PHOENIX - More than 230 young sport shooters from across the state competed in the Arizona Game and Fish Department's first-ever Commissioners' Cup championships over the past three weeks. The competitions concluded with trap shooting championships May 21 at the Red Mountain Trap and Skeet Club in Scottsdale.

The Commissioners' Cup comprises three separate championships: trap, sporting clays and skeet. Each competition is divided into three age divisions: rookies (fifth grade and below), juniors (sixth through eighth grades), and seniors (ninth through 12th grades).

The championships capped the inaugural year of the Game and Fish Commission's Scholastic Clay Target Program, which introduces young people to shotgun sports in a competitive, team-based format. More than 400 young people participated in the program this year and the department certified more than 90 instructors. Many parents are involved as volunteers.

"We had a phenomenal first year," says Hays Gilstrap, chair of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. "To some folks, it might seem counterintuitive to connect kids with firearms, but the reality is that these youngsters learn to respect firearms and how to handle them safely. I'm always impressed with the discipline and maturity they demonstrate. This program helps young people become responsible young adults."

Teddi Wood-Holt of Buckeye has two children in the program, Ethan, 14 and Macy, 12. "The program offers kids so much," she says. "It teaches them responsibility, gun safety, and how to compete as part of a team. Plus, they make friends with other kids from all over the state."

Kimberly Peters, 15, of Peoria had never used a shotgun before starting the program last fall. "I was a little nervous because I thought I'd be the only girl," she says. "But I thought I'd give it a try and it was really fun." Peters placed second among seniors in the trap championships.

Team and individual results from each event are below. The winning squads in each age division will represent Arizona in national events in Detroit and Vandalia, Ohio later this summer.

TRAP CHAMPIONSHIPS
May 21, Red Mountain Trap and Skeet Club, Scottsdale.

Team Results – Trap Championships

Senior Division Ninth through 12th grades

Junior Division Sixth through eighth grades

Rookie Division Fifth grade and under

Individual Results – Trap Championships

Senior Division Ninth through 12th grades

Junior Division Sixth through eighth grades

Rookie Division Fifth grade and under

SPORTING CLAYS CHAMPIONSHIPS
May 14, Ben Avery Clay Target Center, Phoenix.

Team Results – Sporting Clays Championships

Senior Division Ninth through 12th grades

Junior Division Sixth through eighth grades

Rookie Division Fifth grade and under

Individual Results – Sporting Clays Championships

Senior Division Ninth through 12th grades

Junior Division Sixth through eighth grades

Rookie Division Fifth grade and under

SKEET CHAMPIONSHIPS
April 30, Tucson Trap and Skeet Club, Tucson.

Team Results – Skeet Championships

Senior Division Ninth through 12th grades

Junior Division Sixth through eighth grades

Rookie Division Fifth grade and under

Individual Results – Skeet Championships

Senior Division Ninth through 12th grades

Junior Division Sixth through eighth grades

Rookie Division Fifth grade and under