Trap Talk From The Back Fence
Episode 114: Inside the World Shooting Complex w/ Brad Mayberry
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Hosts: Zach Nannini (A), Richard “Ricky” Marshall Jr. (B)
Guest: Brad Mayberry (C)
Episode Overview
This episode takes a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes operations of the World Shooting Complex in Sparta, Illinois. Hosts Zach and Ricky bring on Brad Mayberry, head of trap & skeet at the complex, to discuss everything from facility maintenance and shoot logistics to league management, youth engagement, innovation in events, and the culture driving trapshooting’s growth. Brad shares candid insights on what it takes to keep a world-class shooting complex running and the importance of fostering both local and national shooters.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Meet Brad Mayberry and the World Shooting Complex (00:45 – 03:00)
- Brad’s Role: Head of trap & skeet at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex since 2019. Trusted by everyone (“If anybody wants anything done at Sparta, you get a hold of Brad. That’s it.” – Ricky, 01:35).
- Reputation: Renowned for organizing seamless shoots, facility improvements, and hands-on problem-solving.
2. Essential Trap Club Maintenance: Tools, Training, and Mindset (03:05 – 07:00)
- Staff Training: Proper staff training is critical: “It all starts with how you train your staff to handle the equipment.” (Brad, 03:05)
- Mic Saver Innovation: Introduction and value of ‘mic savers’—simple devices that keep microphones off the ground, safeguarding them from damage and weather (03:05 – 04:52).
- “We invested a good portion of money into the mic savers... It literally takes two minutes to install.” (Brad, 04:11; 07:03)
- Financial Perspective: Affordable upgrades prevent expensive replacements: approx. $15/mic for 125 microphones is “not bad at all...if you just imagine if you broke one mic, what that’s going to cost you.” (Zach, 06:39 – 06:47)
3. Running the Grand American & Facility Logistics (07:03 – 13:27)
- Brad’s Evolution: Started as a scorer/loader in 2011; now runs logistics and back-end setup for the Grand, overseeing everything from putting “2 million targets in the house” to vendor and facility management.
- Team Approach: Back-end logistics include PA system, trash, night crews, and maintaining the site for smooth, continuous operation.
- “During the grand, my job is basically logistics. I’m handling all the back-end stuff, making sure that we have enough targets in the houses, setting up the evening events...” (Brad, 09:14)
- Sustainability & Recycling: All cardboard is recycled; about two dumpsters of trash per day during large events.
4. Staffing, Recruitment, and Community Building (12:02 – 14:01)
- Youth Employment: Starts staff young, mentoring high schoolers into temporary roles ("I started out with high school kids..." 12:09).
- Retention & Transition: Acknowledges turnover as students move through school, constantly training replacements.
5. Maintenance Culture: Preventative Over Corrective (15:11 – 16:58)
- Ongoing Maintenance: Continuous upkeep on PAT traps, PA systems, and facilities is non-negotiable.
- “I don’t know how you can get behind on maintenance on a PAT trap because there’s nothing to it... basic stuff.” (Brad, 15:32)
- Standards & Aesthetics: “We want the facility to show the best picture possible when people come out to it.” (16:21)
6. Innovations in Events: New Shoots and Unique Experiences (28:20 – 35:14)
- Silver Shoot: Revamped former “Spring/Fall Classic” as “Silver Shootout” with silver bullion as trophies, unique fundraising, and event design.
- “We gave away graded silver Eagles and 1 ounce bars, 5 ounce bars, 10 ounce bars.” (Brad, 28:54)
- International & Wobble Trap: Emphasis on challenging formats—international targets, cosmic (blacklight) 5-stand, and more (32:19 – 35:14).
- Feedback & Growth: Events are community-driven, and attendance affects planning.
7. Big Shoots, Youth Sports, and Collegiate Growth (21:05 – 25:44)
- Major Shoots Hosted: Grand American, US Open, ACUI Collegiate events (largest outside the Collegiate Nationals with 400+ shooters), multiple SCTP and youth associations.
