Staff Reports

Hunter safety teams at Forbush Elementary and Forbush High continued a long tradition of excellence at the most recent national NRA Youth Hunter Education Program competition in Raton, N.M.

Forbush Elementary’s Claybusters won their fifth consecutive national title, compiling of score of 7,053 points. Forbush High’s Red Team reclaimed their place as tops in the nation with a 93-point win over an Oregon Senior Team.

The annual national competition drew 385 participants from 20 states. Forbush schools have long been among the elite hunter safety programs in the state and nation.

In this year’s event at the Whittington Center in Raton, the Claybusters finished first in shotgun, wildlife identification and the hunter responsibility exam.

Forbush’s Todd Patterson was the top overall junior champion. Other team members included Matthew Dale, Jordan Doub, Austin Livengood and Trey Phillips.

Tom Hughes, who coaches the squad, attributes the continued success of the program to students who dedicate themselves over the summer to preparation, the coaches who volunteer their time and community support.

Forbush High’s team took first place in its division in hunter responsibility, archery and shotgun. Team members are Nick Doub, Jordan Holcomb, Billy Janos, Nick Kiter and Caleb Reavis.

Yadkin County as a whole was well-represented in New Mexico. The Forbush Elementary MudCats finished sixth overall in the junior standings. Fall Creek Elementary was seventh.

Forbush High’s Blue Team placed fourth in the senior standings.