In the heart of Utah, the Red Cliffs Rifle and Pistol Range hosted an exciting showcase of young talent this past weekend as 44 teenage marksmen and women competed in a prestigious shooting eventa qualifier for future state and national level competitions organized by the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA). Among the competitors was 18-year-old Mikaly Missy Harding, the defending national champion in light rifle, who has captured attention not just for her skill but also for the insights she shares about the mindset needed to succeed in competitive shooting. Harding's philosophy revolves around mental resilience. After her first round, she reflected on her experiences: Anybody can have the skill to become a national champion. Its your mindset, everythings in your mind, she stated. Her competitive journey is emblematic of the challenges and rewards that accompany this sport, where mental toughness is often as critical as technical proficiency. Her approach exemplifies a common sentiment echoed by many successful competitorsstaying composed under pressure is vital. Competitors at the Red Cliffs range fired a total of 77 rounds, with specific time constraints per shooting position. Athletes maneuvered through three key positionsprone, standing, and sittingas they aimed at paper targets set 50 yards away. This intense competition isn't just about precision; it reflects the commitment and strategic planning that teenage athletes bring to the sport. Missys passion for shooting began early, stemming from a childhood spent around firearms. Ive always had guns in my life. Ever since I could hold my little pink BB gun, I was shooting anything I could honestly get my sights on, she recalled. Her drive to compete grew as she navigated through other sports, ultimately finding her niche in shootingan endeavor that now fuels her competitive spirit and ambition. Her experiences are not isolated. Whitley Hatt, another shooter from Genola, has also showcased her talent on a similar trajectory. Attending Payson High School, Hatt expressed a sense of empowerment through her participation in shooting events: I definitely feel like the program is growing for females as well. This statement reflects a larger trend as anecdotal evidence indicates increasing female participation in shooting sports over recent years. Hatt's journey to recovery after a severe injury infused her with determination, demonstrating how passion transcends obstacles. The love of the sport, for sure, she affirmed as her motivation throughout rugged rehabilitation. Light Rifle Director Cody Moore, officiating at the event, noted the camaraderie and positive atmosphere among young competitors, spotlighting their growth as marksmen. A lot of these kids first step on this line and theyre struggling, he said, underlining the progress observed throughout competitions. Then in every competition they go through, you can watch these kids excel and get better and better. The Red Cliffs venue, one of the few capable of accommodating such events, has become a cornerstone for nurturing this talent, providing the space and resources necessary for successful competitions. Overall, the event not only served as a platform for young shooters to display their skills but also as a testament to the growing culture and community surrounding shooting sports among teenagers. The presence of aspiring young marksmen like Harding and Hatt indicates a bright future for competitive shooting in Utah.