In 2005, Crosman Corporation established the Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award, "to recognize an individual whose commitment to excellence in youth shooter education and dedication to a lifetime of safe shooting have enhanced the future of the sport." Deborah Lyman has won the 2009 Crosman Friend of Youth Award to be presented at the 2009 SHOT Show Reception in Orlando, Florida, on Friday January 16, 2009.
Deborah Lyman has spent her life shooting, both competitively and recreationally, as well as hunting and teaching. However, it is her teaching and dedication to youth education that makes her the recipient of this year's Friend of Youth Award. As a champion shooter in both smallbore and three position rifle shooting and a member of several national US teams, Deborah has the skill to educate shooters; she is also a Certified Master Hunter Safety Instructor. Lyman has also lectured on the psychology and mental training of shooting. In the end, however, it is her love of children and helping them succeed that drives her.
Ken Sabo is known for his lifelong dedication to creating programs that teach safe and enjoyable shooting on to the next generation of enthusiasts. It is because of this dedication that he was awarded the Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award. Candidates for this year's Award included many outstanding shooting supporters from a variety of groups, all dedicated to recruiting and retaining young shooters. Sabo was one of three finalists chosen from a broad group of qualified candidates by a committee of his peers.
According to Ken D'Arcy, Crosman Corporation president and CEO, Dr. Kenneth Sabo has touched the lives of more young shooters, particularly in the 4H Clubs of America, than almost any person involved in shooter education today. "The key to growing our sport and maintaining it as a vital element in recreation is recruiting and motivating new blood.
In shooting, young people are our future. We must all be mindful of the fact that a sport that's not growing is in danger of regressing. Keeping the pipeline full must be a high priority for everyone involved in building both the industry and the sport.
Dr. Kenneth Sabo has been preparing young people for a lifetime of safe, enjoyable shooting for more than three decades. He has created programs, helped to train instructors and coaches and architected fundraising to support the sport. Dr. Sabo is a professional educator with a passion for shooting. There are few people involved in our sport today who have made as significant an impact on its future. He is a most deserving recipient of the 2008 Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award."
Since earning his doctorate in education from Arizona State University in 1973, Dr. Sabo has been involved in promoting shooting and shooter education. His first post was as an employee in the University's state 4H office in Tucson. When he was assigned to conduct an outdoor camping and conservation camp for the 4H Youth Development Program, he added an airgun event the very first year. It was the first of many shooting opportunities he incorporated into 4H programs during many years of work with both national and state programs.
After 10 years of dedicated work, Dr. Sabo recognized the need for more funding and founded a fundraising arm for the National 4H Shooting Sports program, the 4H National Shooting Sports Foundation. He served as its executive director for seven years. During that time, he organized the first National 4H Shooting Sports competitive event, serving as its director for the first two years. In 2003, he hosted the National 4H Shooting Sports Workshop to help recruit and train the next generation of 4H shooting leaders.
But perhaps Sabo's greatest legacy, according to Crosman President D'Arcy, is his dedication to instilling a respect for safe shooting and building youngsters' self-esteem through achievement. "If effectively motivating young people to appreciate the shooting lifestyle is the key to building our sport, then Dr. Kenneth Sabo is one of the most dedicated, hardworking mentors we've got. The 4H Clubs of America, the industry and our sport are all fortunate to have him as an example to emulate."
According to Ken D'Arcy, Crosman Corporation president and CEO, Dr. Kenneth Sabo has touched the lives of more young shooters, particularly in the 4H Clubs of America, than almost any person involved in shooter education today. "The key to growing our sport and maintaining it as a vital element in recreation is recruiting and motivating new blood.
In shooting, young people are our future. We must all be mindful of the fact that a sport that's not growing is in danger of regressing. Keeping the pipeline full must be a high priority for everyone involved in building both the industry and the sport.
Dr. Kenneth Sabo has been preparing young people for a lifetime of safe, enjoyable shooting for more than three decades. He has created programs, helped to train instructors and coaches and architected fundraising to support the sport. Dr. Sabo is a professional educator with a passion for shooting. There are few people involved in our sport today who have made as significant an impact on its future. He is a most deserving recipient of the 2008 Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award."
