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In this episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, we sit down with Connor Thigpen, the youngest shooter to ever win the NSSA Open World Skeet Championship, to talk about what it really takes to hit the top—and stay there. 💥

Hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner catch up with Connor fresh off his NSSA Junior World wins in Waco, Texas. From early days in 4-H to breaking records on the world stage, Connor shares the highs, the hard work, and the hilarious moments that shaped his journey.

You’ll hear stories of mental discipline, midnight drive-thrus, fixing lawnmowers for gas money, and why your squad absolutely matters. We dive into the mindset behind greatness, his advice to up-and-comers, and why—even at the top—there’s always more to learn.

🎯 What to Expect:
✔️ How Connor made history at the NSSA World Championships
✔️ The mental side of skeet (and how to recover from a bad round)
✔️ Connor’s dream squad, gear picks & rituals
✔️ Real talk about pressure, patience, and perfection
✔️ Why starting young—and staying humble—matters

This episode is packed with insight, grit, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you’re a junior shooter, coach, or just love the game, you’ll walk away inspired.

👉 Subscribe now, and follow @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook to stay locked in on the latest from the line.

#Tru2ShootersPodcast #ConnorThigpen #YoungChampion #NSSAWorldChamp #SkeetShooting #ClayTargetNation #YouthShooting #BreakClays #MentalToughness

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In this episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, we go behind the scenes of one of the most impactful youth shooting programs in the country—the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP)—with National Director Wayne Rasmussen. 💬🔥

Recorded live at SCTP Nationals at the Cardinal Center, hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner sit down with Wayne to talk about the real impact SCTP has on athletes, families, and the future of clay target sports. From mental toughness and mentorship to safety and character development, this episode dives into the heart of what makes SCTP more than just a competition—it’s a movement.

🎯 What to Expect:
✔️ How Wayne went from SCTP parent to national director
✔️ What makes SCTP one of the safest and most respected youth sports
✔️ The role of mentorship and teamwork in athlete development
✔️ Why coaching, volunteering & giving back matter more than ever
✔️ How to start or join an SCTP team near you

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete—this is a must-listen conversation on growing the sport, building strong teams, and why youth clay target shooting is truly a family affair.

Subscribe now and follow @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook to stay locked in on all things clay target sports. 🎙️💥

#Tru2ShootersPodcast #SCTP #YouthShootingSports #ShotgunLife #ClayTargetNation #BreakClays #MentalToughness #StartATeam #WayneRasmussen

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In this powerful episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner sit down with Pete Eisentrager, Executive Director and Zach Abbott, Marketing Specialist, both from the MidwayUSA Foundation to talk about building long-term sustainability for youth shooting sports. 💥

Recorded live at the SCTP Nationals at the Cardinal Center, this episode dives deep into how the MidwayUSA Foundation is creating real, lasting impact through endowment funding, product grants, range development, and unmatched support for youth teams across the country.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or shooting sports supporter, this episode is packed with vital info on how to keep our sport alive and growing—from fundraising strategies to powerful stories of grassroots impact. This is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the future of youth shooting.

🎯 What to Expect:
✔️ How endowments help youth teams thrive
✔️ Why the MidwayUSA Foundation model is different
✔️ Matching funds, grant programs & range upgrades
✔️ The impact of marketing & youth involvement
✔️ Simple steps to start or grow your own team’s endowment

💡 Pro tip: If your team doesn’t already have an endowment…this episode will show you exactly how to get one—and why you shouldn’t wait.

Subscribe for future episodes, and follow @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook for bonus content from the range! 🎙️🔥

#Tru2ShootersPodcast #MidwayUSAFoundation #YouthShooting #SCTP #ClayTargetNation #TeamEndowment #FundYouthShooting #FundingtheFuture #FundingAmericasYouthhShootingTeams

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In this episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, we’re sitting down with World Skeet Champion Bruce Christian to talk about championship shooting, precision target setting, and the transformation of St. Joe Valley Conservation Club into one of the most beautiful clubs in the country—all powered by volunteers. 💪

Hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner dig into Bruce’s journey from trap fields to skeet fame, the mindset behind breaking targets when everything goes wrong, and the life lessons the sport has taught him along the way.

