New Program Brings Air Rifle Competition to Missouri Public School Students

by
posted on June 24, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sar-line2.jpg

Have you heard of the Student Air Rifle Program (SAR) yet? Developed by the Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance, this innovative new program has aligned itself with public schools, offering Olympic-style 10 meter standing air rifle competition for school-aged juniors in grades 4 through 12. The use of standardized competition air rifles makes introducing competitive shooting to the next generation of student-athletes a breeze.

Student air rifle program competitor practicing in a Missouri h.s. gymnasium
SAR participants use the Umarex Embark Youth Air Rifle.


The new program is also introducing students to Olympic shooting sports, without the need for expensive equipment. Mike Thiemer, USA Shooting's coach academy director has been working with Jake Hindman, president of SAR for the last three years.

Firing line at second SAR Missouri state tournament
Forty-five student athletes competed at the second-ever Missouri SAR state tournament this past May.


Thiemer explained to SSUSA: “When Jake told me about his plans to bring an air rifle program into the public school system as a classroom activity, I did not think this would happen with so much anti-gun sentiment in school. Jake and his team of volunteers have put together a great program with teacher instructor training, professional-level training materials, air rifles, targets, pellets, funding support, etc. The program is ready to be delivered in any state and school system. It’s absolutely an incredible success story for the shooting sports.”

Basic Air Rifle Instructor class in Missouri
SAR Basic Air Rifle Instructor training class.


Five new Missouri schools will begin SAR programs in the next few months, and the group hopes to expand nationally in the future. SAR also offers Basic Air Rifle Instructor courses for coaches, parents and teachers interested in conducting matches at their own schools.

For more information visit: www.studentairrifleprogram.org.

Latest

Federalpursuitriflecase 1
Federalpursuitriflecase 1

Federal’s Fit Pursuit Rifle Case Adjusts Its Length to Match Your Setup

Federal’s Fit Pursuit Rifle Case is now shipping with adjustable length, heat-resistant lining and suppressor-ready storage in 40- and 45-inch sizes.

Art and the Sporting Tradition Takes Center Stage at Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College’s Nimrod Education Center hosted Art and the Sporting Tradition, a two-day program exploring wildlife art, decoys and conservation.

Kiersten Sales Wins Main Event Lady Champion Title at 2026 Jack Link’s Cup

Kiersten Sales claims Main Event Lady Champion and three more titles as Team Krieghoff posts multiple podium finishes at 2026 Jack Link’s Cup.

New: Real Avid Smart-Torq and X3 Driver System

Real Avid’s Smart-Torq and X3 Driver System is now shipping in five kits with torque limiters and ratcheting drivers.

Milan Cortina 2026: U.S. Women Close Olympic Biathlon Campaign With 18th Place in 4x6 km Relay

Team USA women take 18th place in biathlon 4x6 km relay at Milan Cortina 2026, closing out their Olympic campaign at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena.

A Year of Classic Battles: 1988 National Matches

Wind and comebacks defined the 1988 National Matches, where Lenardson, Wigger, Weaver and Tubb each claimed titles in dramatic fashion.



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.