SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Four South Dakotans are representing the state at the USA Shooting Junior Olympics in Alabama this week.

They not only hope for success on the shooting range, but to help grow the sport in the state.

Sophomore Mausten Stelter is no stranger to state and national competition. He and his family are very involved in the Humboldt Sharpshooters Club and last year, he brought home the bronze medal for his age group at the Junior Olympics.

It’s been a special week to reflect on the journey.

Mausten began shooting at a young age and it was the only sport to catch his eye.

He went from shooting a BB gun up to a rifle as he grew in his skills. Many hours of practive at a time for the last eight years are paying off.

“It’s a lot of work. I’ve been out on the range two days a week at least practicing for the last eight years,” Mausten said.

“Whether he wants to or not, mom and dad have to usually kick him down the road a little bit, but he’s dedicated to it, too. That’s the thing, once he gets to the range, it’s all business. He practices hard and that’s what gets him here,” said Mausten’s father, Richard Stelter.

His goal is to one day represent the United States in the Olympic Games. Qualifying as a state champion, the Junior Olympics provides a great opportunity to not only put Humboldt Sharpshooting on the map, but to see the best shooters in the country.

“I like being at these bigger competitions because I get to shoot with higher class shooters, people that go to the Olympics. Sometimes you get to shoot right next to them and it’s actually really cool to watch them as they shoot next to you,” Mausten described.

The community of Hartford and West Central have backed him every step of the way.

The growth of the sport has been well-documented alongside his sharpshooting journey.

The Stelters said the construction of a new range will be huge because currently, area clubs like Dakota Sharpshooters and Humboldt Sharpshooters have needed to travel for practice.

“He probably doesn’t feel it or see it as much as we would like to portray it, but we’re extremely proud of him,” Richard said.

Mausten has been a mentor to younger shooters and the construction of a new range will offer a space for the area clubs to grow even more.

“We’re very proud of him. I think it’s great to see him grow in this sport and we’re excited for the possibilities for him and just for the namesake of our home state here. We should be proud that we have this level of coaching and shooters in our state,” said Mausten’s mother, Lisa Stelter.

The four students representing South Dakota include Hunter Hanson, Ella Hanson, Katelyn Tieszen and Mausten Stelter.

You can access the final results here.

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