Since earning his doctorate in education from Arizona State University in 1973, Dr. Sabo has been involved in promoting shooting and shooter education. His first post was as an employee in the University's state 4H office in Tucson. When he was assigned to conduct an outdoor camping and conservation camp for the 4H Youth Development Program, he added an airgun event the very first year. It was the first of many shooting opportunities he incorporated into 4H programs during many years of work with both national and state programs.
After 10 years of dedicated work, Dr. Sabo recognized the need for more funding and founded a fundraising arm for the National 4H Shooting Sports program, the 4H National Shooting Sports Foundation. He served as its executive director for seven years. During that time, he organized the first National 4H Shooting Sports competitive event, serving as its director for the first two years. In 2003, he hosted the National 4H Shooting Sports Workshop to help recruit and train the next generation of 4H shooting leaders.
But perhaps Sabo's greatest legacy, according to Crosman President D'Arcy, is his dedication to instilling a respect for safe shooting and building youngsters' self-esteem through achievement. "If effectively motivating young people to appreciate the shooting lifestyle is the key to building our sport, then Dr. Kenneth Sabo is one of the most dedicated, hardworking mentors we've got. The 4H Clubs of America, the industry and our sport are all fortunate to have him as an example to emulate."
Dr. William Christy, known for his lifelong dedication to creating programs that help introduce shooting to young people all over the country, has won the third annual Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award. The Award, presented at the annual Crosman Corporation Reception at the 2007 SHOT Show in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, January 12th, 2007, recognizes an individual whose commitment to excellence in youth shooter education and dedication to a lifetime of safe shooting has enhanced the future of the sport.
According to Ken D'Arcy, Crosman Corporation president and CEO, Dr. William Christy has touched the lives of more young shooters than almost any person involved in shooter education today. "The key to growth in any sport is recruiting and motivating new blood. In shooting, young people represent the future. They must be a high priority for everyone involved in building both the industry and the sport. "Dr. William Christy has been involved in preparing young people for a lifetime of safe, enjoyable shooting for many years. He has created programs, helped to train instructors and coaches, enhanced the competitive environment for young shooters and has been a lifelong champion of getting young people involved in shooting, regardless of their background or ability, as a true lifetime sport. I can think of few people involved in our sport today who have made as significant an impact on its future. He is a most deserving recipient of the third annual Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award."
In 1988, he opened a full-time shooting sports consulting practice, serving a number of prominent organizations and corporations with a wide range of services. L.L. Bean, Federal Cartridge Company, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation and Boy Scouts of America are among his prestigious clients. He has authored a monthly column in Hunter Education Journal and one in Trap & Field magazine, and is a life member of NRA, serving in numerous coaching and instructor capacities. He served on the National Outdoor Committee of the Venturing Program of Boy Scouts of America, works as a consultant for the National Shooting Sports Foundation and helped introduce young shooters to the American disciplines of trap, skeet and sporting clays at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
Most recently, Christy authored the National Shooting Sports strategic plan focused on youth shooting sports. The plan is designed to develop entry points and pathways for young shooters to become active in shooting and stick with it as a lifetime sport. But perhaps Christy's greatest legacy, according to Crosman President D'Arcy, is his dedication to instilling a respect for safe shooting and building youngsters' self-esteem through achievement, regardless of their skill level, life background or physical challenges. "If effectively delivering those messages to young people is the key to building our sport, then Dr. William Christy is one of the most skilled and dedicated messengers we've got.The industry is fortunate to have him."
According to Ken D'Arcy, Crosman Corporation president and CEO, Dr. William Christy has touched the lives of more young shooters than almost any person involved in shooter education today. "The key to growth in any sport is recruiting and motivating new blood. In shooting, young people represent the future. They must be a high priority for everyone involved in building both the industry and the sport. "Dr. William Christy has been involved in preparing young people for a lifetime of safe, enjoyable shooting for many years. He has created programs, helped to train instructors and coaches, enhanced the competitive environment for young shooters and has been a lifelong champion of getting young people involved in shooting, regardless of their background or ability, as a true lifetime sport. I can think of few people involved in our sport today who have made as significant an impact on its future. He is a most deserving recipient of the third annual Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award."
