Terry Vanderplas | Sporting Clays Shooter • Target Setter • Ambassador of the Game

Welcome back to Shoot From the Hoop! Today we’re excited to feature Terry Vanderplas, one of the seasoned voices and "doers" in the world of sporting clays and FITASC competitions — a passionate shooter, creative target designer, and tireless ambassador for the sport.

🔥 About Terry Vanderplas

Terry is well-known in the sporting clays community for his many years of involvement in the sport — not just as a competitor but as someone who has helped grow and shape the way the game is presented. Whether setting challenging and memorable target layouts or supporting events across the country, Terry’s footprint in the clays world runs deep. 

🏆 Competitive Shooting

Rerry has competed in the Veteran and Super Veteran category at major events, including National Sporting Clays Championships and other prominent tournaments — often scoring high and competing alongside top shooters from across the U.S. 

🎯 Target Setting & Course Design

The SFTH Shoot Quality Hierarchy – Framework for Peak Shooter Experience

🎯 Episode Overview

What separates a “good” shoot from a great one?

In this episode, we break down the SFTH Shoot Quality Hierarchy — a structured framework for delivering the ultimate Peak Shooter Experience.

Inspired by performance theory and built from years of competitive experience, this model explains what truly drives shoot quality — from foundational logistics to elite target setting.

Whether you’re a shooter, target setter, club manager, or event director, this episode gives you a clear blueprint for building better events.

🔷 The SFTH Shoot Quality Hierarchy

🟦 Foundation: SAFETY FIRST

Nothing else matters without safety.

• Safe and secure shooting environment
• Clearly defined procedures
• Responsible gun handling culture
• Staff trained to prioritize safety above all

If safety fails, everything fails.

🟨 Access Layer: Online Course Registration – Scorechaser

Ease of entry impacts perception immediately.

• Seamless online registration
• Clear communication
• Efficient check-in process

Before the first shot is fired, the shooter experience has already begun.

🟩 Basic Needs: Water, Food & Hospitality

Shooter comfort directly affects performance and perception.

• Hydration & Meals
• Friendly, helpful staff
• Exhibitors that add value to the event

If shooters are dehydrated, hungry, or frustrated — performance and satisfaction drop.

Comfort is not luxury. It’s performance fuel.

🟧 Operational Excellence: Grounds, Facilities & Course Flow

Logistics separate amateur events from elite events.

• Intelligent course layout
• Clean restrooms & clear signage
• Minimized wait times

Avoid backups. Avoid chaos.
Flow equals focus.

🟥 Performance Layer: Targets & Scorekeeping

At the top of the hierarchy is what shooters ultimately came for.

• Thoughtful target setting
• Eye tests / short windows
• Trained trappers & referees

This is where competitive integrity lives.

Fairness. Challenge. Consistency.

When this tier is executed well, shooters leave feeling tested!

🔺 The Goal: Peak Shooter Experience

When every layer supports the next, you achieve:

• Competitive fairness
• Professional presentation
• Operational efficiency
• Shooter satisfaction
• Repeat attendance

Peak experience doesn’t happen accidentally.
It is engineered.

🧠 Key Takeaways

✔️ Safety is non-negotiable
✔️ Logistics affect performance
✔️ Hospitality fuels focus
✔️ Flow prevents frustration
✔️ Target setting and scoring defines competitive integrity

Every successful shoot builds from the bottom up.

Special Interview with Tim Miles | Shoot from the Hoop Podcast

Join us for an exclusive episode of Shoot from the Hoop – All Things FITASC & Sporting Clays as we head to the iconic Coyote Springs Sporting Clays in Tucson, Arizona for the 2026 Western Regional Sporting Clays Tournament — one of the premier multi-discipline shooting events in the country.

