Feature Article
By Abby Harveson Feature Writer 11/24/22 Many think shooting firearms is not difficult, important, or respected as a sport. However, Sophomore Lilian Dewitt, with her many past experiences and awards, believes otherwise.
Dewitt began the sport when she was ten and started out with a BB gun. Thanks to the Scottsbluff County 4-H Rifle Team, which she is currently Junior Vice President of, her love of shooting developed. “You can start when you’re eight, then you can shoot BB up to age 15 and everything else until you are 18,” Dewitt remarks. The club offers many different options for use, such as, BB guns, sporter and precision air rifles, .22s, shotguns, pistosl, and bows. With all of the options, Dewitt mainly competes in the BB gun, rifle, and .22 categories. “BB gun and air rifle is from November to March, with competitions starting in January and then state in March. Archery and .22 are during summer, and state for .22 is the last week of September,” Dewitt explains. Because the winter season gets so cold, BB and air rifle are both held indoors, while in the warm months, archery and .22 practice outdoors. Participants in the club take part in a shoot every Sunday during their season, and the supplies are all provided if needed. When extra time is needed, shooters can sign up for additional slots. |
After many hours of training, the shooters then present their skills, as any other sport, in competitions against contrasting teams.
“I’ve competed for five years. My major accomplishments are I won state in precision two years ago, I got runner up at state for .22 last year, and I got high girl for state .22 this year. This last summer, I made the team that went to Rogers, Arkansas for national BB gun. I do archery too, though I’m not nearly as good as rifle. It is mostly just a hobby, but I love it so much because it's a break from guns, and we use 3D fake animals to shoot at,” Dewitt says with a chuckle. Dewitt’s many experiences, records, and awards display her hard work and passion for shooting. Because of her positive memories, she is encouraged to inform others about the club. “I would definitely recommend people try it out. It costs nothing to join and the club provides equipment and everything to get you started, all you have to do is show up,” Dewitt announces proudly. |