Tanner Brooks from Walkerton, IN has shot his way to a champion skeet shooter.

His mother and coach started the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) three years ago for the youth in the area. A team of three formed from this program including Brooks and fellow homeschooler Tim Baker. They won the state championship competition this year with Brooks being named Highest Over All (HOA). His American score was 98/100 and his International score was 113/125.

In August, the team headed to the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, IL for the SCTP National Championship. Out of the 43 teams, Brooks and company took first with a combined total of 585/600 targets while Brooks connected on 100 consecutive targets the first day of competition.

They have now been invited to the National Junior Olympic Shotgun Championship in Colorado Springs, CO. Brooks has maintained a 3.9 GPA and already has 28 college credits. He is also involved in the NRA Foundation’s YES program. A weeklong excursion into the heart of the nation’s capital. Including meeting members of congress and taking part in teamed debates. “I have been extremely blessed in my shooting career and there is no way I would be able to do this without being homeschooled. It has allowed me to take time out of my day to train and travel. I would love to tell fellow homeschoolers about my blessed career and also about an incredible opportunity.”

We also had a chance to speak with Tanner about homeschooling and his success.

What is your favorite thing about homeschooling?
What I like most about homeschooling is the versatility. Without being homeschooled, there is no way I would be shooting like I am today. It allows me time to go to the range and practice. Also, homeschooling gives me a great educational base. My mom can specialize my training for me and me alone. If I don’t get a concept, we can go over it again. If I do get a concept, we can go further ahead. It incorporates multisensory learned into every concept. Being homeschooled, I attended early bird classes at my local community college. This was a great opportunity for me to learn the habits and concepts of higher education.

How has homeschooling played a part in your life?
Homeschooling has played a major role in my spiritual life. It has allowed me to develop a firm grounding in my faith in Jesus Christ. Additionally, homeschooling has played a major part in my life. First of all, it has allowed me the time to shoot. Without homeschooling, I would have a hard time getting time to shoot. Although most of my shooting competitions are during the summer, a good majority of them are during the school year. I would have had a more difficult time attending those competitions in a school corporation.

Are you planning to attend college?
Yes, I am definitely planning on going to college. Which college is the question of the century! I have my choice narrowed down to three: Indiana Wesleyan University, Purdue University, or Hillsdale College. Currently, if accepted, I am planning on attending Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI. Hillsdale is planning on starting a shooting club, so I feel I could be untilized there. Also, their undergrad program seems robust and definitely worth the challenge. I am planning on majoring in Political Science or Law. After undergrad school, I would like to attend a graduate school.

What advice would you give to other homeschoolers who want to play sports?
If you are a homeschooler and want to play sports, be sure to take advantage of the great opportunity you have! You have the chance to become great because of your unique situation. Get your parents involved and go all out for your goals. Homeschooling allows you the time, resources and ability to go beyond the average “high school sports” and take it to the next level. HSI