- “We’re not just the grand. We're not just the US Open. I host at least one registered shoot every month outside of August and September.” (Brad, 21:05)
- SCTP and AIM: Youth participation is surging—over 400 athletes regularly attend youth programs and leagues.
- Public Shooting vs. Registered Competition: Notable growth in public and non-ATA participation, especially with schools and family shooters.
8. League Culture: Feeding the Pipeline (39:03 – 44:42)
- Strong League Presence: Thursday night leagues often draw 400+ people. The youth/adult crossover fosters broader ATA involvement.
- “I convinced a lot of these youth teams to field league teams...I see a lot of, a lot of conversion from that where...they talk to the adults, they're hanging around the adults.” (Brad, 39:31)
- Big 50s & Target Requirements: Frequent “Big 50s” and marathons help shooters maintain target eligibility.
- Payouts & Flights: Leagues structured to ensure fun and inclusivity—not just for top shooters but for all skill levels, with payouts, Lewis class, and small perks (like half-dollar coins).
9. Facility Enhancements & The Importance of Presentation (55:26 – 57:57)
- Upgrades: New mowers, string trimmers, and a dedicated ground crew to ensure the complex is “like a golf course that’s well manicured.”
- “We got all new 72 inch John Deeres...and they just mow and mow and mow and mow…constantly.” (Brad, 56:07)
- Goals: Ensure outstanding first impressions and consistent quality for visiting shooters.
10. Future Plans, Challenges, and Advocacy (61:05 – 63:14)
- Expansion Aspirations: Hopes to bring back SCTP Nationals, expand bunkers for Olympic trap, and further grow collegiate events.
- “My job is to put targets in the air…And I want to get SCTP Nationals back…and…maybe the ACUI Collegiate nationals.” (Brad, 61:05)
- Support from Leadership: Positive institutional change in the IDNR, freeing the team to innovate and move quickly.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “If anybody wants anything done at Sparta, you get a hold of Brad. That's it.”
— Ricky, (01:35) - “It all starts with how you train your staff to handle the equipment.”
— Brad, (03:05) - “We want the facility to show the best picture possible when people come out to it.”
— Brad, (16:21) - “During the grand…I’m waiting for that phone call when something breaks for me to go fix it.”
— Brad, (09:14) - “You’re always working and talking about like, oh, hey, we're doing this and we're doing this…It's a never ending job.”
— Zach, (58:17) - “My job is to put targets in the air. That's what my job is: targets and instruction.”
— Brad, (61:08) - “I do love the Trap Talk building what you got. What your dad did in there was just absolutely amazing…Everything is done absolutely perfect.”
— Brad, (64:09)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Brad's Introduction & Role: 00:45–03:00
- Trap Club Equipment & Maintenance Innovations: 03:05–07:00
- Grand Operations & Facility Logistics: 07:03–13:27
- Youth Staffing & Staff Development: 12:02–14:01
- Maintenance Mindset: 15:11–16:58
- League Engagement & Community Building: 39:03–44:42
- Silver Shoot & Event Innovations: 28:20–35:14
- Facility Improvements: 55:26–57:57
- Looking Ahead – Hopes/Goals: 61:05–63:14
Final Takeaways
- The World Shooting Complex operates at a standard akin to a top-tier sports venue, with meticulous maintenance, innovative equipment management, and a culture of continuous improvement driven by Brad and his team.
- Strong community ties—especially youth leagues and crossover—builds the future of the sport.
- Brad’s philosophy: Prioritize staff training, invest in facility presentation, and “put targets in the air” as the North Star for club success.
- Exciting innovations like the Silver Shootout and cosmic night shooting reflect a willingness to creatively engage shooters and evolve the experience.
For more info or to get involved, check out the World Shooting Complex on Facebook or drop by an event—they’re open, growing, and always ready to welcome new shooters.