STOCKTON, CA (MPG) – The Stockton Trap and Skeet Club hosted the annual California State Skeet Championship from August 8 to 10, drawing 262 shooters from across the country. Despite blistering temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and winds ranging from 2 to 12 mph, the competition was fierce and full of impressive performances.
The championship opened on August 8 with the Doubles event, known as one of the most challenging in skeet shooting. Forty-four competitors took on the task of shooting 50 pairs of targets across seven stations. The top scores ranged from 98/100 to 93/100, showcasing a high level of skill.
Lilian Knapp of the Traveling Circus shooting team stood out in the Doubles event, earning the titles of Class D Champion, Triple Sub 3rd, and Ladies Runner-Up with a score of 93/100. “Knapp’s performance was one of the event’s highlights,” praised Bob Maffei, instructor of the Traveling Circus.
Saturday’s events featured both the 12-gauge and 20-gauge competitions, where temperatures and competition continued to rise. One fellow competitor remarked, “Boy, those kids are some smooth shooters,” in reference to the young talents of the Traveling Circus team.
In the 12-gauge event, Knapp continued her strong showing, capturing the Class D Champion title. The Locatelli brothers also made waves. Gage Locatelli earned the Sub-Junior Champion title, while his younger brother Drake claimed Sub-Junior Runner-Up with a personal best of 77/100. “Watch out, Gage, Drake is coming for you!” joked one observer. Teammate James Cooley posted a solid 94/100, landing in a four-way tie for 10th place and veteran shooter Mark Andreotti battled through the heat to place 4th.
The 20-gauge event saw more success for the Traveling Circus. Dustin Wurm secured Class D Runner-Up and Junior 3rd place with a score of 92/100. Raegan Parisio followed closely, earning Class D 3rd place and the Junior R-1 title with a 91/100.