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

2026 ICFRA U25 Teamusa 4
2026 ICFRA U25 Teamusa 4

Next Generation, World Stage: USA Under-25 F-Open Team Brings Home Silver From Bisley

The USA Under-25 F-Open Team won team silver at the 2026 F-Class World Championships, with two Americans on the individual podium.

Jacob Grey Licenses Hex Design Rights From HEXMAG

Jacob Grey Firearms has licensed intellectual property from HEXMAG covering its Hex and Hex Pro pistols, with no changes to design, pricing or availability for shooters.

Historic Sweep: Team USA Claims Gold, Silver and Bronze at F-Class World Championships

Team USA tops individual leaderboard at 2026 ICFRA F-Class World Championships in Bisley, England, then claims team silver behind South Africa.

Federal’s American Eagle 6 mm ARC Load Delivers Real Value

Federal’s new American Eagle 6 mm ARC load pairs a 110-grain total metal jacket bullet with reloadable brass at $36.99 per box.

New: SK Guns 9/11 Remembrance 1911 Commander

SK Guns is building 100 numbered 1911 Commanders chambered in 9 mm Luger, engraved with the Twin Towers, marking 25 years since Sept. 11.

Caldwell ClayCopter Surface-to-Air Wins Top Innovation Award

Caldwell’s hands-free ClayCopter Surface-to-Air launcher wins 2026 Frank DeSomma Innovation of the Year Award from the Industry Choice Awards.



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