Maddie Oswalt: Lady 1 All-American | Rising Ohio Trap Shooter & ATA Standout - Trap Talk E157

Summary

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

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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

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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.

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

Transcript

[A]

J.

[B]

Welcome to season three of TRAP Chop.

[C]

Brought to you by Craig off the choice of champions.

[B]

Hey folks, if you're wondering where you can get your merch, head on down to shop Trap Talk podcast dot com.

[C]

Yes, folks, you can get hats, T shirts, sweatshirts. They even have a ladies tank, shooters, towels. We might have some new stuff coming out for the 2026 year. Who knows?

[B]

We got all the swag. Head on down to the website. Thank you so much for being Trap Talk supportive.

[C]

Thanks everyone.

[B]

Hello, Trap do listeners. Zack Denini here live with Richard Marshall Jr. And our new friend, Maddie Oswald. Welcome to the show.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Rick, would you mind introducing Maddie please for our listeners?

[C]

Absolutely. So we got Maddie Oswald from Butler, Ohio, which is about 40, 45 minutes from the Cardinal Center. So she's got the, the luck of being able to shoot at the Cardinal center all the time where all the big shoots are. So Maddie's a seven time Ohio State team member, a seven time ATA All American team member, I think four times sub junior, three times lady. Okay. She's got multiple hundreds. She's got four 200 straights. But one of her biggest wins was she won the 2020 Ohio State Handicap championship. Champion. Overall champion of everybody. Now what was your score, Maddie? Do you remember?

[A]

I had a 98, which is a.

[C]

Stellar score at the old Cardinal Center.

[B]

That's pretty salty. Yeah.

[C]

So that's awesome. But also this year, the 2025 Pennsylvania state shoot, she broke a lone 200 in state or out of state to win the non resident singles championship at PA which is one of the usually the top three state shoots in the country, size wise. So that's an awesome feat. I know. You know, I think I've only broke one 200 at Ohio, a couple or at PA but it's a great place. Shoot. But the weather, it can change in an instant. So we, we know how that is. But you know, Maddie's 19 years old, you're in cosmetology, Right. So she's got her license. So that's awesome. So we'll get into a little bit of your, your accolades because you've been shooting a long time. So.

[B]

Yeah, you know, so my first question before we, we get into the deep stuff is that 200 in PA, did you play, did you play any of the money or no?

[A]

Yes, I think we did. Yeah.

[B]

So do you remember, do you remember what it paid out? Because I'm curious to know what that loan 200 was. Any idea or did dad just keep it all?

[C]

He just took your money didn't he?

[B]

Did dad just get his hands in there and just keep it?

[A]

No, I got to keep it. I'm just trying to think. I think it was. Know a part of it was somewhere over $600.

[C]

Yeah, she. She had to give her prosperity number.

[B]

There you go. Well. Well, congratulations on that. Because two hundreds are definitely hard low. Two hundreds are about as rare as it gets in this game. I mean, breaking a 200 and not having anyone else break a 200 on that day, especially at a place like PA where, I mean, there's so many shooters, right? I mean, you had to be like, okay, you know, we got five, 600 shooters here. Somebody's going to break them.

[C]

But.

[B]

But no, you. You were. You were the top dog. So. So congratulations on that. But yeah, that.

[C]

That is awesome, especially at PA because I'm going to say I know a couple years ago, I. And forgive me, but I can't remember her name from New York. Lady broke a lone 200 at PA and that was another one of those rough days that, you know, that wind comes in, it's overcast, and. And then you get done shooting and all of a sudden the sky clears and it's. Because that's how.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

You know. Yeah, but that is awesome.

[B]

So getting into your. Your shooting world and how you started, because you started as a very young shooter, what got you into shooting at such a young age and as a female?

[A]

So there's a lot of, like, trap shooters in my family. They don't do like the ATA stuff. They just did like the little protector stuff around the house. My dad got my older brother into it, and then they needed rookies, and so dad was like, I don't know if she'll do it, but we'll give it a try. So I shot a gun a few times, and then I was like, oh, yeah, I like it. So then I signed up and it's been. I mean, I've been shooting ever since, so.

[C]

Yeah, because your first year, Maddie, was 2017.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You know, you. You started and you know, you had some struggles there looking at your scores. That was your first year. So. Which, hey, you. You kept on shooting. And I mean, from your first year of shooting to now, I mean, you're running about a. Just shy of a 98 average. 9780 singles average for. For this year to your first year average. I mean, you know, you had some low scores in there and you came bouncing back, and even your next year you improved your. Your average by more than a trap field. So, you know, more than a. Than 25 target, which is awesome, though, and, you know, to continue to do it. You know, what is. Was it your dad that. That, you know, pushed you to continue to shoot, or was it just, like, the people?

[A]

I definitely like. He was very supportive. Like, my parents were. My brothers were. I just really loved it. Like, I wanted to keep going. And then I think it helped that, like, my brothers did it, and I wanted to be as good as them or do better than them, like some sibling rivalry or whatever. But, yeah, I mean, it helped. We'd, like, practice once or twice a week with the team and stuff, and I just loved it.

[C]

Now, were your. Were your brothers decent shots or what?

[A]

Yeah, my older brother did pretty well, but it's been a while since he shot last, so.

[C]

Now which one.

[B]

Did you get to beat him a lot? Like, when he was finishing and you were starting, like, did you get past him or did he quit before you could really beat him down?

[A]

No, we definitely had our, like, ups and downs, like, where some days I would do better, he would do better, stuff like that. But, yeah, once he graduated high school, he kind of was burnout. He didn't like it as much, and he just went to work. But.

[C]

And then you're. Is it your younger brother. Is it your younger brother that shot also?

[A]

Yeah, so he started shooting a little after my older brother and I did. He never really. He did have some good days. I don't think he ever really, like. I don't know. I think he did it more to, like, just do. Do it, because we were doing it, you know, but together.

[B]

Have fun.

[A]

He started playing, I'm sorry, together and have fun.

[B]

Not. Not necessarily doing it to. To light the world on fire.

[A]

Yeah. And, like, we were already gonna be there, so then he might as well have shot that kind of stuff, so.

[C]

That's awesome, though. I mean, to have a whole family and shoot. Now your. Your mom doesn't shoot?

[A]

No.

[C]

Why not? What. What's. What's the deal, Mom?

[A]

I mean, I don't know. She won't.

[C]

She won't?

[A]

No.

[C]

Your dad's. Your dad's probably going. Don't be getting her to shoot. I don't know if I can afford.

[B]

To do all this.

[A]

Right. Yeah.

[B]

Does your dad shoot a lot? As much as you, or just here and there?

[A]

It's mainly just here and there. If we happen to need someone on the squad for an ATA shoot, then he always has his gun and stuff. He'll shoot, but he's definitely more of a, like, doing the Protectors and stuff in the winter. He says ATA takes too long. He doesn't like how long it takes and all the focus and stuff. He'd rather just have fun.

