Rick Kennerknecht and the Early Days of Sporting Clays

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Sporting Clays, often described as “golf with a shotgun,” is a dynamic shotgun sport that challenges shooters with clay targets launched in unpredictable patterns, simulating the flight of game birds like ducks, pheasants, and rabbits. Its history spans over a century, originating in England and gaining a foothold in the United States in 1980. During the sport’s formative years in America, Rick Kennerknecht emerged as a pivotal figure, contributing to its growth through his competitive success, international representation, and promotional efforts. This article delves into Kennerknecht’s role, the establishment of the United States Sporting Clays Association (USSCA), and the broader evolution of Sporting Clays in the U.S.

The Origins of Sporting Clays

Sporting Clays traces its roots to England in the early 1900s, where it was developed as a training method for driven-game shoots. Initially, live pigeons were used, but clay targets soon replaced them, making the sport more accessible and humane. The first British Open, England’s premier Sporting Clays competition, was held in 1925, marking the sport’s growing popularity. Unlike trap and skeet, which use standardized target presentations, Sporting Clays offers a variety of trajectories, angles, speeds, elevations, distances, and target sizes, mimicking real hunting conditions.

The sport crossed the Atlantic in 1980, introduced to American shooters through a feature article by Bob Brister in Field & Stream magazine. On September 27, 1980, the first Sporting Clays shoot in the U.S. was held at Remington’s Lordship Gun Club in Connecticut, attracting ninety shooters, including executives from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The following year, British expert Chris Cradock designed a Sporting Clays venue at Remington Farms, further promoting the sport to outdoor writers and enthusiasts.

In 1985, the United States Sporting Clays Association (USSCA) was formed in Houston, Texas, to provide governance and organize competitions. That same year, the Orvis Company sponsored the first U.S. National Sporting Clays Championship in Houston, a significant milestone in the sport’s development. By 1989, the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) established the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA), which became the primary governing body, overseeing the sport’s rapid growth.

Rick Kennerknecht’s Rise in Sporting Clays

Rick Kennerknecht entered the Sporting Clays scene in 1988, at a time when the sport was still gaining traction in the U.S. His debut was nothing short of remarkable: he won the California State Championships in his first tournament, showcasing his natural talent and dedication. This victory earned him a coveted spot on the USSCA All American Sporting Clays Team, a position he held for three consecutive years, highlighting his consistency and skill.

Kennerknecht’s prowess extended to the international stage, where he represented Team USA in competitions held in Switzerland, Portugal, and England. His most notable achievements include winning the Team Gold Medal against the French in Ball Trap Pro for two consecutive years, a testament to his competitive excellence. Beyond tournaments, Kennerknecht captivated audiences with shooting exhibitions across the U.S. and Europe with his shooting partners Dan Reeves and John Cloherty, demonstrating the precision and excitement of Sporting Clays.

Contributions to the Growth of Sporting Clays

Kennerknecht’s impact on Sporting Clays went beyond his personal achievements. As a member of the USSCA All American Team and a Team USA representative, he played a crucial role in raising the sport’s profile during its early years in America. His international successes showcased the competitive potential of Sporting Clays, while his exhibitions introduced the sport to new audiences, fostering enthusiasm and participation.

The USSCA, active from 1985 until the NSCA’s rise in 1989, provided a foundation for organizing competitions and standardizing rules. Kennerknecht’s involvement with the USSCA during this period placed him at the heart of the sport’s development. His exhibitions highlighted the sport’s accessibility and appeal, drawing both competitive shooters and recreational hunters to Sporting Clays courses.

Kennerknecht’s influence continues through his business ventures. Initially through Global Sporting Safaris and later Charity Safaris, he has promoted hunting and shooting experiences that align with the spirit of Sporting Clays. These efforts have helped sustain interest in shooting sports while supporting conservation and charitable causes.

The Evolution of Sporting Clays Governance

The USSCA’s formation in 1985 marked a critical step in formalizing Sporting Clays in the U.S. It organized early competitions, such as the Orvis-sponsored U.S. National Championship, and established standards for the sport. However, by 1989, the NSCA, formed by the NSSA in San Antonio, Texas, took over as the primary governing body. The NSCA has since grown into the largest Sporting Clays association globally, with over 22,000 members across 50 states and 10 countries, hosting national championships and supporting both competitive and recreational shooters.

The transition from the USSCA to the NSCA reflects the sport’s rapid growth and the need for a more robust organizational structure. While the USSCA’s role, run by Bob Davis, was foundational, the NSCA’s resources and infrastructure have driven Sporting Clays to become one of America’s fastest-growing sports, with over three million participants annually.

Sporting Clays Today

Today, Sporting Clays is celebrated for its versatility and challenge, often compared to golf due to the unique design of each course. Courses feature 10 to 15 stations, each presenting 6 to 10 targets, with varying angles and speeds to simulate hunting scenarios. The sport’s popularity among hunters stems from its ability to enhance wingshooting skills during the off-season, while its competitive aspect attracts shooters of all ages and skill levels.

The NSCA continues to lead the sport, maintaining records, registering shoots, and hosting the National Championship annually. State associations, such as the Wisconsin Sporting Clays Association, further promote local participation and sportsmanship. The sport’s growth is also supported by organizations like the Scholastic Clay Target Program, which introduces young shooters to Sporting Clays and other shooting disciplines.

Conclusion

Rick Kennerknecht’s contributions to Sporting Clays during its early days in the United States were instrumental in shaping its trajectory. His competitive achievements, international representation, and promotional efforts through exhibitions and business ventures helped elevate the sport’s visibility and appeal. The USSCA’s establishment in 1985 provided a critical framework for sport’s growth, paving the way for the NSCA’s dominance. As Sporting Clays continue to thrive, Kennerknecht’s legacy remains a vital part of its history, inspiring shooters to embrace the challenge and excitement of this unique sport.

Key Facts About Rick Kennerknecht and Sporting Clays

Discover Rick Kennerknecht’s pivotal role in early Sporting Clays, USSCA’s impact, and the sport’s rise in the U.S. from 1980. Learn key history now!

Rick Kennerknecht & Early Sporting Clays: USSCA History

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