This week-long championship (March 16–22, 2026) offers competitors the chance to shoot up to 1,000 registered targets across:

✅ Sporting Clays
✅ Super Sporting
✅ Sub-Gauge Events
✅ FITASC

In this episode, host Jeff Jensen sits down with Tim Miles, a key figure behind the Western Regional, to talk about:

🔥 Episode Highlights:

• The vision behind building one of the biggest regional tournaments in the U.S.
• What makes Coyote Springs a world-class sporting clays venue
• Course design philosophy for Sporting, Super Sporting & FITASC
• How shooters can maximize performance across multiple disciplines
• Growth of FITASC and major tournaments in the Southwest
• Why the Western Regional continues to attract top shooters nationwide

🏆 About the Western Regional at Coyote Springs

The Western Regional has become a must-attend event for serious competitors and passionate shooters alike, combining:

• Elite-level target setting
• High-volume registered shooting opportunities
• Multiple shooting disciplines in one tournament
• Stunning desert scenery in Tucson, Arizona
• A true championship atmosphere

Whether you’re chasing punches, All-American points, FITASC rankings, or simply the ultimate shooting experience — this tournament delivers.

📍 Event Details:

📅 March 16–22, 2026
📍 Coyote Springs Sporting Clays – Tucson, Arizona
🎯 Up to 1,000 registered targets across 4 disciplines

🎧 About Shoot from the Hoop

Shoot from the Hoop – All Things FITASC & Sporting Clays brings you inside the world of competitive clay shooting — featuring elite shooters, course designers, mental game experts, and the personalities shaping the sport.

If you love:
Sporting Clays • FITASC • Tournament Strategy • Gear • Mental Performance • Championship Events
—you’re in the right place.

Shoot from the Hoop host, Jeff Jensen, is joined this week by Gebben Miles from Arizona!

Gebben Miles is a professional competitive shotgun shooter and one of the elite performers in sporting clays and FITASC, with a career defined by World Championship and National Championship victories, sustained excellence at major events, and a modern professional approach to the sport.

Known for his technical precision, mental discipline, and adaptability across the most demanding target presentations, Gebben has competed — and won — at the highest levels of international and U.S. competition.

Major Championships & Titles
• FITASC World Champion — World FITASC Championship 2012
• U.S. National Champion — NSCA National Sporting Clays Championship (2009)

Professional Career Highlights
• Professional Shooter Status: Competes full-time at the sport’s highest level
• Elite Consistency: Repeated top finishes against world-class international fields
• Course Versatility: Proven success across diverse terrain, presentations, and formats
• Championship Composure: Known for performance under World and National Championship pressure

Equipment Evolution
• Krieghoff → Blaser (Recent Transition):
After years of competing with Krieghoff, Gebben recently transitioned to Blaser shotguns, reflecting an ongoing pursuit of peak performance at the highest competitive level. His experience with two of the world’s premier shotgun platforms gives him a rare, high-level perspective on gun fit, balance, recoil management, and competitive setup.

Voice & Influence in the Sport

Beyond his results, Gebben Miles is respected for his analytical understanding of the game, thoughtful approach to equipment and mental preparation, and professionalism as a representative of the sport. As a World and National Champion, he brings first-hand insight into what it takes to win — and stay competitive — at the very top.

Curt Halbakken - Team USA Competitor • World FITASC Medalist

Curt Halbakken is one of Minnesota’s most accomplished and respected competitive shotgun athletes, with a distinguished career in sporting clays and FITASC spanning state, national, and international competition. His résumé includes World Championship medals, All-American honors, Team USA representation, and sustained leadership within the Minnesota shooting sports community.

International & World Championship Success
• FITASC World Championship – Bronze Medalist (2018)
Competed in France, earning a Bronze Medal against an elite international field at the FITASC World Championship — one of the sport’s most demanding and prestigious global competitions.
• FITASC World Championship – Silver Medalist (2020)
Captured a Silver Medal at the International Shooting Association (ISA) FITASC World Championship, further solidifying his standing among the world’s top competitive FITASC shooters.