[C]

Now, the protectors, where are you shooting those at.

[A]

A lot of places around the house. So there's like a Snake Road, Bucyrus places in Columbus. He does a lot of 60 bird programs.

[C]

There's one up, up north. Can't think of the club, but Jody and I went up there and shot it one time, and I broke. I broke 98 or 99, and there was like two hundreds broke and it was horrible weather. And I'm like, yeah, what? That was years ago. Leo was still alive and big l said, okay, that happened to me. I broke 99 and two hundreds came in.

[B]

So, hey, like Foster Barthel says, shoot better.

[C]

That's exactly right. That's what I said, Zach. You know, shoot better because you're not so Butler. You're not. What do you. If you're 40 minutes from the cardinal, what are you about a. So Joey lives in Loi. So you're outside of Cleveland. So you're about an hour and a half from there, then probably.

[A]

Yeah, that sounds right. Yeah.

[C]

Yeah. So you're right in the heart of shooting with all. I mean, there's a ton of clubs around there.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Now, what's your home club?

[A]

So when I shot sctp, we would go to Centerberg. Yeah. So that's where we shot a lot, but for, like, practices and stuff. My grandpa has a house, like a trap house on his property, so we go over there now to practice and stuff. But my home club is probably more center bird than anything.

[B]

How far are you away from Middletown Gun Club, the Horseshoe Gun Club?

[C]

Two hours.

[A]

Two hours, yeah.

[B]

So you've probably shot there quite a bit also.

[A]

Yeah, we had. We would do SCTP shoots down there.

[B]

So I have some friends, Mark and Kathy, Dotty. They. They were from that area, and I met them when I went to Vandalia. The last time they had Vandalia, and they were local and they took me as. You got to come out and. And shoot Middletown Sportsman Club. And I went out and shot and there was a, you know, Calcutta shoot, and it was a great shoot and I loved it. But it was one of the, you know, the coolest gun clubs I've been to at the time. Because I'm like, I've never seen one that had a horseshoe, because that was way back before. I had done a lot of traveling and I'd never seen anything like it. I'm like, this place is great, you know, but a lot of people were complaining about some things, but I'm like, this is kind of a cool thing. And, and I. I don't want to leave out the protection shoots because, you know, here we talk a lot about ata, and we talk a lot about all American, all that other stuff, but I think that there's a side of the game that's missing in most of the country, which is just kind of the fun offseason shooting. So for the listeners here, could you explain, like, what those protection shoots are and kind of how they work?

[A]

Yeah. So you're shooting from the 27 yard line. It's you and a partner when you start. So you'll both mount your guns, and the first guy will call, he'll shoot. If he misses, then your partner can back you up and shoot at the bird. And then if he hits it, then it's a dead bird. If you both miss, then it's a loss. And then if the first guy does hit it and the second guy shoots at it again, it's a double. So that's a loss.

[C]

Yep.

[B]

Oh, yeah, I do that. I do that to Ricky every time.

[C]

He would. That's why he wouldn't be my partner.

[B]

Just spike. Just burn it in the dirt.

[A]

Yeah. Sometimes it's hard, like, not to do, though, because some of the way the chips fly, like, I mean, some of the flinches, like we've had, like, trying not to, like, shoot at them, you know, it's. It can be intense. But. Yeah. So you and your partner, you just continue shooting, and then they have like 10 bird programs where you. You guys will only shoot at 10 birds, or they have 60 birds, which last a lot longer, but you shoot at 60.

[B]

Okay, so say. So you still have changing posts, five birds on. If you shot a 60 bird program, five birds on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. And you guys would rotate, right? Or does everybody stay in the same spot or.

[A]

No, you still rotate posts. So I guess I forgot to mention. So after the first guy shoots, and then the. And it's like the round not restarted, but when it gets Back to post 1, the second guy will raise his gun and then he calls. And it's like the same rules for the 60 birds, you usually shoot six on a post. So, like, one guy will have three call targets and the other guy will have three call targets.

[B]

Okay, I see. So it's kind of like playing part partner pool where you're. You're changing the shots off.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That'S Cool. I've. I've done that before, maybe one or two times, and I think it's a lot of fun. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, are pretty much all of those shoots just for money or is it like meat shooting where it's for prizes and stuff?

[A]

Some people do have like, they do the prizes, like meat shoots and stuff, but most of it is money.

[C]

Yeah, like Snake. Was it Snake Run? Snake Road. What?

[A]

Snake. Snake Road.

[C]

Yeah. So they used to have a big protector deal years ago. And you know, I remember hearing about it. This is back Zach, if you remember Dennis Devault. Yeah, the Mach 1 shotgun. Yeah, he was involved or something with that. I remember we were out in Vegas years ago. They were having some big deal and I was going to try to come back for it, but it never panned out to do it because they have that, like, they just had the non registered shoot at Williams County. Did you guys go up to that or did your dad go to that deal or.

[A]

No, I don't think so.

[C]

No, that was up in northwest Ohio that they had a. A big Calcutta at and stuff. So that was cool, you know, to see that stuff because there's other. It's all shooting. And that's what we're here. We're not just about ata shooting. We're about shooting clay targets.

[B]

Well, anything. I mean, even, Even hunting, right? I mean, it's just anything that. Anything that involves being outdoors, anything that involves shooting a shotgun or being with these great people, I mean, that's kind of what we're here for. And you know, I think there's. We used to have. At Metcalf, where I grew up, we used to have Annie Oakley's, you know, every X amount of weeks. I think once a month they'd have Annie Oakley's on league night. And I can tell you the funnest nights that I can remember growing up, the ones that made me want to come back were doing those Annie Oakley's with everybody. And even though everybody, I think at the time it was like $3 or $5, everybody would put into the hat. And if you won that thing, you felt like a millionaire. Like you made like 150 bucks. But I was just a little kid and you, you get 150 bucks and you're like, oh my God, I'm. I'm. I'm the world champion of the Annie Oakley. And you know, this is before I even knew there was the grand or before you knew there was, you know, the state shoot or anything. And you're just like, this is freaking awesome. And I think that's probably one of the. The best and coolest ways to get into the money side of the game is just start. If you've got a local club and they've got something cool like that and it's a few bucks, you know, why not play and see what happens and. And put a little bit of skin in the game. That's. That's my thought at least. But, yeah.

[C]

Well, Matty, did you. Have you shot a lot of protectors your whole shooting career, or have you kind of just watched or what's your history on that?

[A]

I used to watch them more growing up. Dad would sometimes, like, host them at our grandpa's trap house a little bit, but now that I've gotten, like, older, I guess, and a little better at shooting, I'll help fill in. If one of his original, like, partners, they usually go in groups of four. If they have to step out, then I'll go and, like, fill in for the night or whatever.

[C]

Why isn't he having you all the time? You're. You're an all American. You should be going there, taking all their money.

[B]

He keeps that cash. Maddie, don't hold back.

