4-H Project SAFE Modified Trap Season comes to an end

The 2025 Emanuel County 4-H Project S.A.F.E. Modified Trap team wrapped up their season during the State 4-H Modified Trap Match on Saturday, May 10. Emanuel County 4-H’ers participated in three levels of competition: the local Randy Fagler Memorial County Match, Southeast District 4-H qualifiers, and the State 4-H Modified Trap match in Eatonton. The program is open to 6th through 12th grade students in Emanuel County who are enrolled in the 4-H Program.

4-H’ers in the modified trap contest are given 25 clay targets they must hit from a single thrower. All 4-H’ers are coached by volunteer leaders from the 4-H program who are certified instructors. The Modified Trap program is coordinated by 4-H volunteers Ed and Brandi Akridge. Emanuel County 4-H had 34 total 6th through 12th grade 4-H’ers participating in the Project SAFE Modified Trap program for the 2025 year.

Sixth through 8th grade 4-H’ers on the Modified Trap Team were: Edward Bennett, Bentley Brinson, Eli Hackle, Benton Harry, Jace Henry, Sam Lawrence, Jake Marsh, Jaxin McGee, Landon Nasworthy, Addi Rae Robertson, Julianne Way and Tate Wilkes.

Ninth through 12th grade 4-H Modified Trap members were: Bryan Beasley, Olivia Boatright, Amelia Clements, Aaden Cumbee, Paxton Dixon, Lillie Hammond, Nathaniel Harry, Gage Johnson, Gunner Johnson, Spencer Lawrence, Peyton Lee, Ethan Mason, Hanley Moorman, Maddox Robertson, Lauren Sapp, Tate Torpy, Eli Way, Brett Way, Marshall Way, Sean Wilkerson, Abigail Wilks and Sam Williams.

The Southeast District qualifier was held on Saturday, April 12, at Bay Gall Sporting Clays. At the district match, 20 of the youth shooters qualified for state competition and the senior team made up of Maddox Robertson, Peyton Lee, Paxton Dixon, Ethan Mason and Spencer Lawrence placed second in the competition.

The Randy Fagler Memorial County Match was held on Sunday, April 6. The following 4-H’ers were recognized as top shooters for their grade level: 7th graders Julianne Way and Eli Hackle; 8th grade Jake Marsh; 9th grade Ethan Mason; 10th grade Paxton Dixon; 11th grade Maddox Robertson; 12th grade Spencer Lawrence. Overall top shooter awards went to Senior Female Olivia Boatright; Senior Overall Ethan Mason; Junior Female Julianne Way; and Junior Overall Jake Marsh.

The state competition was held on Saturday, May 11, in Eatonton and Emanuel County was represented by 20 4-H’ers. Shooters are grouped by age to form teams of five.

Emanuel County 4-H would like to thank its volunteers who have donated hundreds of hours of service to coach this year’s team. Without Brandi and Ed Akridge, Becky Amerson, Chesley Dixon, Whitney and Senaca Lawrence, Cliff Mason, and Erin and Jeremy Way, a program of this size and quality would not be possible.

4-H provides fun, exciting, and educational events year-round for youth in 4th-12th grade. For more information about Emanuel County 4-H and how you can get involved as a member, volunteer or sponsor, contact Jakyn Tyson at the Emanuel County Extension Office at (478) 237-1226.