SUHL, GERMANY Â (June 15, 2023)- USA Shooting’s junior shotgun team showcased their exceptional talent and dedication at the recent International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup held in Suhl, Germany. The team’s outstanding performance resulted in a total of 11 medals, six in the Junior Skeet category and five in the Junior Trap category.
The Junior Skeet team shone brightly, bringing home three gold, two silver, and one bronze medal. Alishia “Fayth” Layne secured gold in Junior Women’s Skeet, while Benjamin Keller claimed gold in Junior Men’s Skeet. The Junior Men’s Skeet team consisting of Keller, Jordan Sapp and Josh Corbin also achieved a gold medal, further demonstrating their prowess in the sport.
Silver medals were earned by Jordan Sapp in Junior Men’s Skeet, the Women’s Junior Skeet team, composed of Layne, Jessi Griffin and Madeline Corbin, and the Junior Mixed Skeet team, which partnered Keller and Griffin, highlighting the depth of talent within the USA Shooting’s Junior Team.
In the Junior Trap category, the team continued to impress with five medals. Matthew Kutz captured gold in Junior Men’s Trap, while Ryann Phillips battled for gold in Junior Women’s Trap in a fierce final that culminated in a shoot-off with USA teammate Carey Garrison who took home the silver medal in Junior Women’s Trap.
The Junior Women’s Trap team, consisting of Ryann Phillips, Carey Garrison, and Kaleigh Castillo, secured a silver medal, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and skill. The Junior Men’s Trap team, featuring Matthew Kutz, Caleb Cutler, and William Browning, rounded out the impressive medal haul with a bronze medal.
Two additional Super Cup events, newly created as test events for the future, brought home three additional awards to team members. Jordan Sapp and Fayth Layne won second and third place prizes respectively in the Super Cup Skeet final while Ryann Phillips earned second place in the Super Cup Trap final.
USA Shooting is incredibly proud of the accomplishments of its Junior Team at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany. These young athletes embody the spirit of excellence, hard work, and passion that define the sport of shooting. Their achievements not only bring honor to their country but also inspire the next generation of shooting sports enthusiasts.
USA Shooting is incredibly grateful to Spandau for their generous sponsorship of the Junior World Cup event, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to supporting the growth and development of our junior athletes. Alongside Spandau, The Glassen Foundation and MidwayUSA Foundation, have played a pivotal role in nurturing the future stars of shooting sports, ensuring that these young talents receive the resources and opportunities needed to excel in their discipline. Their continued support is not only a testament to the dedication of these organizations to the sport but also a reflection of the strong community built around the shared passion for shooting sports. We wholeheartedly thank Spandau, The Glassen Foundation, and Midway Foundation for their invaluable contributions and look forward to witnessing the remarkable achievements of our juniors as they continue to make us proud on the world stage.
For more information about USA Shooting and its Junior Team, please visit usashooting.org.
About USA Shooting:
USA Shooting, a non-profit organization and the governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic shooting sports in the United States, is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport across the nation. Its mission is to prepare American athletes to win medals in international competitions, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and to promote the responsible use of firearms and the shooting sports. For more information, visit usashooting.org