[A]

Yeah, I don't like the cold. That's the only thing that sucks is it's in the winter.

[B]

You know, Ricky, I know you use it on your barrels, but do you even know what RGS stands for?

[C]

No, Zach, what does it stand for?

[B]

Really good.

[C]

Well, that is true. It is good stuff, folks. I use it to clean my barrels, and it does make them shine.

[B]

Only problem is I wear white T shirts when I clean my barrels, and I get them all messy, so I got to be better at that. But it gets all the plastic, all the gunk out. Give them a try foe folks.

[C]

They're great. That's right. Give RGS a try. We appreciate all the support.

[B]

I just love the way they're covering all the shoots across the country. The content, the pictures, what they're doing online, what they're doing on Facebook, Instagram. What do you think?

[C]

Yeah. Trap Shoe usa. It's a great magazine. They are the official magazine of our podcast, and we are the official podcast of Trapshot usa. So we really appreciate it.

[B]

That's really cool. And what they got is a deal right now. If you put Trap Talk PN for the print version and Trap Talk D for the digital version, it's 19.99 for the print and $9.99 for the digital for one year, you're not going to find A better deal. So subscribe today. You won't regret it.

[C]

Absolutely. Thank you for all the support.

[B]

Hey, Rick, we got to take a second. We got to thank Outlaw Engineering and the Freston family for supporting Trap shooting and supporting Trap Talk podcast. They've been here for us. They're great people, you know. You know them real well, Rick.

[C]

Yeah, I, I've known Randy since 1988, R2 and the family, they're great supporter of the show. Coop just won the Autumn grand handicap championship with a 97.

[B]

I know, I was there. I got to interview him. It was great. I was so proud of him. He's doing a great job. Hashtag, where's Coop? He's somewhere with that big buckle. He's having fun. So you need anything engineering related, get a hold, Outlaw. They'll take great care of you. Great folks.

[C]

Thanks for all the support. Outlaw. That.

[B]

Yeah, you've got me. I. I believe it. I, I hate shooting in the cold and yeah, that used to be fun. Is not when it's too cold outside in my mind, but it's not always.

[C]

About that with those and stuff. Because I remember years ago when I used to, you know, live down around Cincinnati cutting timber. You know, back in 2000 to like 2004, I think it was. You know, we would shoot, you know, Calcuttas and Protectors all over the place. But I remember being at Tri City one time and it was like 20 below. We were out there shooting. I'm like. And people were like, well, you're from Nebraska. It's cold there. And I'm like, yeah, but I, I go hunting in this weather. I'll go shoot clay targets.

[A]

Yeah, I remember I went with them once and I don't even know where we went, but there was so much snow on the ground, like it was halfway up our legs and it was snowing so hard you could barely see the birds. And yeah, it was rough.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, it, it, it's. It's really cold. And if you don't have the insulation that me and Ricky have, it's really cold. Well, I mean, that's.

[C]

My insulation's kind of gone now, so I even get colder now.

[B]

Yeah, you're gonna be like, man, where's the heater? Where's the hot hands at?

[C]

Trust me. I mean, yeah, but. Well, so you've done that a lot now. Is that kind of what's drove you into the ata, even though your dad stuff shot? Or was it, I mean, the sctp? The, the. You grew up in the youth program, right?

[A]

Yeah, So I did. I started SCTP, like, when I started shooting, and I did just that for two years, and I think I really like that. So then dad started me in ATA to do the other, like. Like, handicaps and doubles, because in sctp, we only ever shot singles.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's all you shot for your SATP was singles?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay. Was that with the Centerburg team, then?

[A]

Yep.

[C]

Because they have a pretty big team, don't they still?

[A]

I think so, yeah. Yeah.

[C]

Interesting.

[B]

And I love hearing that perspective because, you know, there's not many people that we have on the show that have shot SATP and then transitioned. Right. I mean, yeah, there's some, but. But you're one of the first that's, like, actually said it. And I guess how did that feel going from SCTP to. To ata, and. And did you really feel like that gave you the spark that you needed to want to compete more?

[A]

I feel like I was always, like, really competitive, like, especially with my brothers and stuff, mainly, but transitioning. I. I think I liked. I love ATA like, a lot better because, like, you get to do more, like, the handicaps and doubles and stuff like that. And then there were, like, a lot of rules in the sctp. Like, you couldn't rest your gun on your foot. And I, like, that drove me crazy because I would always forget my little gun rest thing.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And then if I set it down, I was, like, getting in trouble. But.

[C]

Yeah. And a lot of that is safety related. I. I kind of understand where they're coming from. But, you know, my opinion is that our. Our national governing body, which is the ata, has a rule book, and most of the these other associations go, we're going to follow the rules of the ata. But. Well, when you do that, it's. It's hard for the. The kids that you. Because my son Tyler's the same way. I mean, when he shot high school trap in Nebraska, you couldn't do it. And, yeah, he was so used to it that, you know, they would be like, hey. So I said, just hold the gun in the air then, you know.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You know, hold it broke open. And, you know, they had rules in that where you couldn't close your gun.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You know, so, yes, you know, gun safety is the most important thing. And, you know, the having the gun rest, if that's what you use, great. But it's. I think they all should just do one strict. You know, here's the rules and run with it. And that way there's no more streamlined.

[B]

I think that would be an easier thing. So there's not a transition when you're shooting over here, over there, because it's all American trap. I mean, I would understand if we were going to shoot in a completely different game, different rules, but I mean, you're shooting singles here, singles there, handicap here, handicap there. You know, I would tend to agree with, with Rick on echoing that, that statement. But for you, I guess one question that I, that I'd love to ask because we don't have, you know, a ton of females on the show, always. How is it different for you as a female shooting trap versus, like us? I mean, do you have a different experience or do you feel like it's a different experience? I mean, what's your perspective on it being, you know, the girl that goes to the shoot and, and beats up on, on guys like Joey Charnigo in the handicap at Ohio that, you know, throwing 90 eights on him and everything?

[C]

You know, he's throwing shade to you.

[B]

Yeah, he, he can take it. He's got thick skin, you know. But, but, but what's, what's that like, Maddie?

[A]

It's that much different, I guess. I mean it is weird, like going to some shoots and you're like the only girl there. All my friends are like middle aged men because that's who I shoot with. But I don't know, I feel like, yeah, it's not like that much different. But I guess it is cool to say you're a girl in a more male dominated sport or whatever. It's cool to say that.

[B]

Well, it's probably even more cool when you win.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because you're winning like obviously you're winning a ton of lady one trophies, you know, and that's your category and you're kicking butt in that, you know, consistently. We've seen you across the board. But, but to go out and when you win the main titles. I know when I was a category shooter, I really was excited if I could beat the field. And I'm sure it's got to feel, I mean, it's got to feel the same way, right? I mean, you go out to beat, you go out to beat everyone. You're not just going out to beat your category, right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So walk us through your equipment from when you started till now. You know, what did you start with gun wise? What are you shooting now? What's that transition been for you?