💥 What to Expect:
 ✔️ The story behind Bruce’s 28-Gauge World Championship
 ✔️ How St. Joe became a world-class club (and why the grass matters!)
 ✔️ Honest advice for new and youth shooters
 ✔️ Tips on target setting, pressure shooting, and staying grounded

Hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and follow @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook for more content from the world of clay target sports! 🔥

#Tru2ShootersPodcast #SkeetShooting #WorldChampion #StJoeValley #ClayTargetSports #TargetSetting #ShotgunLife #28GaugeLegend #YouthShooting #GrassGoals

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🎯 Tru2Shooters Podcast | Episode 8: Breaking Clays & Building Legacy with Amber Brown

In this episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, we’re sitting down with Amber Brown, competitive sporting clays athlete, coach, and member of the Michigan Sporting Clays Association board. From youth SCTP days to shooting alongside her dad as “Team Brown,” Amber’s journey is all about grit, growth, and giving back. 💪🔥

Hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner talk with Amber about her personal path in the clay target world, how her dad helped launch her career (and still competes by her side), and how she’s working to bridge the gap between SCTP and NSCA events for the next generation. She also opens up about the nerves, mental battles, and breakthrough moments on the super squad at Nationals — and why coaching other women and youth shooters has become a true calling.

If you're a competitive shooter, a parent in the game, or someone passionate about the future of sporting clays, this episode hits everything from gear talk to grassroots impact.

💥 What to Expect:

✔️ Amber’s journey from SCTP to Team USA contender
✔️ The power of shooting side-by-side with her dad
✔️ Why she joined the MSCI board and what’s next for youth outreach
✔️ Mental toughness under pressure (and lessons from the Super Squad)
✔️ Her growing coaching business and the aha moments that keep her going

Hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and follow @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook for more content, athlete stories, and tips from the clay target world! 💪

#Tru2ShootersPodcast #SportingClays #SCTP #NSCA #WomenWhoShoot #TeamBrown #ClayTarget #YouthShootingSports #MentalGame #CoachLife

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🔥 Tru2Shooters Podcast | Episode 7: Straight from the Chief with Fred Tschantz, NSSA Chief Instructor & 2013 .410 Bore World Champion

In this episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, we’re talking with Fred Tschantz — 2013 .410 bore World Champion, Hall of Famer, and the current NSSA Chief Instructor. 🏆🎯📘

Hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner dive into Fred’s legendary shooting journey, from learning skeet on a military base to becoming one of the top instructors and most influential voices in the National Skeet Shooting Association.

Fred shares powerful stories from his decades of experience — including his life-saving connection with a student, the importance of mentorship, and how persistence and family support helped build his championship career. He also breaks down the differences between Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, the real value of certified coaching, and how the NSSA is evolving to include youth, SCTP, 4-H, and new shooters across all levels.

If you’re a youth shooter, parent, coach, or just passionate about growing the sport, this episode is packed with expert insight and real advice — straight from the Chief himself.

💥 What to Expect:

✔️ Fred’s rise from military skeet shooter to World Champion
✔️ What it really takes to become a top-level clay target coach
✔️ How the NSSA Instructor Program is evolving for youth and parents
✔️ Why certified instruction matters (and how to find the right coach)
✔️ Lessons on consistency, growth, and having fun in the sport

Hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and follow @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook for more content, athlete stories, and tips from the clay target world! 💪

#Tru2ShootersPodcast #SkeetShooting #NSSA #CertifiedInstructor #YouthShootingSports #ClayTargetNation #ShotgunLife #LevelOneInstructor #CoachTheNextGen #WomenWhoShoot

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In this episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, we’re hanging out with one of the most dynamic youth shooters in the game — Kinsey Duzan (@kinseyduzan)! From raising goats to raising the bar in ATA and International Trap, Kinsey brings energy, grit, and a whole lot of personality to the clay target world. 🐐🎯🔥

Hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner chat with Kinsey about her journey through ATA, transitioning into International Trap, and what it’s like sharing her experiences as a writer for Junior Shooters Magazine. She opens up about her early success, her favorite shoots (Swamp Donkey, anyone?), the importance of good food and great friends, and how she's chasing big goals like shooting in college and representing Team USA on the world stage.

This episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and real stories from a young athlete who's doing it all — breaking clays, breaking barriers, and building a future in the sport.

💥 What to Expect:

✔️ Kinsey’s journey from ATA to International Trap
✔️ Her writing experience with Junior Shooters Magazine
✔️ Favorite memories, competitions & range fails
✔️ Insight into the youth shooting lifestyle (plus a few goat stories!)
✔️ Tips for balancing school, shooting, and social media presence

Hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and follow @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook for more content, athlete stories, and tips from the clay target world! 💪

#Tru2ShootersPodcast #YouthTrapshooting #InternationalTrap #JuniorShooters #GoatsAndGuns #NextGenShooters #ClayTargetLife #WomenWhoShoot

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Tru2Shooters Podcast | Episode 5: The Next Gen with SCTP Athletes Bobby Kaufmann & Tanner Harvey

In this episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, we’re diving into the future of clay target sports with two rising stars: SCTP athletes Bobby Kaufmann and Tanner Harvey! 🚀🎯

Hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner sit down with Bobby and Tanner to talk about their journey into competitive shooting, and what it’s like representing the next generation of shooters in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP).

We also explore how SCTP gives youth athletes the chance to experience all the disciplines — skeet, trap, sporting clays, international trap, and international skeet — and how major events like SCTP Nationals bring it all together with amazing experiences like Vendor Row, where athletes get to meet the companies and brands who support the sport and its future.

Whether you’re a young athlete starting out, a parent supporting your shooter, or just passionate about growing the sport, this episode is packed with real stories, advice, and inspiration from two of the sport’s brightest young competitors.

💥 What to Expect:

✔️ Bobby and Tanner’s journey into the world of SCTP
 ✔️ Tips for success in your early years of competitive shooting
 ✔️ How SCTP introduces kids to every clay target discipline
 ✔️ Why Nationals and vendor support mean so much to young athletes

Hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and follow @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook for more content, athlete stories, and tips from the clay target world! 💪

#Tru2ShootersPodcast #SCTP #NextGenerationShooters #YouthShootingSports #ClayTargetNation #ShotgunLife #SkeetShooting #SCTPNationals

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Tru2Shooters Podcast | Episode 4: FITASC, Firearms & Everything in Between! with Matthew Topor

In this episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, we’re talking FITASC, fine firearms, and the mental game behind high-level competition with Master Class Sporting Clays athlete and Pacific Sporting Arms salesman Matthew Topor. 🎯🔥

Hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner dive into Matt’s journey through competitive sporting clays, his experience working with some of the top shotgun brands in the world, and what it takes to succeed in the ever-evolving world of FITASC.

Whether you’re looking to up your game, understand the firearm side of the industry, or just want to hear some solid stories from the range—this episode has something for every shotgun enthusiast.

💥 What to Expect: 

✔️ Behind the scenes of the FITASC discipline
✔️ What it’s like being a Master Class Sporting Clays shooter
✔️ Tips on choosing the right firearm for your shooting style
✔️ Real talk on mental preparation and staying competitive

Hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and follow @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook for more content from the clay target world! 💪

#Tru2ShootersPodcast #FITASC #SportingClays #ShotgunLife #ClayTargetNation #PacificSportingArms #FirearmsAndFocus

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Tru2Shooters Podcast | Episode 3: The Importance of Coaching with World Champion Dave Scott

In this episode of the Tru2Shooters Podcast, we sit down with Dave Scott, a World Skeet Champion and NSSA Certified Instructor, to talk about the importance of coaching in clay target sports. 🏆

Hosts Tyler Wildman and Michael Fitzner dive into Dave’s experience as the 2013 12-Gauge World Skeet Champion and his journey as an instructor. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve or a competitive shooter striving for peak performance, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how the right coaching can take your game to the next level!

🎯 What to Expect:
✔️ Dave Scott’s journey to becoming a world champion
✔️ Why coaching is critical for success in skeet shooting
✔️ How to find the right instructor & maximize your training

Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, and follow us for exclusive content by following @Tru2Shooters on Instagram and Facebook! 🔥

#ClayShooting #Tru2ShootersPodcast #SkeetShooting #ShotgunSports #CoachingMatters #NSSA

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