Four Mambas. Hundreds of Competitors. One Incredible Week.
When people hear the name Etowah Valley Mambas, they often think of a local youth sporting clays team.
What many don’t realize is that these young athletes are competing, and succeeding, on some of the biggest stages in the country.
During the 2026 NSCA Georgia State Championship and North American FITASC Championship, held June 17–21 at Big Red Oak Plantation in Gay, Georgia, four members of the Etowah Valley Mambas represented North Georgia among 527 competitors from across the United States.
Competing against experienced adult shooters, Master Class competitors, professional athletes, and some of the nation’s best junior talent, the Mambas once again proved that dedication, discipline, and hard work can take you anywhere.
And for many of these young athletes, this is only the beginning.
More Than a Local Youth Team
The Etowah Valley Mambas are more than a youth sporting clays team based in Dawsonville, Georgia.
They represent a culture of:
💥Sportsmanship
💥Discipline
💥Confidence
💥Leadership
💥Goal setting
💥Continuous improvement
While many youth athletes begin competing through SCTP (Scholastic Clay Target Program), several Mambas have expanded into NSCA (National Sporting Clays Association) competition, allowing them to compete against some of the best shooters in the country.
These events provide opportunities to:
- improve skills
- earn All-American points
- pursue collegiate scholarships
- qualify for Team USA
- compete against nationally ranked athletes
It’s a level of competition that prepares these young shooters for incredible opportunities beyond high school.
Outstanding Performances at the 2026 NSCA Georgia State Championship
👏 Andrew Booker
Andrew delivered an outstanding performance throughout the championship.
🥇 1st Place – Main Sporting (A Class)
Score: 160 out of 200
Andrew secured the class championship after winning an exciting tie-break shoot-off.
He also captured:
🥇 1st Place – 12 Gauge Sub Sporting (A Class)
Score: 44 out of 50
Again, earning the victory in a tie-break.
Winning one championship is impressive.
Winning two in the same event speaks to remarkable consistency under pressure.
👏 Noah Sanchez
Noah continued to demonstrate why he’s one of the region’s strongest young competitors.
Highlights included:
🥈 2nd Place – AA Class Super Sporting
Score: 94 out of 100
Competing against 81 AA Class shooters, Noah finished among the very best.
He also placed:
🏅 5th Overall – Junior Division
Competing against 39 junior athletes.
Even more exciting? Noah recently accepted a collegiate shooting scholarship to Emmanuel College, where he’ll continue both his education and competitive shooting career.
His journey is a wonderful example of how youth sporting clays can create opportunities far beyond the course.
👏 Ian Welch
At only 14 years old, Ian continues to compete well beyond his age group.
During the North American FITASC Championship, Ian:
🥇 Won AA Class
Competing against 45 other AA shooters
Score: 178 out of 200
Perhaps even more impressive?
His score tied nationally recognized Master and Professional shooters including:
- Connor Daniel
- Shelby Moon
- Cody Matson
- Kevin DeMichiel
The overall winning score was 185, meaning Ian finished only seven targets behind the event champion.
He also placed:
🏅 5th Overall – Junior Division
Although still technically a Sub-Junior, Ian is on the verge of becoming a Master Class shooter, an incredible accomplishment for someone his age.
His goals extend even further. Last year, Ian narrowly missed earning a spot on Team USA Sporting, finishing fifth when only the top four athletes were selected.
This year’s objective? Earning that Team USA jersey.
Ian also competes across the country earning NSCA All-American points, with upcoming events including the North Central Regional Championship in Illinois followed by the SCTP National Championships in Ohio.
👏 Sydney Self
Sydney continues proving herself among some of the sport’s strongest female competitors.
She finished:
🏅 5th Overall – C Class
Competing against 41 shooters
Score: 82 out of 100
She also earned:
🏅 4th Place – Ladies Division
Among 26 female competitors.
Her continued success reflects the hard work and determination she brings to every competition.
Opportunities Beyond Sporting Clays
Many people are surprised to learn just how many opportunities clay target sports can provide.
Participation can lead to:
🎓 Collegiate scholarships
🏆 National championships
📃 Team USA qualification opportunities
⭐ All-American recognition
🤝 Lifelong friendships
💼 Leadership development
🎯 Confidence that carries into school, careers, and everyday life
For the Mambas, sporting clays isn’t simply a weekend hobby. It’s opening doors.
Why the Etowah Valley Mambas Continue to Grow
Parents often tell us they’re looking for activities that help their children:
- build confidence
- spend time outdoors
- develop responsibility
- learn discipline
- make lifelong friends
The Etowah Valley Mambas provide exactly that.
Whether a participant dreams of collegiate competition or simply wants to enjoy the sport recreationally, every athlete receives encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.
Success isn’t measured only by trophies. It’s measured by the young people these athletes become.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Etowah Valley Mambas program?
The Etowah Valley Mambas is a youth sporting clays team based at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays in Dawsonville, Georgia. Athletes compete locally, regionally, and nationally while developing safe shooting skills, confidence, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Do athletes only compete in SCTP?
No. Many Mambas also compete in NSCA events throughout the country, earning All-American points, competing for national titles, and pursuing Team USA opportunities.
Can sporting clays lead to college scholarships?
Absolutely. Colleges across the country now offer competitive clay target sports programs and scholarships. Recent Mamba Noah Sanchez will continue his shooting career at Emmanuel College on scholarship.
How can my child get involved?
Families interested in learning more about the Etowah Valley Mambas are encouraged to contact Etowah Valley Sporting Clays. Whether your child is new to the sport or already competing, there are opportunities to learn, grow, and become part of a supportive community.
The Future Is Bright
Watching these young athletes compete at the highest levels of the sport is inspiring. But what makes the Etowah Valley Mambas truly special isn’t just the championships or podium finishes.
It’s watching confidence grow. It’s seeing friendships form. It’s witnessing hard work pay off. And it’s knowing that today’s youth shooters are becoming tomorrow’s leaders.
🥳 Congratulations to Andrew Booker, Noah Sanchez, Ian Welch, Sydney Self, and every member of the Etowah Valley Mambas for representing Dawsonville, North Georgia, and EVSC with excellence.
We can’t wait to see what comes next.
Interested in learning more about the Etowah Valley Mambas?
Whether your child is just getting started or dreams of competing at the national level, we’d love to introduce you to the program.
📍 Etowah Valley Sporting Clays
619 Sporting Hill Dr.
Dawsonville, GA 30534
📞 (706) 265-1611
