Cordell teen Carlie Banks excels at traditionally male-dominated sport
She’s not your average run-of-the-mill small-town girl. She is adventurous, creative, and never shies from a challenge.
This past weekend, Carlie Banks, along with others from Cordell, participated in the 6th Annual Kelby Eddleman Memorial Trapshoot in Shamrock, TX, at the Wheeler Co. 4H Range.
This benefit shoot held several shooting competitions- one in particular being the Annie Oakley Shoot Off.
“It is the same principle as a game of gotcha in basketball, except you are shooting clay targets! It is loud and gets pretty exciting!” stated Banks.
What initially started out as a fun way to spend time with her family two years ago has transpired into a passion full of competition, educational hands on experiences and more fun than ever imagined.
“My love probably began at a shoot I attended with my dad in Ruidoso, New Mexico, last summer. My Uncle Mike and cousins Brady and Thomas all shot with us. It is a sporting clay shoot held in the mountains. It is beautiful there! I hope to become more competitive and be able to help others who want to give it a try.”
The sport of shooting is like any other sport, really. It takes practice, hard work and dedication to accomplish such a high quality of skills and talent.
Shooting sports is categorized as a group of competitive and recreational sporting activities involving proficiency tests of accuracy, precision and speed in shooting. The range of competition varies from: five stand, trap, sporting clay, etc.
“It teaches gun safety, patience and responsibility. And for me, it is a family thing! My dad and I shoot and my mom and sister cheer us on!” expressed Banks.
“You must practice for it just like any other sport! There were a lot of tears when I first started shooting. I would get so frustrated with myself. That is where patience comes in. I still have a lot to learn, but I enjoy practicing more now. I have also met many people and have formed new bonds with my shooting teammates that will last a lifetime.”