SAGOLA — Fourteen-year-old Alexander Erickson of Kingsford took first place recently at the Western Gateway Shoot in River Falls, Wis., competing in the small bore rifle division for ages 12-14.

This was Erickson’s first time in competition since 2019.

In 2018, he claimed first place at the 4-H Michigan State Shoot in the beginner air rifle division for ages 9-11. In 2019, he competed in the intermediate (ages 12-14) air rifle division as a 10-year-old and once again took home the gold medal for Michigan 4H.

The pandemic, however, shut down all competitive shooting for Michigan and ended his winning streak.

In 2020, the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club youth program decided to “jump the river” and start to shoot for the University of Wisconsin 4H program.

Instead of a once a year “state shoot” in the Detroit area, Wisconsin holds at least 10 regional shoots across the state. The youth program now represents Florence County, Wis., in 4H Wisconsin shoots throughout the state.

The Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club youth program regularly competes in Wisconsin 4H Shooting Sports; Civilian Marksmanship Program; American Legion Shooting Sports, and various other competitive organizations.

Sponsors include Wildlife Unlimited of Dickinson County, Buckmasters, Bullseyes to Badguys, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and American Legion Post 50. Sponsors supply firearms, ammunition, equipment, instruction, and funding that make this program possible for the area youth.

The STSC youth program meets the first Sunday of every month at the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club at 1 p.m.

The program trains and competes in .22 rifle, air rifle, BB gun, 20 and 12 gauge trap shotgun, archery, and pistol. Each member also receives training in the hunting and wildlife component of the 4H shooting sports program.

For more information about the youth shooting sports program, please call 906-396-1119.