Shooters Smith, Skipper compete at AIM Grand World Championships
Steven Skipper (right) and AIM shooter Thomas Smith IV returned to Sparta, Illinois to compete in the Grand American World Trapshooting Championship, with 3,058 competing. The Lincoln Parish duo fared well at the competition.
Louisiana’s AIM (Academic, Integrity, Marksmanship) shooters recently competed in the AIM Grand Nationals in Sparta, Illinois, with 17 youth from Louisiana, 13 of those from Lincoln Parish, bringing home 17 awards.
Two days after returning to Lincoln Parish, Coach Steven Skipper and AIM shooter Thomas Smith IV, returned to Sparta to compete in the Grand American World Trapshooting Championship. This event draws participants from the United States, Canada, Australia, Belize, New Zealand and beyond. For this year’s event, 3,058 shooters were on site for the competition.
During the shoot, Smith shot his first 200 straight during the NRA Singles event, winning Junior Gold Runner Up. He continued by shooting his second 200 straight in the Singles Winchester AA event.
“Thomas was one of seven shooters at the Grand American that broke 200 straight both days,” Skipper said. “I could not have been prouder of him for this accomplishment.”
The next singles event was the Champion of Champions with only participants who have won a state singles championship title invited to participate.
There Smith shot 100 out of 100 and was named third place event champion. The final day of singles was the 200 Championship Singles and Smith finished 199 out of 200.
During the two- week period Smith was in Sparta shooting Grand Championships ( AIM Grand and American), his singles score was 898 out of 900 in singles.
During Grand week, Smith was recognized as one of the best singles shooters in the world. When asked about the accomplishment, Smith cited someone special.
“This year has been better than I could have ever imaged,” Smith said. “I just wish my grandfather was here. He was my biggest supporter and I know he would be proud.”
In addition, Skipper and Smith engaged in handicap and double events at the Grand Nationals. Skipper won handicap short yardage third place with a 95 out of 100.
And while Smith had been struggling with handicap, he was able to put a 98 on the board and move back to the 26-yard line.
The event concluded with AIM director and coach Amie Skipper and shooter Cole Maestrini returning to Sparta. There Maestrini shot the last three events with his teammate and coach.
It successfully wrapped up a spectacular shooting season for the Lincoln Parish AIM team and those leading it.
