By Becky Holland
For nearly two decades, Todd Kirkpatrick has spent spring weekends helping young people learn far more than how to shoot a shotgun.
Since first stepping into a coaching role 19 years ago, Kirkpatrick has led the Bleckley County Shotgun Team — a program open to students from fourth grade through high school that competes in shooting competitions across Georgia, including 4-H events.
But ask Kirkpatrick what the program is really about, and he will tell you it goes deeper than scores and trophies.
“When I was trying to decide whether to coach, I asked Wayne Sapp for advice,” Kirkpatrick said. “He told me, ‘You’re coaching them to shoot, but you’re teaching them to be productive members of society.’”
That message stayed with him.
Kirkpatrick originally became involved when his son Spencer joined the team while in school. Spencer graduated in 2012, but Kirkpatrick never stepped away.
“Most coaches leave when their kids graduate,” he said with a laugh. “Mine graduated in 2012.”
This season, the team has 14 members, though participation has been as high as 50 students in previous years. The season runs from March through June, with competitions held throughout the state.
Over the years, the Bleckley County team has built an impressive record, winning three state championships and even competing at the national level.
Some competitions have included 200 shooters locally and as many as 5,000 participants nationally.
Despite the large crowds and the use of firearms, Kirkpatrick said safety has always remained the top priority.
“In all these years, no one has ever gotten hurt,” he said.
Kirkpatrick believes responsibility and discipline are critical lessons in the sport.
“Guns aren’t bad,” he said. “It’s the people that make them bad.”
The coach describes competitive shooting as a mental game as much as a physical one. One lesson he constantly teaches his students is emotional control.
“I tell them there’s no need to get mad,” Kirkpatrick said. “Getting mad won’t benefit you in any shape or form.”
The team will spend the next two weekends competing in Monticello and at a 4-H competition.
Kirkpatrick said the program would not survive without the support of parents, volunteers, and local businesses.
“It’s an expensive sport,” he said. “We’ve been blessed with people who support these kids.”
As for how much longer he plans to coach, Kirkpatrick admits he is not sure.
But after nearly 20 years, one thing is clear — his impact has reached far beyond the shooting range.
Photos by Tasha Jones
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