Virginia State Sporting Clays champion James McGowan, left, and runner-up Barry Moore Jr. Photo contributed
Herndon resident James McGowan emerged as top gun in the NSCA (National Sporting Clays Association) Virginia State Championship at Primland, taking the top prize of $1,000.
He scored 187 out of 200 targets. The runner-up was Barry Moore Jr., of Pulaski, who shot a 185 and took home $500. Third place went to David Collins, Jr. of Ruther Glen. Only three targets separated first through third place.
Virginia’s top lady competitor was Michelle Quesenberry of Hillsville. The runner-up was Vickie Smith of Springfield with third place going to Patricia Painter of Galax.
Top Open competitors were HOA Richard Cheek of Greensboro, N.C. Open runner-up was Wesley Elliott of Booneville, N.C.
More than 200 amateur shooters took part in the four-day event, sharing in $10,000 in prize monies distributed to the winners in multiple categories. The competitions included 50 bird sub-gauge events in .410, 20, and 28 gauges, pump gun and side by side events on Thursday through Saturday. A 5-stand event featuring 50 targets was also held during this period as well as a 50 bird FITASC event.