National Competitive Achievements
• NSCA All-American Honors: Recognized as an All-American in national competition, reflecting elite consistency and performance across the U.S. competitive circuit.
• U.S. Open FITASC Champion (Master Class): Earned a Master Class win at the U.S. Open FITASC, competing against top-tier national and international shooters.
• Team USA Points Earner: Accumulated national points within the USA Sporting Clays / Team USA selection framework, representing the United States at the highest levels of international competition.

Leadership & Service to the Sport
• Minnesota Sporting Clays Association: Served in leadership roles including Vice President, contributing to governance, event development, and the growth of competitive shooting across the state.
• Mentor & Ambassador: Widely respected for sportsmanship, mentorship, and his role in elevating Minnesota’s presence on the national and international shooting stage.

Legacy & Hall of Fame Impact

Curt Halbakken’s career is defined not only by podium finishes and medals, but by longevity, leadership, and international success rarely matched in competitive clay target shooting. His World Championship medals, national titles, and service to Minnesota’s shooting community exemplify the criteria recognized by Hall of Fame honors.

Through decades of competition, Curt Halbakken has left an enduring mark on FITASC, sporting clays, and Team USA competition, representing Minnesota and the United States with distinction on the world stage.

Shoot from the Hoop host Jeff Jensen is joined this week by Karen Miles from Arizona!

Karen Miles is one of the rising stars in competitive sporting clays and FITASC, emerging onto the national scene in 2020 during the COVID era and quickly establishing herself as a force at both the national and international levels — all before the age of 25.

Karen first gained widespread recognition beginning in 2020, when she broke through at major national and regional events, competing successfully against seasoned elite fields. Her rapid ascent was marked by consistent high finishes, technical precision, and a competitive maturity well beyond her years.

At the international level, Karen has competed in FITASC World Championship competition, gaining valuable experience on the global stage and demonstrating the ability to perform under world-class championship pressure early in her career.

Career Highlights
• National-Level Breakthrough: Emerged on the U.S. national scene beginning in 2020
• National Championship Competitor: Strong finishes at major U.S. Sporting Clays and FITASC Championships (2020–present)
• World Championship Experience: Competed in FITASC World Championship events at an early age
• Elite Young Competitor: Achieved top-level results while still in her early 20s
• Rapid Ascent: Recognized for one of the fastest competitive rises among young shooters in the sport

Beyond results, Karen Miles is widely respected for her composure, work ethic, and competitive intelligence. She represents the next generation of elite shooters — combining modern training, mental discipline, and international ambition — while serving as an inspiration to young athletes entering the sport.

At just 24 years old, Karen Miles continues to build a résumé that already includes national recognition and world-level competition, positioning her as one of the most exciting talents in sporting clays and FITASC today.

In this episode of Shoot from the Hoop – All Things FITASC & Sporting Clays, we sit down with Brad Kidd Jr., a past U.S. National Champion and one of the most accomplished and respected competitors in the international sporting clays and FITASC arena.

Brad’s résumé speaks for itself, including:
• 2011 World Sporting Clays Runner-Up
• 2013 World FITASC Runner-Up
• Multiple elite-level national and international podium finishes

With decades of experience at the highest levels of competition, Brad brings a rare combination of technical precision, mental discipline, and real-world competitive wisdom. This conversation goes far beyond scores, diving into what it truly takes to perform consistently on the world stage.

