won first place in shotgun shooting in team competition with Paroda taking second place in muzzleloader shooting.
In addition Paroda placed fourth overall in combined competition of all events and as a result was invited to be Pa team member to the NRA sponsored National competition to be held week of July 26.
The group is sponsored locally by the Fayette County Sportsmen League with additional support from the Shooting Academy at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
Major funding is also provided through grants from the NRA.
The program is open to all youngsters between the age of 11 and 18 years.