Youth from six North Dakota counties participated with 40 competitors. Twelve of the competitors were from Ward County.

“Ward County made up nearly one-third of the total participants,” said 4-H air rifle coach Nathan Sutton. “It’s phenomenal to see such growth in our program, which started with just a handful of kids seven years ago.”

Air rifle matches are divided by age: Beginners (ages 8-10), Juniors (11-13), and Senior (14-18). There is also a Masters division for those at least 14 years old who have qualified for a national contest in their age group. Competitors use Sporter air rifles, firing .177-caliber pellets at 600 fps or less, aiming at AR 5/10 International 10-meter air rifle targets. Beginners shoot from a seated, bench-rested position, while Juniors and Seniors compete in three positions: standing, kneeling and prone.

Results for Ward County participants from the match are as follows:

Submitted Photo Kayla Whillock took part in the State Indoor 4-H Air Rifle Championship.

Master Air Rifle Division

– Fourth place, Kiley Whillock, Kenmare, score: 505.

– Fifth place, Cady Malmedal, Lincoln, score: 489.

– Seventh place, Zachary Korgel, Minot, score: 480.

– Eighth place, Alyssa Korgel, Minot, score: 474.

Submitted Photo Alyssa and Zack Korgel were among Ward County 4-H members participating in the State Indoor 4-H Air Rifle Championship.

Junior Air Rifle Division

– Second place, Jase Schilla, Makoti, score: 435.

– Third place, Nolan Lee, Sawyer, score: 367.

– Seventh place, Ryker Vickery, Surrey, score: 308.

– Second place team: Lee, Schilla and Vickery, combined score: 1,110.

Beginner Air Rifle Division

– Second place, Kayla Whillock, Kenmare, score: 562.

– Fifth place: Hunter Vickery, Surrey, score: 537.

– Sixth place, Zane Lee, Sawyer, score: 519.

– Also competing, Tanner Lee and Xavier Lee, both Sawyer.

– First place team, Tanner Lee, Xavier Lee, Vickery, and Whillock, combined score: 1,618.