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Coach, Podcast, Team USA

Connor Daniel: How shooting thousands of targets Early Shaped This Shooters’ Winning Mindset

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Most young shooters dream of making it to the top — Connor Daniel’s journey from a kid shooting with Zach Kienbaum to winning Georgia State is proof it’s possible. At just 18, he's competing in NSCA, on Team USA, and shooting thousands of targets — but his secret isn't just hours behind the gun; it's the mindset he’s cultivated along the way.

In this episode, Connor pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to excel in sporting clays at the highest level. You’ll discover how mental resilience, routines, and quick recovery from missed shots separate mere good shooters from the best in the world. We break down his training habits, the importance of coaching, and how maintaining focus under pressure can elevate your game — no matter your age or experience.

We explore Connor’s unique approach to competition, including his focus on process over outcome, the role of mental preparation, and why confidence rooted in routine beats raw talent every time. Plus, learn why he’s already thinking beyond shooting — planning his future in engineering, coaching, and helping others master the sport that’s given him purpose.

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting out, this story will inspire you to take strategic, mental, and technical control—because success isn’t just about how many targets you shoot, but how you shoot them. 

Coach, Gun Clubs, National Champion, Olympian, Podcast, Regional Champion, Team USA, World Champion

Derrick Mein & Gary Fitzjarrell : The Game Only Works Well When Everyone Respects It

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Warning BAD LANGUAGE!  Recorded in June 2025

The best part of shooting has never been the gear or the photos, it’s the shared code: be safe, be respectful, and compete like it matters. We sit down with Gary Fitzjarrell and Derrick Mein for a raw, wide-ranging talk that starts with real life health updates and quickly turns into what’s happening to sporting clays, trap shooting, and the broader clay target community as the sport changes. 

We get specific about range etiquette and shotgun safety: why idling carts, trashing property, and walking around with closed guns isn’t just annoying, it’s how accidents happen. Along the way we share a “science project” that actually matters, chronograph testing frozen shotgun shells to see what cold weather does to velocity and ammo performance. 

From there, Derek talks training, travel, and staying ready for the next Olympic cycle and LA 2028, plus what changes when you switch guns and rebuild confidence. We debate course setting, why some targets turn into coin flips, and why the most fun shoots often keep it simple.

Hit play, then subscribe, share this with a shooting buddy, and leave a review with the one rule you’d enforce to make the game better.

Coach, Podcast

Phil Gray: Championship winning shooter and coach

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A highly accomplished and adaptable shooter, he has earned numerous major titles across both junior and senior divisions, proudly representing England and Great Britain on many international stages. What began as casual outings to local gun clubs with his father and friends around the age of 10 quickly developed into a deep passion. By 19, he had claimed the coveted Masters title, and by 21, he had captured every junior championship in both World Sporting and FITASC. His success carried over into the senior ranks, where he continued to add to his medal count, including victories at the Beretta World Sporting in 2019 and the Clay Shooting Classic in 2022. His impressive résumé also features silver finishes at the English Open Sporting, English Open Compak, UK Open Compak, and the British Grand Prix FITASC.

Coach, Podcast

Mike Luongo: How he became a shooter and a coach plus youth shooting tips

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Mike Luongo has been part of the sporting clays world for a long time. He has coached some of the best young shooters in the sport and loves helping others get better. He spends as much time shooting as he can, and wants to see the sport grow.

Mike’s journey started like anyone else—learning, practicing, and working hard to improve. Over the years, he’s gained a lot of experience and turned his passion into coaching and mentoring others. If you want to hear his story, learn how he got to where he is today, or improve your shooting, he’s always happy to help.

Coach, Podcast, Team USA

Connor Daniel: The making of a Champion

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Listen as we talk about the incredible rise of junior sporting clays sensation Connor Daniel. From the great state or Georgia, Connor has accomplished more in four short years than most shooters dream of in a lifetime. With the guidance of coach Zach Kienbaum and the support of some of the best names in the shooting industry, Connor's dedication and talent have earned him a spot on the prestigious pro squad for 2025 after a phenomenal 2024 season.

