Bullseyes to Badguys Pistol and Tactics Training of Kingsford helped the club host the two-day event in August. Between segments of rifle instructions, students were taught lessons of the Revolutionary War by four Appleseed instructors from across the Midwest.

At the end of training, shooters were challenged to see where they measure up for both accuracy and speed. Only 5% of all attendees pass the Army Qualification Target test, with a required score of 210 out of possible 250 to earn a rifleman’s patch.

Two participants at Channing qualified — both of whom were attending Project Appleseed for the first time.

Brent Sparks of Kingsford qualified with his modified, magazine-fed Marlin 795. The top shooter was Alexander Erickson of Kingsford, passing with a 224 score using a custom-built Magnum Research 10/22.

Project Appleseed participants engage 100-yard simulated silhouettes from the standing position while others check to make sure their rifles are grounded and safe.

Both qualifiers are part of the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club youth program. Sparks assists as a rifle instructor and Erickson is the youth club president and one of the top shooters.

Many were very close to the 210 score needed to qualify. Vandan Pezzullo turned in a 197 and Carmen Hulce shot a 201. It was their first time attending and both stated they look forward to coming back.

The Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club plans to again host Project Appleseed in 2024 and also looks forward to hosting a Project Appleseed pistol event in the near future.

For more information about Project Appleseed, go to https://Appleseed info.org.

For more information about activities at the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club, go to www.stsportsmen.com.

Alexander Erickson engages 400-yard simulated silhouette targets from the prone position.