In 1988, he opened a full-time shooting sports consulting practice, serving a number of prominent organizations and corporations with a wide range of services. L.L. Bean, Federal Cartridge Company, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation and Boy Scouts of America are among his prestigious clients. He has authored a monthly column in Hunter Education Journal and one in Trap & Field magazine, and is a life member of NRA, serving in numerous coaching and instructor capacities. He served on the National Outdoor Committee of the Venturing Program of Boy Scouts of America, works as a consultant for the National Shooting Sports Foundation and helped introduce young shooters to the American disciplines of trap, skeet and sporting clays at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
Most recently, Christy authored the National Shooting Sports strategic plan focused on youth shooting sports. The plan is designed to develop entry points and pathways for young shooters to become active in shooting and stick with it as a lifetime sport. But perhaps Christy's greatest legacy, according to Crosman President D'Arcy, is his dedication to instilling a respect for safe shooting and building youngsters' self-esteem through achievement, regardless of their skill level, life background or physical challenges. "If effectively delivering those messages to young people is the key to building our sport, then Dr. William Christy is one of the most skilled and dedicated messengers we've got.The industry is fortunate to have him."
Jim Smith, known for his lifelong dedication to creating programs for numerous groups that help introduce target shooting to young people all over the country, won the second annual Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award presented at the 2006 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday, February 10th, 2006.
In making the Award, Crosman president and CEO, Ken D’Arcy said, “Jim Smith has touched the lives of more young shooters than almost any person involved in shooter education today. In shooting, young people represent the future. They must be a key element in the future for everyone involved in building both the industry and the sport.
“Jim Smith has been involved in preparing young people for a lifetime of safe, enjoyable shooting for more than four decades. He has created programs, helped to train instructors and coaches, enhanced the competitive environment for young shooters and has been a lifelong champion of getting young people involved in shooting as a lifetime sport. I can think of no person involved in our sport today who has made as significant an impact on its future. He is a most deserving recipient of the second Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award.”
For many years Jim Smith has been a consultant to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in its youth development division. During that time, he played a key role in developing and promoting youth shooting opportunities for youngsters of all ages.
This year’s Award winner has been a lifetime member of the shooting industry, having worked for well known companies such as Hornady, Savage Arms and Thompson Center Arms. He has served as a volunteer for numerous organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, BSA’s Philmont Scout Ranch, Buffalo Trails Scout Camp, BSA’s Venturing Program, the USA Shooting Junior Olympic Development Program, the YMCA, the International Hunter Education Association, the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, the NRA, the National Skeet Shooting Association, the 4-H Clubs of America and the Cimarron Kiwanis Club. He is a member of the BSA Venturing Shooting Sports National Committee and has served on the National 4-H Shooting Sports Board as well.
But perhaps Smith’s greatest legacy, according to Crosman President Ken D’Arcy, is his dedication to instilling a respect for safe shooting and the building self-esteem through competition. “If delivering those messages is the key to building our sport, then Jim Smith is one of the most dedicated messengers we’ve got. He is one of a kind. The industry could use a dozen more like him.”
In making the Award, Crosman president and CEO, Ken D’Arcy said, “Jim Smith has touched the lives of more young shooters than almost any person involved in shooter education today. In shooting, young people represent the future. They must be a key element in the future for everyone involved in building both the industry and the sport.
“Jim Smith has been involved in preparing young people for a lifetime of safe, enjoyable shooting for more than four decades. He has created programs, helped to train instructors and coaches, enhanced the competitive environment for young shooters and has been a lifelong champion of getting young people involved in shooting as a lifetime sport. I can think of no person involved in our sport today who has made as significant an impact on its future. He is a most deserving recipient of the second Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award.”
For many years Jim Smith has been a consultant to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in its youth development division. During that time, he played a key role in developing and promoting youth shooting opportunities for youngsters of all ages.
This year’s Award winner has been a lifetime member of the shooting industry, having worked for well known companies such as Hornady, Savage Arms and Thompson Center Arms. He has served as a volunteer for numerous organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, BSA’s Philmont Scout Ranch, Buffalo Trails Scout Camp, BSA’s Venturing Program, the USA Shooting Junior Olympic Development Program, the YMCA, the International Hunter Education Association, the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, the NRA, the National Skeet Shooting Association, the 4-H Clubs of America and the Cimarron Kiwanis Club. He is a member of the BSA Venturing Shooting Sports National Committee and has served on the National 4-H Shooting Sports Board as well.