🔥 What We Cover in This Episode:

• Brad Kidd Jr.’s journey to becoming a national champion and world-level competitor
• Lessons learned from finishing runner-up at two World Championships
• Shot execution, consistency, and decision-making under pressure
• The mental game required to compete at the highest international levels
• Managing expectations when podium finishes are the standard
• Equipment philosophy and avoiding gear-driven distractions
• Advice for shooters working to break through plateaus and move up classes

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• How elite shooters simplify their approach under extreme pressure
• The importance of routine, trust, and emotional control
• What separates national champions from consistently elite performers

Whether you’re an aspiring competitor or a seasoned Master Class shooter, this episode offers valuable insight into the mindset, preparation, and discipline required to succeed at the very top of the sport.
📌 About 
Shoot from the Hoop

Shoot from the Hoop – All Things FITASC & Sporting Clays explores the competitive, mental, and lifestyle dimensions of shooting sports. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, the show features elite shooters, coaches, and industry leaders shaping the future of FITASC and sporting clays.

In this episode of Shoot from the Hoop – All Things FITASC & Sporting Clays, I sit down with Ryan Holmes, a true student of the game and a respected voice within the sporting clays and FITASC community.

Ryan is someone who doesn’t just show up to compete — he studies, travels, observes, and constantly refines his approach. From coast to coast, Ryan has immersed himself in the sport, gaining insight not only as a shooter, but as a target setter, strategic thinker, and leader within the community.


🧠 What We Cover in This Episode:

• Target Setting Philosophy
o What makes a great target versus a forgettable one
o Balancing fairness, challenge, and flow
o Seeing presentations through the eyes of different classes of shooters

• The Mental Game
o Preparation vs. expectation
o Staying present shot-to-shot


• Student of the Game Mindset
o Why traveling to shoots matters
o Learning from different clubs, terrains, and target styles


• From Construction Management to Sporting Clays
o Ryan’s professional background in construction 
o How project planning, systems thinking, and leadership translate

• Entrepreneurship & Leadership
o Giving back to the sporting clays and FITASC community
o Building something bigger than personal scores

🧩 Why This Conversation Matters

Ryan Holmes represents the modern sporting clays competitor — analytical, intentional, mentally disciplined, and community-focused. Whether you’re a weekend shooter, a Master-class competitor, or someone interested in target setting and course design, this episode delivers insights that translate directly to better shooting and deeper appreciation of the sport.

Welcome back to "Shoot from the Hoop" - we’re spotlighting Arizona’s newest premier shooting destinations — Lost Dutchman Sporting Clays — and sitting down with the two men behind its vision and growth: Hugo Soll and Dan Beal 

This isn’t just another sporting clays course. Lost Dutchman is building something very intentional — a customer-first shooting experience combined with world-class FITASC. 

🔑 Core Philosophy 

• Customer Experience First From the moment shooters arrive Welcoming atmosphere for all levels Attention to detail: flow, comfort, professionalism 

• World-Class FITASC Focus True international FITASC presentations Technically demanding but fair targets Courses designed for:

- FITASC competitors

-Sporting clays shooters looking to elevate their game 

- Visiting shooters from across the U.S. and beyond 

🌍 Why Lost Dutchman Stands Out 

Authentic FITASC layouts 

• Targets that reward: - Shot planning - Visual discipline - Mental game 

👥 About the Owners 

Hugo Soll • Deep understanding of the shooter’s experience • Commitment to international shooting standards • Vision for growing FITASC in the U.S. 

Dan Beal • Operational excellence • Focus on consistency, quality, and professionalism • Long-term investment in the sport and community Together, Hugo and Dan are elevating what shooters expect from a sporting clays facility!

Welcome to "Shoot from the Hoop"! I'm Jeff Jensen— And this is “Shoot from the Hoop”, where we discuss all things FITASC and Sporting Clays. With over 180 FITASC competitions under my belt, I've learned the most compelling stories in this sport aren't just about scores….They're about the people behind the gun. 

Each week, we go deep into the world of FITASC and Sporting Clays with the champions, the veterans, and the obsessed. I sit down with the figures who've shaped this sport both nationally and internationally—to talk craft, competition, and the life journeys that led them here. 

If you're serious about FITASC, this is your show, “Shoot from the Hoop”. I’m also the host of the award winning “Dean’s Chat” podcast, with over episodes. 

Follow us now on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.