BRYSON CITY, WNC – The Swain High School shooting team competed against 17 area teams recently in the District finals held at Polk County. Swain turned in a strong showing finishing 6th overall. Both shotgun and rifle teams were 3rd overall. The good showings did not stop with the team awards though, as Swain had two shooters finish first overall on the day.
Adam King and Dakota Brown both took top honors in their respective divisions. King was tops out of 79 shooters in the shotgun competition. Brown took the top spot in rifle competition, out of 79 shooters. With their top finishes the two have earned the right to advance to the State Level competition, held on April 28th. It marks the first time Swain has had anyone advance to the State Level.
Teams on the day consisted of: Oreinteering team – Sarah Orr, Dana Orr, Mike Clemens, Cory Winchester, and Katie Mordhorst. Shotgun team – Adam King, Mike Clemens, Dakota Brown, Matt Waldroup, and Trent Sawyer. Bow team – Adam King, Austin Enloe, John Whitefield, Dakota Brown, and Matt Waldroup. Rifle team – Adam King, Dakota Brown, Mike Clemens, Trent Sawyer, and Matt Waldroup.
The team is sponsored in part by the National Rifle Association as well as local fundraising, and coached by Jason Moody and Richard Wright. The safety and skills taught by Moody and Wright are important for future hunters and outdoor enthusiasts here in Swain County.