[A]

Okay, so when I very first started, I shot my dad's old BT 99 Max Browning and I wasn't strong enough to hold it up.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

So eventually we went to a 20 gauge for a little bit so I could build up some. Some muscle. And I was just wearing, like, my clear safety glasses, my little, like, pill earplugs, my leather pouch and stuff all came from the gun club. And then when I got a little stronger, I went back to the BT99 Max, still in my, like, plain glasses and all that. And then When I was 13, dad bought my siren. So I shoot a siren tempio now. And then I started getting, like, more of, like, the better shooting glasses. Like, I had decots. Now I'm in pilas. I got custom earplugs made. I still use my pouch from Centerberg. It's old and falling apart, but sentimental.

[C]

It's what you want.

[A]

Yeah, I'm used to it.

[B]

So what do you think was the biggest advancement? Do you think that it was the gun? It was the glasses. It was like, what are the things that you're like, wow. My game really stepped up when I did this.

[A]

Probably the. I would like to say the gun. I think it was probably the gun because I also won myself a stock lock a little after I got my gun, so I got that made, and I feel like that helped me a lot because I have a real bad problem of letting the gun kick me. So the stock locked. Help with that.

[C]

But the recoil.

[A]

Yeah. Getting my siren was, like, my favorite thing.

[B]

So is that. That's an over, under, a combo or a combo?

[A]

So I have the single barrel and then the over and under.

[C]

Unsingle or is it a top single?

[A]

Unsingle, Unsing.

[C]

Okay. Is it 3,000, 432? 3,000, 430.

[A]

Definitely. On the shorter side, probably.

[C]

3,000, 430, I would say. Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

I mean, it.

[C]

And.

[B]

And that. It obviously works well for you. I mean, you've. How many years have you been shooting that gun set up now?

[C]

Since you were 13?

[A]

Yeah. Like five years. Five or six years.

[C]

Because you've had several 99s and doubles.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

With it.

[C]

I seen you had it 99 at the Grand. You know, the. In the prelim week. Which. What we'd look at, Zach, it was the winning doubles.

[B]

Yeah. Winning doubles on Saturday, you know, which is.

[C]

And then you broke one down at the Grand. Is.

[B]

Broke a 99 down in Kentucky. And Keith, ditto territory. Stomping people out over there. Right.

[C]

Ditto.

[A]

Gosh.

[C]

It's okay. Keith can handle it. He's got.

[B]

We can. We can talk about the other people. As long as you don't we can, we can, we can throw jabs for you. That's our job. We do that. So you could still, you could still be humble and we can talk about that. Big handicap win in Ohio.

[C]

He's throwing shade to Joey. He just did you throwing that Joey Shade?

[B]

Did you have a shoot off for that or was that like a 98? Slap it down and have fun with that.

[A]

There was a shoot off.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Who were you shooting off?

[A]

I think.

[C]

I'm sorry, who did you shoot off against? Don't remember.

[A]

I'm not sure. There were like two. I think there were two other 98s, but they were all like far yardages and I was a little bit closer. I think I was like the 23 maybe, but I do remember I was able to run the 25. So I was super excited about that. But still like so nervous waiting to see what the other guy shot because I was so afraid to have to like shoot off again.

[B]

Yeah, those, those 25s are pretty good. In those handicap shoot offs.

[C]

They.

[B]

They do the job.

[A]

Yeah, right. Yeah.

[C]

You slap a 25 down, it's usually like, man, you're going to get guaranteed something, maybe champion, you know, or maybe at least another shoot off, you know, another round.

[A]

Right.

[C]

So, you know, so going back, you, you, you've been shooting that setup since you were 13. Oh, what is your like practice regimen for shoot?

[A]

So once it's getting like closer to the season. So like I said, I have a trap house at my grandpa's. He lives just down the road. I'll grab a couple boxes of shells, I'll load my gun up, I'll drive down, set up the speakers and stuff I use. Usually shoot about like 50 singles, 75 handicaps and then a round or two of doubles.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

And then I'll load it up or like close everything down, go back home and I usually try to shoot or practice two or three times a week. It would depend on like my school schedule or whatever other like work schedule now. But yeah, yeah, definitely a lot, right? Kind of right before it starts a little bit.

[B]

You know, Rick, the only thing looks better than these hats we're wearing right now. It's a bunch of gold and silver from Ron Prescott at Mid State Precious Metal. Show them the goods.

[C]

Listen, all I got silver right now, I won't bring the gold out for.

[B]

Zach, but you know, I always want.

[C]

To get that gold shotgun shells, 10 ounce bars, folks. He could do anything for you. For all your shoot needs, give Ron Prescott a call. Mitchell state precious metals.com.

[B]

He'S a great guy. Support him. He supports all the shoots. He supports trap talk. If you're thinking gold or silver, you need to be thinking Ron Prescott at midstate precious metals. Thank you, Ron.

[C]

That's right. Thanks for all the support.

[B]

You know, Rick, I just love having the peace of mind and knowing that if I'm traveling or I'm flying, something happens. I can get my winig and my craig off replaced quickly and easily without costing me a bunch of money.

[C]

Yeah, exactly. The gun and trophy insurance, it's the best out there to ensure your guns, cher, your trophy, animals, everything.

[B]

Thank you to the whole Cushman family for supporting the show and everything they do for trap shooter.

[C]

Absolutely. Get a hold of Cole kushman and he'll get you set up.

[B]

You know, Rick, when you're riding around your air conditioning and your nice can am and I'm walking, I'm thinking to myself, where do I get one of these things at big red motorsports, that's.

[C]

Where you get one. George or Jason Lee, they'll take care of you, Zach.

[B]

I mean, I need one. I'm tired of riding on the back of that cooler. I want to sit inside that cabin cab and roll around in style. I mean, my face is on the back, but help me out.

[C]

Listen, I'm gonna move your face to the bumper is where it's gonna get moved for the new one, okay? All you need is a little quiche and we can take care of you. But listen, Big RedMotorsports.com thanks Jason and George Lee and big red motorsports for all the support. They'll take care of you folks. And it's free delivery.

[A]

I kind. I kind of procrastinate a tiny bit.

[C]

But do you do that then? Are you practicing a couple times a week all year long, or is it just when you start out the season and then you just kind of let.

[B]

The shoots run its course?

[A]

Mainly like when I know, like if I'm going to shoot in Florida in like March at like maybe like early March, I'll try to practice a lot more. It's mainly just kind of right before the season. I don't do a lot all year long.

[C]

Okay. So because you're shooting like you got PA and Ohio state shoot. I mean, they're back to back.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And then you got what? It's usually a week, I think, or a couple days. Then you got Kentucky state shoot, which you go there and then you got a little. Do you. Do you go over shoot Indiana state shoot or not? No, no, okay, so then you break, you know, for a little bit and then go to the Grand.

