The annual Herman Cordray Youth Benefit Shoot took place at Stockton (CA) Trap and Skeet on June 23, 2018. This is an NSCA registered event that is held in memory of Herman Cordray, a sporting clays shooter who passed away in 2011. Organizers of this event include family members, friends and fellow sporting clays shooters.

This event is a fundraiser for the youth shooting clubs in the area. The young shooters come early and help set up for the shoot; they keep score, run errands, clean up and some participate in the event at a discounted price. Herman Cordray was an organ donor, and shooters who are donors enter the event at a discounted price as well. Lunch is included in the registration fee, and the club offers a fun raffle during lunch time. This year the raffle consisted of donated products of the agricultural San Joaquin Valley, including wine from various wineries located in Lodi-Stockton, California area, honey, pickled peppers, olive oil, homemade fruit pies and almonds. Proceeds of the raffle go to the youth clubs who help with the event.

On average, 30 to 40 shooters attend this annual event, and more are always welcome. This year, through generous sponsorships and donations, the shoot provided $3,800 to two youth clubs who helped with the shoot, NorCal Longshots and Coon Creek Youth Sporting Foundation. Under the direction of their coaches, the event was a success. The aim of the event is to keep the foundation of sporting clays solid to ensure the future of this sport, and to date, it has donated close to $36,000.

First-place winners Masters through E class and High Over All first and second-place winners are awarded. Awards are presented in handmade camouflage bags perfect for holding shell casings and other items. First-place winners have their names engraved on a handmade oak award board that is housed at the shooting club.

You can learn more about the shoot and make your plans to attend in 2019 at www.hermancordrayshoot.com.

– Contributed by Tam Cordray

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