But perhaps Smith’s greatest legacy, according to Crosman President Ken D’Arcy, is his dedication to instilling a respect for safe shooting and the building self-esteem through competition. “If delivering those messages is the key to building our sport, then Jim Smith is one of the most dedicated messengers we’ve got. He is one of a kind. The industry could use a dozen more like him.”
Bob Soldivera, known as the instructor’s instructor and a fixture in the community of senior shooting professionals, responsible for introducing shooting to young people all over the country, won the first annual Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award, presented at the 2005 Shot Show in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 29th, 2005.
In presenting the Award, Crosman president and CEO, Ken D’Arcy said, “The key to growth in any sport is recruiting new blood. In shooting, young people represent the future. They must be a high priority for everyone involved in building both the industry and the sport.
“Bob Soldivera has been involved in preparing young people for a lifetime of safe, enjoyable shooting for more than four decades. He has written manuals, helped to author standards for teaching all aspects of shooting, taught and qualified countless instructors, been a prolific writer on a wide range of shooting and hunting subjects and has been a lifelong champion of getting young people involved in shooting. I can think of no other person involved in our sport who has made as significant or far reaching an impact on the future we all seek for shooting as a lifetime sport. He is a deserving recipient of the first Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award.”
Among his most important youth shooting credits, he has been the senior activity manager for shooting for the 1993, 1997 and 2001 National Scout Jamborees. At these national events, more than a quarter of a million young people were introduced to safe shooting under his watchful eye. Solidvera is also a well-known competitive shooting coach. Author of many manuals and shooting standards, including the preparatory check list for the competitive shooter, “Ready on The Firing Line, “ Solidvera’s tips on how to get and stay on-target are legendary.
In 1987, Soldivera joined Crosman as a shooting services consultant. Among the many innovations he has created during his tenure are the BSA Bikathon, a sport involving cycling and shooting, much like the Olympic biathlon, a staple of the BSA National Jamboree. He also designed a speed shooting target system, mentored countless young people in both competitive and recreational shooting and helped establish Crosman as the resource for young people’s shooter information.
The Crosman EASY program, partially architected by Soldivera, provides both information and equipment to youth groups across the country, making it less expensive and more efficient to set up shooting programs for young people.
In presenting the Award, Crosman president and CEO, Ken D’Arcy said, “The key to growth in any sport is recruiting new blood. In shooting, young people represent the future. They must be a high priority for everyone involved in building both the industry and the sport.
“Bob Soldivera has been involved in preparing young people for a lifetime of safe, enjoyable shooting for more than four decades. He has written manuals, helped to author standards for teaching all aspects of shooting, taught and qualified countless instructors, been a prolific writer on a wide range of shooting and hunting subjects and has been a lifelong champion of getting young people involved in shooting. I can think of no other person involved in our sport who has made as significant or far reaching an impact on the future we all seek for shooting as a lifetime sport. He is a deserving recipient of the first Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award.”
Among his most important youth shooting credits, he has been the senior activity manager for shooting for the 1993, 1997 and 2001 National Scout Jamborees. At these national events, more than a quarter of a million young people were introduced to safe shooting under his watchful eye. Solidvera is also a well-known competitive shooting coach. Author of many manuals and shooting standards, including the preparatory check list for the competitive shooter, “Ready on The Firing Line, “ Solidvera’s tips on how to get and stay on-target are legendary.
In 1987, Soldivera joined Crosman as a shooting services consultant. Among the many innovations he has created during his tenure are the BSA Bikathon, a sport involving cycling and shooting, much like the Olympic biathlon, a staple of the BSA National Jamboree. He also designed a speed shooting target system, mentored countless young people in both competitive and recreational shooting and helped establish Crosman as the resource for young people’s shooter information.
The Crosman EASY program, partially architected by Soldivera, provides both information and equipment to youth groups across the country, making it less expensive and more efficient to set up shooting programs for young people.