[A]

Yeah, so when I am going to those shoots back to back, I don't really practice as much at home. But when I do have the break, like in between the grand and stuff, I try to practice a few more times before, especially before I go out there.

[B]

So what's the first big shoot of the year for you then?

[A]

Usually Florida. So we try to go for like the weekend of the Southern grand and then shoot the week of the state shoot.

[C]

The state shoot, yeah. Which is a great shoe.

[B]

Florida State and the Southern grand. And that's coming up here in, you know, three months. Ish. So, you know, you being in Ohio and it being really, really cold, like, is it like, hey, we hop on the plane and we go down there and we just see what we get. Or do you start practicing? Like, how far before that shoot do you. Do you pull the gun back out and start your, your practice regimen?

[A]

Because it's been a while since I shot. It'll probably be around like a month before we leave and I'll just try to go out two or three times a week. But yeah, and then maybe if I don't feel prepared enough, I'll try to shoot a practice or two down there. But usually I make sure I'm okay up here before I go anywhere.

[B]

Yeah, that's a good, that's good, good advice. Make sure you're ready and practice. You're practicing about a month before you really get into the shooting season. And then once you get done with Florida, I mean, we're pretty close to shooting pretty consistently after that.

[A]

Yeah, because we have a lot of like our zone shoots and the champion of champion shoots and stuff. So usually every weekend or so I'm going to those maybe so local stuff.

[B]

Around Ohio at the Cardinal Center. All that kind of jazz.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Which, you know, living close to the Cardinal Center. I mean, God, you got the, you got the Buckeye, you got the Ohio State, you got the Cardinal Classic, then you got the Karen's Cup. I mean, I think what is there about five good sized shoots there? At least four, three for sure. With the, you know, the Buckeye and that, which, you know, they got some big changes coming up with, you know, the, the Cardinal, you know, they switching software. They're, they're, you know, they, they. Austin, I think is, you know, heading up everything now up there. And, and so I think it'll be a good thing and hopefully that shoot can keep growing, you know, because it's a great complex to shoot at. I mean we, we. I love going to the Cardinal Center. I mean I miss my own state shoot to go to Ohio, but I've got sponsors that have buildings there so that you know, that's one of the reasons. And you know, Zach comes over there too and, and you know we love everything with Ohio because they do everything, just even the after stuff. And now with the back fence shootout, you know that now did your dad shoot in the back. Your dad shoots in the back fence shootout, doesn't he? Yeah, yeah, I thought, I thought he did.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Tell him to save his money and keep shooting it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That'S awesome. So, so it sounds like we've got through your, your training regimen. It seems like you're someone that likes to stay on the gun and likes to work through and get ready so you build the confidence going into it as far as technique, you know, for, for anyone listening, you know, what's your style? Are you all the way on the house and driving every single bird out? Are you holding a little bit above? Like what are the things that, that you're doing in singles and doubles and handicap for, for anyone listening today?

[A]

So for singles and handicaps I definitely hold just a tiny bit up off the house. 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. And then doubles. I don't try to spot shoot the first bird. I definitely aim a little below so I can swing up to it and then kind of dip over to the next one.

[B]

And, and point of impact wise, you know how high your gun shooting or I mean is it. Do you, I mean a lot of people, some people don't. Doesn't it? I asked Keith ditto and he doesn't know where his is. He just shoots it really well. So I mean it's, it's.

[A]

I think we said 70, 30.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

Maybe it's like, it's not too flat but it's not like super high.

[C]

It's not the 100. You're, you're right in the middle of the road, which what I always tell people if you're shooting trap, you want to at least have a gun that's shooting the minimum, 60, 40, you know, for a minimum.

[B]

But minimum.

[C]

I don't like to see them, you know, up over 90 to 100 because the floating comes in involved. And as you know, living in Ohio, I mean you shooting a lot of wind and Stuff over there in conditions and you get those adverse conditions and you're shooting 100 plus point impact. It's tough to, to shoot targets when you're trying to stay here and the targets then, you know, dropping down, it don't work, you know, so that, that's good.

[B]

Well, another, you know, statement for, for what she's doing and the quality of the shooting that she's doing with that not too high of a point of impact. I mean, you went to PA, you broke a 200. The targets there are obviously salty. And I know from what I heard, because I heard people say, oh man, you're not missing much at PA this year because the weather's like, it's like. I heard that that was like a. I was not there. But everyone's like, damn, she shot, she shot really good. Because the birds were not just like a cupcake, you know, right in the wheelhouse type of situation where you can get away with a much higher point of impact when you've got birds that you've got to dig out of the dirt or, you know, chase. I feel like you're much more in a, in a better attacking position if you're not shooting that, you know, that super high point of impact, at least when they're, you know, when they're dipping and they're doing that kind of last minute stuff.

[A]

Yeah, the wind, like it was way windy there and then. I know, like that Saturday and Sunday it was really rainy and gross and it was definitely an interesting week.

[B]

You did, you did good. So how did you feel that day, you know, breaking that 200. Did the nerve set in anywhere? And if they did, how did, how did you deal with those?

[A]

I try not to think about it. Like when I'm out on the line when other people are shooting, I try to think about anything other than shooting because I don't know, I just. But when the gun, like when I am mounting my gun and stuff, I am like focused, trying to turn my brain off just to know. You see the orange thing and you shoot it. I was on such a fast squad that week. It's like I didn't even have time to think and it was already like my turn to shoot again, which isn't a bad thing. I mean, I loved it.

[C]

Yeah, you're. You're using the Zach model. Me see target. We shoot target. That's what we always say.

[B]

It's very simple. It's been working.

[C]

Yeah, no, that is now. So go back to that day. You got your last 10 to go or go into your last trap. What. What was running through your. Your brain?

[A]

Definitely nervous. And it didn't help. We were. Because we were so fast, and the squad in front of us was a little slower. So we were getting done, and I just had to sit there and think about it. Usually I tried to talk to, like, someone and just talk about anything else, so I'm not thinking about it.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

But I was definitely a little shaky going out there trying to shoot the last ones.

[C]

But do you remember who was on your squad?

[A]

Justin Slater, Urban Womer, A guy named Kurt. He was friends with.

[C]

Yeah. From New York.

[A]

And then a. I know Kurt.

[C]

Kurt. Is it Robbins, maybe? Curtis Robbins? Yes.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. And then there was a younger boy shooting with us. It was only his, like, first year shooting.

[C]

Oh, really?

[A]

So, yeah, he was from New York, too.

[C]

Did you give him a pin? Did you give everybody in the squad a pin? Said got beat by a girl? No, I was just asking. Hey.

[A]

No, I guess I didn't think about it.

[C]

Herbs used to it. He's married to Heidi.

[A]

I mean, right.

