Mar 27, 2015 3 min read

CLAYSVILLE – A clay shoot in memory of West Greene graduate Ben McConnell will be held May 16 at Split Rail Sporting Clays, located at 663 Templeton Run Road in Claysville.

Ben’s mom, Pansy Matthews McConnell, said a clay shoot is a fitting way to memorialize her son. McConnell died March 7, 2014, because of injuries sustained in an ATV accident.

“Ben loved the outdoors and he loved to hunt. He was one of the original members of the West Greene High School rifle team when it first started,” she said. “We wanted to do something that would be a reflection of that, of him.”

The McConnell’s chose Team Dreams Become Reality Inc. of Waynesburg to be the recipients of all proceeds from the clay shoot. Team DBR is a nonprofit organization that provides hunting and fishing opportunities for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

“We thought about doing a scholarship but we couldn’t think of one that would be about the things he loved and that would only be helping one person. This way, it will help many,” McConnell said.

When she called Team DRB to ask if they would like to receive proceeds from the clay shoot, McConnell learned her choice was a perfect one.

“They are from the West Greene area. Their son went to school with Ben. What I didn’t know was that he was at their house that night and had just left when the accident happened,” McConnell said. Ben McConnell lost control of his ATV when a he swerved to avoid hitting a dog that ran into his path.

McConnell said she believes her son would approve of her choice.

Teams are required to register for the shoot by May 1. All shooters must provide their own equipment. However, shotgun rental is available for $30 per person. Shell size is to be no larger than 7 low brass.

Golf cart rental is available for an additional $40. Participants may also walk the course or provide their own off-road vehicle.

Teams will consist of four shooters. Individual registrants will be assigned to a team with less than four members. Everyone on the course is required to wear eye and ear protection at all times.

The cost per team member is $70 to include a barbecue chicken and rib dinner following the shoot. The cost to participate in only the dinner portion of the event is $25 per person.

All payments are non-refundable. A 50/50 drawing, raffles and Top Shooter awards will be presented. Event t-shirts will be sold for $15.

Team sponsors are still being sought for the event, as well as sign sponsors.

For more information, call Pansy McConnell at 724-627-0552 or 724-852-1938.