As a high school senior, Connor is navigating the exciting journey of finding a college that aligns with his academic and shooting goals, all while looking to dominate every tournament he attends in 2025. In this episode, we’ll discuss his rapid ascent in the sport, the role of top-tier coaching and mentorship, his standout performances, and what’s next for him.

Get ready for an inspiring story of hard work, talent, and unrelenting passion for sporting clays.

Coach, National Champion, Olympian, Podcast, Regional Champion, Team USA, World Champion

Derrick Mein: 2x Olympian in Men’s Trap

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In our latest episode, we’re joined by a two-time Olympian and world champion who takes us through his incredible journey to the Olympics for a second time. He shares insights into the rigorous qualification process and reflects on his victory at the 2022 World Championships in Croatia. Tune in for an insider's perspective on earning a coveted spot on the USA Shooting Team, as well as a discussion about the Paris Olympics and all that comes with it.

Coach, National Champion, Podcast, Regional Champion, Team USA, World Champion

Zach Kienbaum: 2024 World FITASC Champion

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In this episode, I talk with Zach Kienbaum, fresh off his victory at the 2024 World FITASC Championship. We talk about his well-deserved break in Alaska, where he enjoyed some fishing before gearing up for the US Open. Zach shares his plans for the remainder of the 2024 shooting season and what tournaments he will be attending. We also discuss what’s on the horizon for 2025, including some of the major events with big payouts.

Coach, Gun Clubs, Podcast

Wyatt Hargrove: Rising to the top

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Wyatt Hargrove is a competitive sporting clay shooter from Eastman, Georgia. He has been in the sport for many years.  Recently, Wyatt's name has become a regular fixture at the top of the leaderboard in various tournaments showing his talent and determination.

His hard work paid off with a remarkable M6 finish at the World Sporting Clays Championship in 2024. This impressive finish has only fueled his ambition, as he sets his goals on even greater success in the future. With his dedication and competitive nature, he is on the right track to becoming great.

Coach, Podcast

Theo Ribbs: Enjoying success in 2024

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Theo Ribbs is enjoying an outstanding year in sporting clays and FITASC. He sheds light on the challenges and advantages of being a left-handed shooter in a predominantly right-handed sport. Exploring his rigorous practice regimen, we find out how he perfects things he needs to work on. Inquiring about his divergence from his father's path, we gain insights into his motivations and aspirations. Additionally, Theo shares his goals and talks about the tournaments he plans to compete in this year.

Coach, National Champion, Podcast, Regional Champion, Team USA, World Champion

Zach Keinbaum & Mike Wilgus: The great outdoors and sporting clays

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This episode promises to deliver some wisdom from Mike's captivating hunting stories in the Northwest, wielding vintage Remingtons, to sub-gauge shotguns paired with cutting-edge Bismuth ammo for hunting. Lean in as we talk about Mike's journey from his hunting heritage to aiming for a world vet title in the disciplined arena of competitive shotgun sports.

Join us as we explore the camaraderie and dedication within the shooting community, where size and physical fitness play their part in staying on target. We dissect the recent Jack Links Cup in Florida, get into Mike's ambitious travel for sport, and talk about his transition into the vet class with eyes set on the prize. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran in the world of sporting clays, this conversation is loaded with insightful reflections on the sport's competitive and adventurous spirit.

Finally, we discuss registering for events and the issues we are facing.  Discover the enchanting Rock Mountain Sporting Clays facilities that blend history and innovation for hosting premier events. And for those who geek out on gear, you won't want to miss our detailed discussion on Pilla shooting lenses and ammunition preferences that could sharpen your game. Tune in for a shot of inspiration and a barrel full of knowledge with Zach and Mike.

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