Trap Talk From The Back Fence

Episode 157: "Maddie Oswalt: Lady 1 All-American | Rising Ohio Trap Shooter & ATA Standout"

Release Date: January 2, 2026
Host(s): Zach Nannini & Richard Marshall Jr.
Guest: Maddie Oswalt

Episode Overview

In this episode, Zach and Rick sit down with Maddie Oswalt, a 19-year-old trapshooting standout from Ohio. Maddie, a 7-time Ohio State team member and 7-time ATA All-American, shares her journey through youth shooting programs to major championships. The conversation covers her beginnings, her rapid rise in the sport, family influences, technique, mindset, and her experience as a successful female shooter in a traditionally male environment. The hosts also have their trademark fun, with plenty of friendly banter and practical advice for listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Maddie's Background and Shooting Accolades

[01:05 – 02:41]

• Maddie hails from Butler, Ohio, close to the Cardinal Center.
• Achievements:
  • 7-time Ohio State team member
  • 7-time ATA All-American (4x Sub-Junior, 3x Lady)
  • Multiple 200 straights, including four perfect 200s
  • 2020 Ohio State Handicap Champion with a "stellar" score of 98
  • 2025 Pennsylvania State non-resident Singles Champion with a lone 200.

Richard:
"She won the 2020 Ohio State Handicap championship. Overall champion of everybody... I think it was somewhere over $600 [prize money]." [01:53, 03:15]

Starting Out and Family Influence

[04:15 – 08:15]

• Maddie's family is into trapshooting (local, not ATA competition). Her dad and brothers shot, leading her to start in 2017.
• Early years saw improvement through practice and family support.
• Sibling rivalry played a role in Maddie continuously striving to improve.
• Family dynamic: Dad shoots for fun at local protectors, both brothers participated but have since moved on. Mom does not shoot.

Maddie:
"My parents were very supportive...I just really loved it. Like, I wanted to keep going... I wanted to be as good as them or do better than them, like some sibling rivalry." [05:54]

Local Clubs and Protector Shoots

[09:23 – 14:48]

• Maddie’s home practice includes trap at her grandfather’s house and Centerburg Gun Club.
• Experienced at regional clubs, including Middletown and various Ohio venues.
• Explanation of "protector" shoots: Two-person teams shoot from the 27-yard line, backing each other up on missed targets. Maddie often fills in, but isn’t a huge fan of the cold-weather shoots.

Maddie:
"It's you and a partner... The first guy will call, he'll shoot. If he misses, your partner can back you up and shoot at the bird... If you both miss, then it's a loss." [11:33]

Richard:
"Why isn't he having you all the time? You're an All-American. You should be going there, taking all their money." [16:39]

Maddie:
"I don't like the cold. That's the only thing that sucks." [16:47]

Transition from SCTP to ATA and Competing as a Female Shooter

[19:55 – 24:05]

• Started in SCTP singles, transitioned to ATA for more challenge with handicaps and doubles.
• Observes some rule differences (e.g., gun rest requirements), found it easier and more competitive in ATA events.
• On being a female in a male-dominated sport: Maddie finds it mostly positive, even though at times she's the only woman at some shoots.

Maddie:
"All my friends are like middle aged men because that's who I shoot with...I guess it is cool to say you're a girl in a more male dominated sport." [23:35]

Equipment Evolution and Practice Regimen

[24:36 – 29:54]

• Started with dad’s BT-99 Max, switched to 20 gauge for strength, then later to a Siren Tempio—a gun specifically designed for female shooters.
• Key advancement: A custom stock lock on the Siren improved her performance, especially by reducing recoil.
• Practice: As the season approaches, she trains 2–3 times a week, focusing on singles, handicaps, and doubles.

Maddie:
"Getting my siren was, like, my favorite thing." [26:30]

Shoot Schedule and Major Events

[32:03 – 34:10]

• Major annual shoots: Florida (Southern Grand, State Shoot), Ohio and PA State, Buckeye Classic, Cardinal Classic, and potentially Michigan’s shoots.
• Schedule is dictated by regional events and family logistics.

