USA Shooting Junior Programs USAS Deferred Payment Program
BY RUSS DOIUCETTE, ASSISTANT NATIONAL JUNIOR PISTOL COACH WITH THE HELP OF MANY
generous sponsors, USA Shoot- ing (USAS) junior programs are growing. One of the biggest challenges many Junior Olympic athletes face is the purchase of quality equipment due to family or personal fi nancial restraints. The USAS Deferred Payment
Program, run by the Assistant National Pistol coaches has helped over 70 athletes since the inception of the program in 2011. Pistols, rifl es and equip- ment such as electronic target and scoring systems, and shoot- ing jackets have been purchased through this program. Russ Doucette, Assistant Na-
tional Pistol Coach states, “When someone puts in a request, we contact sponsors/donors for the needed funds. The Assistant Na- tional Coaches then locate, pur- chase the equipment and ship to the athlete. These funds are a no-interest loan that is paid back by the athlete over a period of two years.” Last year at the Progressive
Position Pistol (PPP) National Championships, 18-year-old Ais- lin Reynolds heard about the pro- gram and contributed $2,000 of her own money. Reynolds, who is in her 11th year in the Wyandotte County, Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports program wanted to help grow the shooting sports and provide opportunities for other junior shooters. “This was unexpected from one of our ju- nior athletes—it is a kind gesture that will help fund equipment for other junior shooters,” remarked Mike Theimer, the USAS Youth Programs Manager.
“I decided to become a con-
tributor to the program because I wanted to give others the op- portunity to enjoy similar experi- ences to what I have had,” said Reynolds. “Earlier this year, I was shooting a Daisy 747 air pistol. After learning I had quali- fi ed for the National Junior Olym- pic Shooting Championships
match last April, some friends loaned me a Steyr, which is a signifi cant upgrade in equipment, allowing me to have a better chance to compete. Since then, I was able to purchase my own Steyr. My hope is that by contributing to
The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Marksmanship Club got started in 2010 and has grown in size and success because they were able to aff ord good equipment right away using the USAS Development Program.
the program I can give someone else a similar opportunity.” “Since I started shooting
at age eight, I have learned so many things about shooting as well as myself, and developed skills that help me in all aspects of life. I think the most important thing I have learned is how to set and work toward goals. This skill has helped me im- prove my shooting as well as helping me decide and work through college classes to achieve my ultimate career goal of becoming a geological engineer. Over my two years of college courses, I have had a tough time balancing my class