[C]

You know, I mean, Heidi's always beating up on Herb, and we love her. I've known her for a long time. Great, great guy. You know, and. And yeah, they. They do shoot fast. I mean, between him and Justin. So that is the downside when you're on a fast squad, as Zach and I know, because we do the same stuff, is you. You look a lot of times if. If we're on good scores, sometimes we'll kind of hang out mid event, you know, like maybe on your second box or, you know, if you're shooting 50 a trap. Definitely don't go out to the second box till the other squads, like, maybe started the last box or getting close to getting done. Because then you can just shoot and then you keep everything in. In order, versus if you shoot fast and the squad behind you shoots fast, then it kind of backs up. Yeah. So.

[B]

And. And you gotta, you know, that's like next level. Kind of knowing the timing on that. Because, I mean, if you. If you don't know your timing, then you could mess it up for a lot more people than if you do. But we kind of like, if we've got the time, we know. Okay. These guys were always catching five minutes on them every time. That's where we can take a little bit of time and reassess and. And go out there. But we're gonna. We're gonna run right up to anybody.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

That's shooting in front of us. I don't know many Squads that are gonna shoot at our pace. I mean, there's a couple, but I.

[C]

Mean, we're always not very many. Well, you got to make sure that it's okay with the. The line refs or whatever. You know, they'll always say, hey, you guys gotta shoot. And, like, well, they're slow, and we're gonna back everything up. And they're like, oh, okay, you know, so going back. So you're. You're held up, and you gotta go finish the. Because at PA they shoot 25 a trap, so. Which is the way I love to shoot trap. I think that's the way every club should shoot.

[B]

The right way.

[C]

Four traps, you know, so you get up to the last trap. How was your. How Was your last 10? Were you, like, shaky, shaky, or.

[A]

Yeah, Yeah, a little bit. And I was so, like, kind of focused. I even shot it like, a broken bird hit it. Luckily, yeah, smoked it. So.

[C]

Really, you broke 200 and a half is what you're saying on here, but.

[A]

No, kinda. But. Yeah. I remember I almost gave Herb a heart attack because it was the very. Like, everyone was shooting their last birds. And I think she called. Kurt was on post three, and I was post five, and she called his bird a loss when he hit it. And that kid Tucker, he shot really fast, so he had already shot. And I turned around to change the score before I, like, shot and then forgot about it.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So I turned around and changed it, and then I had to, like, turn back around, get refocused to just shoot that very last bird. And when we were done, Herb was like, oh, my gosh. Like, why would you do that? That bird can wait. Like, well, you did what you wanted to do.

[C]

Well, hey, you got to do what you need to do in that situation, because otherwise, when you mount that gun, you're thinking, wait a second, that target was broken. They didn't yell. Instead of worrying about breaking your target the same way.

[B]

And for me, if it would have came to me, and I would have been like, they called that wrong, and it was my shot, all I would have thought about was that. So I'd rather get it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, I think in this game, you. You need to control your own environment to whatever makes you comfortable. Now, if you're, like. If you're in a spot where, you know, I know some people that shoot with the earphones in and, you know, they couldn't hear lightning if it hit them, and so they don't know what's going on. And so when. When it's their turn they're shooting. It doesn't matter if everybody hit them and they're getting losses all the way around. They're shooting one way or the other. And so for them, that interruption would bother where, in my case, I'm fully aware of the environment, and I'm like, if something happens, I want to get it handled and right away so that I don't have to try to be like, okay, I got to remember that all the way until, you know, all the way until the end, and then correct it. So, yeah, I think you did the right thing. I mean, I think absolutely.

[A]

Yeah, I agree.

[B]

That's.

[C]

That's the best thing to do, because it gets your mindset where it needs to be versus because, listen, I've seen it, and I've done the same thing like Herb done, like, hey, man, I could wait, but I'm that guy just like you are. If it, like, you know, I follow Justin, you know, 99 of the time. And if they, oh, I'll stop. Be like, no, that's dead. And people will look at you. I'm like, what? You got to make sure it's. Because when I'm mounting the gun, I'm gonna be thinking about, man, how'd that pull? Are gonna see my turn. I better hit it really hard, versus just worrying about hitting it, you know.

[B]

Rick, I know you had a lot of involvement with them since the beginning, since they started. But I really love the way that the shot tracker, you know, catches the doubles from shot to shot with the looping. You know, tell the folks what they need to know about that system.

[C]

It's the best system out there. It's like having a coach on the end of your barrel, like we say, but going especially in doubles, from first shot to second shot. You can see it on the graph. You can see it on video.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, if you talk about that J hook with Sean, Holly, and all them, I mean, it'll literally show that loop, and I think that's really powerful if you're doing it. They've supported the show since the beginning. We love trap shooting. They're great people. Give them a shot, folks. They make a great product.

[C]

Take Aim Technologies.

[B]

Hey, folks, we really want to thank Remington for supporting the show. Since day one, I've been shooting the STS, ounces and eighth light eights for singles and doubles, and the Nitro 27 from the 27 yard line, ounce and eight, seven and a half. They make a great product. You should give them a try. And as always, thank you for the support. You know, Rick, when you're walking down the line, you see smoke ball after smoke ball after smoke ball. What, what are you thinking in your, your head?

[C]

I'm thinking there's some good set targets and they got to be a white flyer.

[B]

They got to be white flyer. I mean we were just a Nevada State shoot. We were shooting these things from the 27 yard line. They look like 16 yard smoke balls. And I'm like, only a white flyer can smoke like that. And we love them. And they've been supporting the show since day one.

[C]

That's right. Thanks for all the support, White flyer. Hey Zach, have you been out to.

[B]

73 Pointers Ranch lately? You know I have. Rick and Carla Burke have been great. I normally hunt pheasants and chucker down there, but now they got a brand new sporting clay facility and it is top notch. I shot it the other day, absolutely loved it. And if you guys haven't, you need to go give it a check out.

[C]

We'll all have to come out and do a little hunting and we'll shoot.

[B]

Some sporty clays then 45 minutes from St. Louis Airport, come see it. If you haven't. Guys, check them out.

[C]

You know, so that, that's awesome. So your last shot that happens, you, you break the 200. And did you know right away that you were. You guys later. Do you have to stick around and wait a while?

[A]

We were the very last squad, but I knew there were like, there were only a handful of people who ran the first hundred and they were, I can't remember like names and stuff, but they're usually like better shooters. Like they've been shooting good that week. So I was like, I might be in a shoot off, I don't know. But then by the time we like got up to the clubhouse and stuff, the scores were already in and I was like, I guess no one else. Random Christmas time Christmas game early in the end.

[B]

Yeah, you got the Lewis money, you got the big trophy, you got the championship, you got the, the bragging rights. I mean that's always, that's always fun.

[C]

Yeah, that, that's awesome. Well now, so what do you got? So we're done with Nevada State shoot. And you're done shooting till next summer, right?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Florida just working right now. Got Christmas coming up. I mean, what, you know, saving your money to start out the new year. So where's going to be your first shoot for the 26 season?

