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

Leupold LCO 1
Leupold LCO 1

New: Leupold LCO Pro F2

Leupold’s new LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight combines a redesigned aluminum housing, aspheric lens and 30,000 hours of battery life for hard use.

Krieghoff Revives Historic Trophy for 140th Anniversary

Krieghoff revived its namesake trophy after 21 years, drawing 232 shooters from 13 countries to Germany’s Dornsberg course for its 140th anniversary.

Remington Don’t Tread on Me, Come and Take It Bulk Buckets Now Shipping

Remington’s Don't Tread on Me and Come and Take It bulk ammo buckets are shipping nationwide, expanding the company’s patriotic America 250 lineup.

First Look: SIG Sauer’s New Hexium Suppressor Line

SIG Sauer’s new Hexium suppressor line brings 3D-printed, low-back-pressure rifle cans to 5.56 mm NATO, 7.62 mm NATO and .300 BLK platforms.

41st Northeastern Satellite Grand American Opens 2027 ATA Target Year

The 41st Northeastern Grand American, first Satellite Grand of the 2027 ATA target year, runs Sept. 8-13 at the NYSATA Homegrounds in Cicero, N.Y.

Back On The Range: Lessons From A Life-Saving Detour

USPSA Board Chairman Dan Click reflects on the health scare that sidelined him in 2025 and the lessons about improvement, community and joy he brought back.

Interests



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