Meet The 2008 Mississippi 4-H State Shotgun Team

Rank #1 – Jonathan Gullett

I'm 17 years old and a senior in high school. This fall I will be attending Mississippi State University and majoring in Political Science. My parent's names are Wendy and Phil Gullett. My father is a professor at Mississippi State University and my mother has homeschooled my five siblings and me for fourteen years. I was born in California, and our family moved to Mississippi four years ago. I have always loved playing sports as long as I can remember. My favorites include skateboarding, BMX, soccer, football, and shooting shotguns. Growing up in California, I had never even shot a gun before, so it was a neat surprise to move to Mississippi where I've had many opportunities to shoot. Three years ago I joined the 4-H program and decided to start shooting shotguns. Ever since, it has been one of my favorite things to do. Mr. Estel Wilson has been my coach the whole time. He has been an inspiration and a blessing to me and all of the other shooters in our 4-Hclub. I am grateful to God for his input into my life. For the past three years, I've qualified to compete in the State Invitational Shoot, and last year I was pleased to achieve second place overall. Now, I'm looking forward to competing in the 2008 National Shooting Sports Invitational that takes place in Nebraska this June.

Rank #2 – Tyler Goodman

My name is Michael Tyler Goodman. I am the 17 year old son of James & Lisa Goodman and the brother of an eight year old named Ethan Goodman. My grandparents are Mike & Vikki Goodman. I was born and raised in a small town called Pelahatchie, and I have lived there all of my life. I have been homeschooled since I was in third grade and have aspirations to become a Radiologist when I graduate high-school. I have been a member of the Rankin Co. 4-H Team for five years now and really enjoy the sport of shooting a shotgun. With love and dedication to this sport, I have achieved many awards since I have been shooting in the 4-H Field & Stream program. I plan on achieving all that my shooting career has to offer. In 2007, I was able to shoot in the State Invitational were I achieved my goal of reaching the National level. Now I will be going with three other teammates to Nebraska, to represent our State of “Mississippi”. I have just recently joined the NSCA, and I find it to be very fun and challenging, and another discipline in which I can set goals and strive to achieve them. When I am not shooting a shotgun, I enjoy the time spent with family and friends, and helping my dad coach our younger 4-H members. I will especially enjoy my last year in the 4-H shooting sports, because that is when my younger brother will start his shooting career and we will shoot together on the same team.

I would like to thank everybody that has put so much time and effort into my shooting career. First, I would like to thank my coach “who is also my dad” for the time he has taken to teach me. I would like to thank Beinville Shooters Club and Luckett Clays for letting me practice on their clay fields. I would also like to thank the 4-H shooting sports for providing our youth with a place to compete. Last but not least, I would like to thank all my family for supporting and encouraging me, and God for everything that He has blessed upon me.

Rank #3 – Shana Nicholson

My name is Shanna Lee Nicholson. I am the 18 year old daughter of Jimmy and Sheila Nicholson and the granddaughter of Thomas and Mary Helen Wickersham and Roscoe and Mawdie Nicholson. I live on the outskirts of Waynesboro in the small community of Strengthford. I am a senior attending Wayne Academy. My plans for after highschool are to attend Meridian Community College where I will earn a degree as a surgical technician, and of course keep shooting sporting clays. For the past 4 years I have been a member of the Wayne County 4-H program, 3 out of those 4 years I have had the chance to go to the state level of competition in .22 rifles, archery and shotgun. This past year at shotgun State invitational I shot well enough to have the opportunity to represent the Mississippi 4-H as a member of the National 4-H shotgun team. I also get to share this opportunity with my best friend, Ashley Ward. One reason I love this sport is because I have always loved to shoot a gun, no matter what kind it is. Another reason would be because it can be a major challenge. Not just physically, but mentally to, and I think that is why I like it so much, because it is such a challenging sport that all of my family and friends can be involved in. Now I would like to say a special thanks to my mama and daddy and the rest of my family for supporting me through the years. Also, to the greatest instructor ever, Mr. Jamie Draughn, for putting up with me and Ashley for the past couple of years. I could never thank you all enough. I love you all and I appreciate everything.

Rank #4 – Ashley Ward

My name is Ashley Elizabeth Ward. I am the daughter of Jim and Karen Ward of Waynesboro, and the granddaughter of Jim and Gwen Ward of Gulfport, Michael and Ann Scarborough of Biloxi. I am 17 years old and a senior at Wayne Academy. I have been involved in 4-H shooting sports for four years and have also competed in modeling and Share the Fun. I was selected as one of the top 10 to perform a live vocal presentation at the State 4-H Congress at Mississippi State. I am also a member of the NSCA and was the 2006 Mississippi Sub Junior Champion. I am presently a member of the 2008 State National Shooting team that will compete in Nebraska in June.

Shooting is a fun sport, but also a mind game. Most people refer to shooting sporting clays as golf with a shotgun. I love shooting because it challenges me and teaches me focus and discipline. Through this sport and my involvement with 4-H, I have met many people from all over the State and have enjoyed forming long time friendships with them. I am privileged to be sharing this exciting honor with my best friend, Shanna Nicholson. Shanna and I also have the honor of being the first girls from Mississippi to be on the State National Shooting team. This is both a privilege and an honor.

I would like to thank my shooting instructor, Jamie Draughn for his patience with me and his faith in me, and also my 4-H agent, Lynette Crocker. Both of these individuals have played vital roles in my shooting success. I appreciate their time and commitment to the Wayne County 4-H shooting team.