[A]

I think Florida.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

And then we'll try the Southern grand in the state shoe. And then instead of the Cairns cup this year we're, I think we're going to try Michigan, going back up to Michigan.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And then it just State shoot or.

[B]

Great Lakes, grand.

[A]

Whatever the first one is. I think it's the Great Lakes.

[B]

Great Lakes in May.

[C]

Yeah. Great Lakes is over Memorial weekend. Right? Right. Yeah, right around that time, I think. Yep.

[B]

It's the same week as the Missouri State shoot. So it's, and it's, it's a good shoot. I mean, you've been there before. You've shot Michigan.

[A]

Yeah, we used to shoot there all the time for sctp and then it, it was just easier to start going to the Cairns cup because then the Buckeye was the weekend after. So if we just took the camper down and then we could keep it there and stuff, so. And I was in school, couldn't miss a lot of school anymore because I had my high, I was playing soccer, so I had sports and stuff. So the Cairns cup was just a better option. But now that I'm out, I'm going to try to go to Michigan and a few more shoots.

[B]

I love it up there in Michigan. I think, you know, we've got a friend that, that helps a lot with running, that Daryl Hayes and he's up there and it's, it's, they throw a great target. It's got a great background and I just really think it's a good shoot to put on your list. If you haven't, you haven't been to it. You know, it's, it's one of those things. There's only so many places you can go in a year because of time and money. But I think it, it's, it's good for shooters to change it up a little bit and be like, well, I went here for three years, let's go over here and let's try and, and that's how you get that experience to learn how to shoot different birds in different places. And it's, it seems like it's working really well for you. I mean you're, you're, you're stomping on pretty good, Matty. Which is, which is awesome to hear.

[C]

Yeah. Well, Matty, what do you have any, you know, major goals or goals set for the 26 year or, you know, some short term, long term? What, what you got?

[A]

I definitely want to try to run a hundred in doubles. Another step towards like my grand slam or whatever now that I'm back on the 27. Definitely try to stay there.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

I have, once I get back, I usually get Pushed back up. I have trouble staying back there, but I really plan on staying this time. And then I would love to make first team all American again for, for lady.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah, those are great goals and I think those are very achievable goals that you can, you can get in this next season. Especially with the 99s. You've been breaking, you know, more consistently in doubles and, and that I think as the doubles gets better, everything's going to get better. I mean, I think you, you break that 100 doubles and you're going to start to see more success in all of your games because you'll be, you know, staying in the gun a little bit more productively. But I, I guess for maybe females that are listening to this show, do you have any good advice as far as if they were in your sh. If they were in your shoes starting out, you know, what are the things that you would give as advice from. From somebody that basically started at the bottom, you know, new, didn't know sctp, and now you're, you know, you're a, a multiple champion, multiple time all American and, and, you know, having a lot of success.

[A]

Definitely. So there's a lot of great lady shooters out there. A lot of great shooters in general. Just keep practicing, keep at it. You know, you can't give up if you do bad, you just keep your head held high. If you do get beat, you just shake their hands, you tell them good shooting. You know, you just be nice, be positive. And then, yeah, just keep practicing and practicing until you get to where you want to be.

[C]

That's awesome advice, really. I mean, listen, the. Being positive is the biggest thing. You know, I think you forgot one thing. You should carry around pins and say get beat by a girl. I mean, that's, you know.

[A]

Yeah, I've got several of them on standby. Several of them.

[B]

See, Maddie, you are such a humble young lady and we appreciate you being on the show. You're not going to learn much humble stuff when you come on Trap Top. It's going to be like, it's, it's crap talking 101. I mean, that's pretty much what the show is about. So. So we can, we can talk to our producer, John. We can see if we can get some trap talk, Beat by a Girl pins, and then we'll, we'll present them to all the ladies that have been on the show and then they can start handing them out to people because, I mean, why not get your licks in, right? I'll get one for Joey. He's going to be the first one that gets it. It'll be.

[A]

I love it.

[B]

Yeah, you know, we'll, we'll do all the crap talking for you. You just keep being humble. Don't, don't, don't try to do it any other way.

[C]

What would you say, Maddie, to, you know, the, the younger girls or even women out there that don't shoot? What would you say to get them into shooting? What would you, what would you tell someone?

[A]

I mean, it's definitely rewarding when you do win something, but it, like I said earlier, it's kind of just fun to be a girl, I guess, in a male dominated sport. And then if you are able to be a lot of the guys, it's cool to say, oh, yeah, well, yeah.

[C]

No, yeah, that is. I mean, you go back and we've got like, you know, Nora Martin Ross, you know, you got Debbie Oe, you got, you know, Lauren Dun, who, you know, I should have got a pin by her. She won the grand American all around championship and I lost the shoot. You know, she won, I lost. I should have got a pin that day. You know, you've got some great, great lady shooters and especially in the state of Ohio. I mean, you got a lady that's been shooting a long time there, you know, Mary Thompson, you know. Oh yeah, I mean, I remember Mary. Mary shot a long time, you know, great, great lady. Her and her husband Bob. You know, every time I see him, he wants to fight for some reason, you know. But no, he's a great guy. But yeah, that's the coolest thing. And it is what you said, you know, it is more of a male dominated sport. But I have seen a lot of young women coming up and, and shooting really good, which is awesome to see because we need more women in the sport. You know, we mean more kids, everything. Because it is something that you can do your whole life. Yeah, that's the coolest part of shooting.

[B]

You could do it your whole life. And what's really cool about it is there's no, you know, there's no barrier. It's not like, okay, you know, this is this division and this is this division. You could have a veteran, a sub junior, a lady, an open and a junior gold all in the same squad, all competing for the same stuff. And I think that that's really cool. And it's like, you know, you get to say, okay, today I could just be a random shooter and Ricky's got a spot on his squad. And now you're shooting with Ricky Marshall, who is a, you know, multiple time, you know, world champion and it could just be your, your, your, you know, your first or second year in the game. And I think, you know, how many sports can you think of where the greatest shooters in the world are, our greatest athletes in the world are able to just walk out there with the average people and do the same thing. I mean, you're not going to see Tiger woods, you know, teeing off with me anytime soon, I promise you that. And you know, and Michael, Michael Jordan probably wasn't playing much basketball with Ricky back in the day, right? I mean, it's just.

[C]

No, but you know, hey, I did see a deal just recently about MJ that, you know, back in the day he had a clause in his contract supposedly that he could go play pickup games anywhere. And he did that. Which I did know that from a, a longtime friend years ago that was in the professional sports that used to say that all the time. He's like, oh yeah, he's playing. And I'm like, what? The guy's the best thing, you know. But it is our sport. Like when I was, you know, your age. But you're 19. I remember when I was 19, you know, I got to shoot occasionally with Leo Harrison, Frank Copy, I mean, you know, and I was like, whoa, Brett Robinson, you know, guys that they're legends. And it was like. And I'm like, I'm shooting with them. And I remember as a kid, one time I told Leo and I was younger, I was like 15 maybe, and we were to shoot and all these people were watching and I would order, I said, check out these people, they're watching me shoot. And he goes, yes, they are. And it was so funny, like it didn't miss a beat. And I was like, I was so cool.

