Aiming for an education
Ian Hurd's shooting prowess earns him a college scholarship.
By Brendan Galella, Times Correspondent
Published February 29, 2008
Ian Hurd has often been described as a natural.
From the day he first picked up a shotgun and began shooting competitively, Hurd has always been able to impress.
"The first time I met Ian, he came to my range and shot for a few hours," said Roger Gascoigne, owner of Deer Creek Sporting Clays in Land O'Lakes and Hurd's coach. "The entire time he was out here, he didn't miss a single target, and I was extremely impressed."
Hurd began shooting when he was 15 as a member of the Eagle Scouts and earned a shotgun merit badge at summer camp. The following year, Hurd's father, John, allowed his son to begin skeet shooting on a regular basis.
Under Gascoigne's guidance, Hurd entered the Florida state championship and captured second place after just four months of practice.
"My family doesn't hunt or anything, but when I began shooting, it just felt natural," Hurd said. "After a few weeks, it was like I was doing it for my entire life."
After completing homeschooling at 16, Hurd won numerous state titles and began entering tournaments in Missouri and Illinois. Hurd wasn't sure what he wanted to do for a living after finishing high school, but wanted to pursue a career involving shooting.
"I told Ian he can either go to school or do some work with his hands," John Hurd said. "He really didn't think much about college and wasn't sure what he was going to be doing."
The opportunity to combine his passion with school presented itself at the national championships in San Antonio. Hurd placed 19th in the country and came away with a scholarship offer to Southeastern Illinois College.
Southeastern Illinois coach Bruce Harring, who was shooting behind Hurd at the event, wanted to include Hurd in his program. Now 19, Hurd will leave his construction job and pursue his college degree in May. In preparation for joining Harring's team, Hurd has been practicing about six hours a week.
"Sometimes I'll go out and shoot 25 clays for fun, or I'll spend a good portion of the day and knock out 250," Hurd said. "Since the scholarship offer, I've taken it very seriously and am excited about the opportunity to get started."
For the first two years, Hurd will spend time in a classroom learning about game management and shooting club management. In his final year, he will serve as an intern at a hunting ranch or a facility similar to Gascoigne's.
Although skeet shooting is not a sanctioned sport by the NCAA, about 30 colleges and universities have shooting teams.
"I really didn't think you could pickup a shotgun and earn a college scholarship," John Hurd said. "But I was certainly happy to find that out. I don't think there is a better situation for Ian to be in right now."
Got a youth sport worth talking about? How about Pasco County kid doing well in a sport? Then submit story ideas, feedback to bgalella@gmail.com.Biography
Ian Hurd
Age: 19
Shooting experience: four years
School: Enrolled to attend Southeastern Illinois College
Occupation: Construction worker
Accomplishments: Is an Eagle Scout
For more information on local skeet shooting: Contact Roger Gascoigne, owner of Deer Creek Sporting Clays in Land O'Lakes, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, by calling 813 996-1970 or e-mailing info@deercreeksportingclays.com.