View full article PDF here.Recap: 2023 ATA All-American Captains
Each year, the ATA recognizes team captains across all categories, honoring shooters who combine skill, resilience, and leadership. The 2023 All-American Captains shared how they handle disruptions, manage rising costs, and adjust from 16 to 27 yards—offering readers a glimpse into the mindset of the sport’s elite.
Open Captain
Richard Marshall Jr. (NE) – A veteran champion and coach, Marshall emphasized mental toughness: distractions happen, but he regroups instantly and moves on. His only adjustment from Singles to Handicap is shell choice, sticking with Fiocchi loads tailored for each event.
Lady I Captain
Raylee Bishop (IA) – The young standout relies on breathing, focus points, and positive thoughts to stay composed. Backed by strong family support, she notes Handicap is her toughest battle, requiring smoother, more deliberate moves.
Lady II Captain
Debbie Ohye-Neilson (PA) – A legend in the sport, Ohye-Neilson has cut back on practice to offset costs but maintains consistency by changing only shells between Singles and Handicap. Her advice: focus on refocusing when disruptions occur.
Sub Junior Captain
Wyatt Debrie (NE) – Sponsored by Remington, Debrie uses music and fundamentals to stay sharp. For Handicap, he moves his hold points closer to the house, making his moves more efficient from the back fence.
Junior Captain
Mitchell Pierson (IL) – Calmness is key: he takes a deep breath to reset and credits Fiocchi for helping him manage costs. He shifts from a high hold in Singles to level with the trap house in Handicap.
Junior Gold Captain
Ian Lawrence (IL) – Balances college and shooting, funding his sport by guiding duck hunts. He treats disruptions like a fresh start, changing only his hold point for Handicap.
Sub Veteran Captain
David Deitch (MO) – Works extra hours to keep shooting and raises his comb slightly when moving to the back fence. His mantra: block out distractions, reset, and focus on the target.
Veteran Captain
Lloyd Beecraft (ON) – A contractor from Ontario, Beecraft stresses tuning out others’ scores and focusing only on his own game. Adjustments come down to shell and choke selection.
Senior Veteran Captain
William Van Nieuwenhuysen (SD) – A retired farmer who reloads more shells to cut costs, he switches barrels between Singles and Handicap for better point of impact.
Chairshooter Captain
William Ross (PA) – A retired competitor with decades in the game, Ross modifies his stock for recoil reduction and keeps his focus by treating each target as its own challenge. His philosophy: “This is what I do. I could die tomorrow, and I need to have fun now.”
Final Take
From legends like Ohye-Neilson and Marshall Jr. to rising talents like Debrie and Bishop, the 2023 All-American Captains embody the dedication, focus, and adaptability required to excel in trapshooting. Their insights remind us that success comes not just from breaking targets, but from building habits, managing challenges, and staying true to the love of the sport.
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