[B]

He even had the crap talking down back then at that age, you know, he had it.

[C]

I was always, hey, check this out. But it was, it was interesting that, I mean these legends and you could just go and, and get on a squad and, and shoot with them and you can't do that in, you know, I mean, you said you played soccer. I mean you couldn't went out and played, you know, soccer with some of the legends, you know, unless you paid a big amount of money, you know.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Do you have any, any coaches or mentors or people that you look up to in the game or people that you've kind of taken knowledge from or is it all pretty much self taught trial and error?

[A]

It's definitely, I know like when I was Younger and really struggling with doubles. I talked to Joe a lot. We would go up and shoot there. He would help me a lot with doubles. I had a clinic with Nora Ross right before I really got, like, big into ata. That was awesome. But, I mean, I look up to almost everyone because everyone can have, like, their good days and shoot good, and I just want to shoot good like everyone else.

[C]

You want to have fun?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Did you. Did you remember anything from Nora's class that was, like, eye opening that helped you, like, really step to the next level? Once you took it, was there any big takeaway that you integrated into your game?

[A]

With her also being a oneeyed shooter, she definitely helped me a lot with, like, where I'm holding my gun and stuff like that and making sure I was, like, waiting for the bird or whatever before I started moving my gun and stuff. So that definitely helped me a lot, I think.

[C]

Awesome. Yeah, Nora's an. An awesome coach. I mean, you know, I used to tell everybody, she's like a second mom to me. I. I was fortunate enough to shoot with her, you know, growing up, and it was always cool because she always. Now, listen, I. And that's why I say that about the. The pin deal, because I. Nora was missed 200. We. We went shot. I mean, it was singles. You knew you were getting beat.

[B]

It just write it in, write it in.

[C]

She break 200, no problem. You know, so we were always getting beaten. Singles came to handicap and doubles, a little bit different story. But she always stopped us in singles, and people were like, man, she don't miss. And I'm like, no, she. I mean, that was her game. But she is, you know, been a legend in. In the sport. Not only in, you know, the lady category, but she was the first female to ever win a world championship. She won the world doubles championship in 1993, I think, if I'm not mistaken, because that was the only grand that I didn't show up to. So. Yeah, but it is cool having her as a coach and stuff. And then so lately, like, the. The last, you know, four or five, six years, is it just been more getting some. A little bit of help from Joey? Your dad. I mean, your dad. Yeah, I know.

[B]

I.

[C]

You know, I know, like, in Nevada, he's like.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. Like, the people I shoot with or the people we hang out with, they definitely notice if I'm, like, just in Nevada, dad saw that I was letting the gun kick me back and I would stay back. So he was like, hey, like, you gotta lean forward and Then I was doing a little bit better.

[B]

You know, Rick, I was at the Autumn grand and the Nevada State shoot, and I was just really impressed with how I could see where my squad was when I was up. Just the technology, the ability to be able to see what options I've played, if the event's paid or not. I mean, what's your experience with. With the app?

[C]

Listen, SOS Clay's app. It's the best thing out there, folks. You can see everything. It's great. You see your option payouts. You can see when you're up, you can see who's paid on your squad. Sometimes Zach doesn't pay on time, but it's.

[B]

I get out there. But what I really think is, is for gun clubs, it's free. Call Greg, get a hold of him. He'll set you up. He'll get you running. Right. And if you pay the. The premium, once a year, you get free pre squatting in all the shoots. And that's the best value in trap shoot.

[C]

Absolutely, absolutely. SOS clays dot com.

[A]

So it's definitely just what people see and what they're willing to tell me. And then I just got to make sure I work on it.

[C]

Yep. It is all trial and error if you're not. If you're not learning. I mean, I still learn. I know Zach does, too. Every time we go out and shoot, you're. You're still learning. This isn't a. You know, we're not computers and, you know, set up to break a hundred every time. We'd like to, but it doesn't always happen by any means.

[B]

We're always learning and always trying to be better. And it seems like, you know, you're. The essence of what we need in the sport is someone who's great shooting, great at shooting, but also you're humble and you're always trying to do better. And whether you shoot good or bad, you have a positive attitude, which is fantastic. Which I think there are some people out there that might, you know, win all the time, but their attitude's crap. Or people that lose all the time and their attitude's crap. But I think the attitude. The attitude is very important. And that the mindset and the positivity and. And if we, you know, can kind of plot the shooters that I really say, oh, they're always in the game. It's the people that approach it with the right mindset and that, you know, you can't. You can't count them out. You know, you can't. You never know what they're going to do it doesn't matter if they had an 88 the last event. If they've got the right attitude, they can come back and beat you on Sunday. And you're, you definitely have shown that. I mean you've, you've pulled some big scores out and, and pull them out and 11 over the field, which is, which is fantastic, as you know. Before we get out of here, is there anyone that you'd like to thank? Is there any sponsors or family members or anything that you'd like to acknowledge before we get out of here today? Maddie?

[A]

Well, I'd like to thank my parents and my family for being so like supportive for the sport. You know, they take me, they pay for most of it or all of it. But thank God, like all my old coaches, my SCTP coaches, everyone that's helped me along the way, like all the guys I shoot with. Thanks siren for the gun.

[C]

Yeah, that's a good job.

[B]

Yeah, you covered everybody. You got, you got mom and dad, you got the gun and, and all your coaches.

[C]

Is your dad adopting anybody too? I mean, you know, Zach and I are available.

[A]

Oh my God.

[B]

Tell them, tell them I like full bodied cigars and 12 year whiskey.

[C]

That's right. We'll bring the whiskey. He just got a supply of cash for the shoot. That's it.

[B]

Well, well, Matty, it's been a pleasure. Is there any other parting words or final thoughts, little tidbits of information that you want to share before we get out of here?

[A]

I don't think so. Just thank you guys for having me.

[C]

Absolutely.

[B]

Thank you for coming on. You've been a real pleasure. I'm sure we will have you on the show again after you get that hundred and doubles and knock a few other accolades off your list. So we'll be watching you and supporting and, and looking for those good scores for everyone that tunes in. Thanks for listening. Happy Friday. Make sure to like share, subscribe, send in your questions and if get your merch if you want to, you know, rep proud and if there's any shooters that you would like to have on the show, you know, please send us, send us a message, connect us. The hardest part of this show is, is figuring out where everybody's at and, and, and getting connected to them and getting them on the show. So you know, we're scheduling out consistently always and, and, and, and we love to do it. We love to, to document the game and hear from all the greats and, and Matty, it's been a pleasure. Thank you so much for your time and. And. And thank you. Thank your dad for helping coordinate this.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I will.

[B]

All right, well, thanks for tuning in, everyone. We'll see you next Friday.

[C]

Good luck.