Shawn C. Dulohery, Director/Head Coach, Lindenwood University Shotgun Sports WHEN THINKING ABOUT THEIR
CHILDREN’S COMPETITIVE SHOOTING FUTURE, parents typically ask the same question: “What’s the next path for my son or daughter after shooting shotgun, rifl e and pistol in high school?” In high school there are many avenues to par- ticipate in the shooting sports (individual or team oriented) such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Boy Scouts, Pro- gressive Position Pistol (PPP), Junior Reserve Offi cers’ Train- ing Corps (ROTC), Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and more. Once a student gradu- ates, however, the next step isn’t as clear. So, is there anywhere for student-athletes to continue their education and still partici- pate in the shooting sports they love? The answer is YES! Many schools throughout the
U.S. offer the shooting sports as extracurricular options. For ex- ample, at the 2012 Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Shotgun Championships there were 62 participating uni- versities. In 2013, an unprece-
dented 80 teams are scheduled to compete in San Antonio, Tex- as, March 26-31. That estimate represents a 32 percent growth in collegiate shotgun programs. There are four points that are
important for students and par- ents to consider when looking for a college program—entrance exams, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, extracurric- ular activities and character. Ad- ditionally, parents need to take into consideration the talent that the student may possess. All of these are keys to assisting stu- dents and families in receiving good solid opportunities at col- leges across the country. There are two types of col-
lege entrance exams, the ACT and SAT. These tests are EX- TREMELY important to every uni- versity across the country and help assess the aptitude of each student. The higher the test scores, the greater probability the student will receive a better fi nancial package. So, it is very important to study for these ex- ams. A private tutor is an excel-
lent investment. Though costly, several hundred dollars to hire a tutor could save thousands in tuition fees over an average four year collegiate career. The second important con-
sideration is purely fi nancial: what the family and student are willing and able to contribute to the cost of an education. It is a requirement that all families fi ll out the Free Application for Fed- eral Student Aid (FASFA). FASFA uses tax fi gures and income to compare the student against criteria for federal, state and private funding. Not all families have the same fi nancial means; it has been my experience that where there is a will and deter- mination, there is a way! Extracurricular activities are
also very important when fi lling out an application for a universi- ty. This gives the administration and coaching staff clues about the student’s character without a personal meeting. Keep in mind, however, that a personal meeting is always best (when it is possible).
My experience as the Direc-
tor and Head Coach of the larg- est and most successful colle- giate shotgun sports team in the world is that the most important thing a student can bring to the table is character. A student may be the greatest shot in the world, but if he or she doesn’t represent themselves and the university as an ambassador then nothing is gained. Talent, as previously men-
tioned, is important but coaches must consider the student’s whole package (grades, classes, test scores, etc.). Every colle- giate program should be recruit- ing talent. Most programs rank the incoming recruits by ability, followed by scores, classes and tournament experience. It has been my experience
that all coaches across the country are willing to help par- ents through this journey of col- legiate shooting. I wish you the best of luck and hope you con- sider collegiate shooting as part of your shooting career.