Junior Shooting Sports

Ely Junior Shooting Sports Program (JSSP)
The JSSP is a national program with the American Legion.  The Ely American Legion has a JSSP Iowa program that consists of:

1.  8-week Basic Marksmanship Classes (BMC) (registration* in August and classes start on Tuesdays in October)

2.  Competitions: For those who took the BMC classes and passed the final exam: November to March – Air Rifle practices (3 positions)
*It is recommended that students have the upper body strength to hold up an air rifle before they start the BMC classes (set up a time with contacts listed at the bottom of the page for analysis if your student-athlete is ready for classes) (older than 10 years old is strongly recommended and preferred)

CURRENT STATUS: Fall/Winter Basic Marksmanship Class (BMC) registration: is Closed. The next classes will begin: September 2025 and continue weekly every Tuesday through November.

Basic Marksmanship Registration

  • It is pertinent that students attend all eight (8) classes.
  • Student-athletes who are confirmed registrants for this class, materials will be distributed prior to the initial class.  Distribution of materials will occur during a can-drive fundraiser at the Ely American Legion Post (and complete paper registration and medical information).
  • Online registration is shared on social media (Ely American Legion Facebook page).
  • Class materials are donated by the instructors:  Students are provided a printed copy to students: “Student’s Guide to Position Air Rifle” (binder includes content that students will cover in the 8-week Basic Marksmanship Shooting Program).

 

 

 

Junior Shooting Sports Program Competitions | Ely JSSP traveling team

  • The 2024/25 competition season begins in November 2024.
  • Competitions are open to those who have completed the Basic Marksmanship Program 8- week classes and passed the final exam.
  • Competitions allow student-athletes to travel to other American Legion locations such as Ames, Muscatine, Swisher, Cedar Rapids, Lone Tree, and Des Moines.

  • While there are annual costs associated with the facilitation of the program, currently, we do not charge a membership or participation fee for student-athletes or families; donations are welcome.

Introduction Video of Safety Tips

How can the Triple Nickel JSS and shooting sports benefit student-athletes?

Safety.  Knowledge. Self Confidence. Strength. Work Ethic.

These are transferable skills that you can gain from shooting sports.  The skills learned can assist in mental agility, managing pressure situations, working with others in the workforce, and soft-skills (communicating with others).

 

 

Do you have additional questions for 555JSS?
The Triple Nickel Junior Shooting Sports Club’s volunteers  are available for questions you may have:
Executive Board: Tina Elwood Gehrke, Juan Trevino, Garrett Carlson
Coaches/Safety Officers and board members who assist (or have assisted): Will Horrigan, Bill Horrigan, Alan Wery, Jerry Walling

Thanks to former Air Rifle Club President Butch Gaddis and his family for helping to start this program in 2019.

Historical State of Iowa Match Award Winners who came from Ely Program: 
Chase Gehrke, 6th 2016, Iowa International air-rifle Champion
Kaleb Lane, 4th 2016
Kadence Gillin, 3rd 2021