Shooting Technique and Approach

[35:58 – 36:46]

• Holds slightly off the house, especially as a one-eyed shooter (“let the bird get up”).
• Tries not to spot-shoot doubles, swings through the target.
• Gun set at a 70/30 point of impact—not too high, not too flat.

Maddie:
"I am a one eyed shooter so I really have to make sure I let the bird get up so I'm able to actually see it before I move up a little bit to shoot." [36:02]

Handling Pressure and Big Wins

[38:26 – 43:55]

• On breaking the lone 200 at the PA State Shoot: Weather was "windy...rainy and gross."
• Manages nerves by distracting herself between shots—focus only when mounting the gun.
• Recalls shooting on a fast squad, which helped keep nerves in check until the final trap.
• A memorable moment: She paused during her last trap to correct a scorer’s error, causing playful distress to her squad mates—“Herb almost had a heart attack.” [43:06]

Quote:
"I try not to think about it... When the gun, like when I am mounting... I am, like, focused, trying to turn my brain off just to know. You see the orange thing and you shoot it." [38:53]

Goals and Advice for New Shooters

[50:34 – 52:39]

• 2026 season goals:
  • Break 100 in doubles (for a career Grand Slam)
  • Stay on the 27-yard line
  • Make first team All-American for Lady
• Advice to young female shooters:
  • "Keep practicing, keep at it... You can't give up if you do bad, just keep your head held high... be nice, be positive, and just keep practicing until you get to where you want to be." [52:14]

Reflections on Mentorship and Learning

[58:09 – 59:11]

• Has learned from clinics (Nora Ross—a legendary one-eyed shooter) and nearby top shooters like Joey Charnigo.
• Sees value in learning from everyone she shoots with—everyone can help you improve.

Maddie:
"I had a clinic with Nora Ross right before I really got like big into ATA. That was awesome." [58:09]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On sibling rivalry as motivation:
  "I wanted to be as good as them or do better than them, like some sibling rivalry." [05:54]

• On her first big handicap win:
  "I was definitely a little shaky going out there trying to shoot the last ones." [40:06]

• On embracing being a woman in the sport:
  "It's cool to say you're a girl in a more male dominated sport or whatever." [23:35]

• On advice for new shooters:
  "You just be nice, be positive. Just keep practicing and practicing until you get to where you want to be." [52:39]

• On correcting a scoring error mid-round:
  "I turned around to change the score before I, like, shot and then forgot about it. When we were done, Herb was like, oh, my gosh. Like, why would you do that? That bird can wait." [43:39]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:05] — Rick Introduces Maddie and lists her accolades
• [02:51] — Discussing prize money at PA
• [04:26] — Maddie describes how she got started shooting
• [11:33] — Maddie explains protector shoots
• [19:55] — Switch from SCTP to ATA, differences and preferences
• [23:35] — On being a female shooter
• [24:47] — Maddie describes her equipment journey
• [29:10] — Typical practice session described
• [32:03] — Annual shoot schedule and key events
• [35:58] — Shooting technique and one-eyed shooter adaptation
• [38:26] — PA State Shoot and breaking the lone 200
• [40:06] — Nerves and handling pressure in shoot-offs
• [50:34] — Maddie's 2026 goals
• [52:14] — Advice for other up-and-coming shooters
• [58:09] — Influences and mentorship (Nora Ross)
• [63:08] — Shoutouts and thanks

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Maddie's humility, competitive drive, and sportsmanship shine. She embodies what the hosts believe the sport needs: talent, positivity, and a willingness to encourage others—especially women and young shooters. The episode is a comprehensive and encouraging look at both competitive excellence and the supportive community at the heart of trapshooting.

For further inspiration: Maddie’s advice to stay positive, focused, and humble applies beyond trapshooting to anyone pursuing excellence in any field.