Origins of Sporting Clays
Sporting Clays began in England in the early 1900s as a training method for driven-game hunts. Initially, live pigeons were used, but clay targets soon replaced them, making the sport more humane and widely accessible. In 1925, the first British Open Sporting Clays Championship was held, solidifying the sport’s growing popularity.
Unlike trap and skeet, which use standardized target paths, Sporting Clays offers diverse target presentations—varying in speed, angle, elevation, and distance—closely imitating real hunting scenarios.
Introduction of Sporting Clays to the U.S.
The sport was introduced to America in 1980 when Bob Brister wrote about it in Field & Stream. Later that year, the first U.S. Sporting Clays shoot took place at Remington’s Lordship Gun Club in Connecticut, attracting ninety shooters, including NSSF executives.
In 1981, British shooting expert Chris Cradock designed a Sporting Clays venue at Remington Farms, further promoting the sport to outdoor enthusiasts. By 1985, the United States Sporting Clays Association (USSCA) was founded Rick Kennerknecht in Houston, Texas, to govern the sport and host competitions. That same year, Orvis sponsored the first U.S. National Sporting Clays Championship, marking a major milestone. By 1989, the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) formed the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA), which became the official governing body.
Rick Kennerknecht’s Early Impact
Rick Kennerknecht entered the Sporting Clays arena in 1988, during the sport’s early growth phase in the U.S. His debut was extraordinary—winning the California State Championships in his very first competition. This victory earned him a place on the USSCA All American Sporting Clays Team, a position he proudly held for three consecutive years.
International Achievements of Rick Kennerknecht
Kennerknecht’s influence extended well beyond the U.S. He represented Team USA in international competitions held in Switzerland, Portugal, and England. Among his most prestigious victories was securing back-to-back Team Gold Medals in Ball Trap Pro against France, solidifying his status as a world-class competitor.
Alongside fellow shooters Dan Reeves and John Cloherty, Rick Kennerknecht also performed shooting exhibitions across the U.S. and Europe. These displays showcased the precision, excitement, and accessibility of Sporting Clays, inspiring countless new participants.
Contributions Beyond Competition
Rick Kennerknecht’s legacy is not limited to his championships. His role on the USSCA All American Team and as an international representative elevated the profile of Sporting Clays during its foundational years in America. His exhibitions and outreach efforts introduced the sport to broader audiences, bridging competitive shooters and recreational hunters.
When the USSCA gave way to the NSCA in 1989, Kennerknecht remained a respected ambassador for the sport. He later expanded his influence through business ventures, including Global Sporting Safaris and Charity Safaris, both of which promote hunting, shooting sports, conservation, and charitable causes.
Rick Kennerknecht’s Lasting Legacy
From his competitive victories to his international representation and promotional work, Rick Kennerknecht played a vital role in shaping Sporting Clays in America. His efforts not only advanced the sport’s competitive edge but also fostered a community that continues to grow today. Through his sporting achievements and business initiatives, Kennerknecht remains a lasting figure in the world of shooting sports.
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