Green Springs – 3/9/2020 — Bill & Janet Frankart are opening up their doors to give local kids another opportunity. Frankart’s have partnered with Matt Muzik who is working on putting together a youth marksmanship team and was in need of a space for the team to safely practice.
Marksmanship and shooting sports require a great deal of focus and discipline. It is recognized as a Division 1 NCAA sport, an Olympic sport and by the military. There are scholarship opportunities and shooting can be a great fit for kids that can’t play other sports.
Matt Muzik is a marksman and has been working with his children and other youth as a coach for years. He sees the untapped talent in the area and wants to provide an outlet for kids to try to keep them out of trouble and find a new interest. It’s not for everyone, but he wants to teach kids gun safety, respect, discipline and give them an opportunity to be part of a team. Locally, Matt and his family often compete or practice at the Civilian Marksmanship Program at Camp Perry (https://thecmp.org/).
Frankart’s have opened up their barn to give the group space to practice.
“I am happy to share our space to help local youth. Working with Matt, he is focused on teaching the kids gun safety and respect. This is a safe sport and I think it’s a great opportunity for youth in the area and I look forward to seeing the program come together,” Frankart said.
Youth will use air rifles that shoot 177 pellets. In youth shooting competitions, each competitor shoots from three positions (prone, kneeling and standing) for a total of 60 rounds. There are three levels of competition, Novice Prone, Sporter and Precision. As a precision shooter, you can qualify to compete in the Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Colleges are also recruiting and offering scholarships to experienced shooters and there have already been some local kids that have gone on to be very successful.
Matt and others from the area are setting-up a nonprofit to help get the group established. The end goal is to get into the schools as a recognized sport. Being connected with the schools would give the kids more opportunities and help their chances for scholarships and competition opportunities.
Kids as young as eight can start competing. Matt is planning on holding practice two times a week for the group, with additional practices for those that are interested. The main season is October – March each year, allowing kids to continue to practice, but also be involved in 4H or other activities.
Using the barn at Ridge View Farms provides a safe environment. There are other costs involved, from the pellets, shooting pads, targets and the rifles themselves. If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, contact Matt Muzik at 419-603-0515 or matthewmuzik@gmail.com.
CONTACT
Bill Frankart
Phone: 419-355-6408
Email: bill@electbillfrankart.com