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June 7, 2023 - Jacksonville, FL

Varsity Shooting Team Completes Another Banner Year

The Jacksonville University Varsity Sporting Clays, Skeet and Trap Team took home another ACUI/SCTP national championship title this spring in San Antonio, Texas, bringing the team’s total count to... Read more at JU.edu



March 28, 2023 - San Antonio, TX

JU Shooting team heads to San Antonio

Our team competed at the ACUI Nationals in San Antonio last week! We had the following top finishes in Division 1 as a team:
  🥇1st Place Trap
  🥈2nd Place Skeet
  🥈2nd Place Doubles Skeet
  🥉3rd Place Sporting Clays
  🥉3rd Place Doubles Trap
  🥉3rd Place Super Sporting Clays
  🥉3rd Place HOA Team
Gavyn Hamilton also won 3rd Place in the Men’s Trap Event and ran his first 100/100!
Congratulations to everyone who competed! 🥳



March 20, 2023 - Las Vegas, NV

JU Shooting team members head to Vegas

12 of our teammates competed in the NCSSAA National Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada over the weekend! The competition proved to be fierce, but we had several personal records broken. Thank you to 401k Maneuver Royal-Fund Management and Wfli JAX for sponsoring our jerseys for this tournament! Thank you to the National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association for hosting a fantastic event as well! Onto ACUI Nationals this week! 👏🏼



December 11, 2020 - Jacksonville, FL

New Team Recruiting Video Drops



May 10, 2022 - Jacksonville, FL

JU Shooting team members head to the international stage

Two Jacksonville University shooting teammates have their sights set on competing, and winning, at the highest level of their sport. ... Read more at The WAVE



April 27, 2020 - Wooser, OH

Butdorf Taking His Trap Shooting Talents To The Next Level

Jacob Butdorf’s senior season of trap shooting hasn’t turned out as he had dreamed, but for the Wooster High product, he at least has another opportunity to shine in the shooting sports. ... Read more at The Daily Record



June 21, 2019 - Jacksonville, FL

In This Sport, JU Keeps Targeting National Titles

To find National Champions, and lots of them, look no further than the Sporting Clay, Skeet and Trap team at JU.

A shooting team? At JU you say? ... Read More at Jacksonville.com



July 21, 2018 - Morengo, OH

July SCTP National Championships
 - by David T. Dobson

 
The ever-winning JU Varsity Shooting Team took a 6-man squad to the SCTP (www.shootsctp.org) Clay Target National Championships a week ago and took two more HOA collegiate national event titles in Handicap Trap and Trap Doubles, as well as RU in American Trap, thus making JU an unprecedented 18-time ACUI and SCTP National (Event) Champion. Matt DeBord, JU Captain, took the HOA Individual Collegiate National Champion title in Handicap Trap for the second year in a row. The rest of the members who filled out the JU squad were: Palmer Szavuly, Andrew Lackie (Team Co-Captain), Jason Holley, Gabe Nackashi and Joe Byron. The SCTP Nationals were held for the third year at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Morango, Ohio with an estimated 2,600 high school and collegiate athletes competing in the biggest-yet SCTP Nationals Championships. They were previously held at the National Shooting Complex in Sparta, Illinois.

There are NO divisional lines in this shoot -- all teams compete on the same level, and JU faced off against a number of powerhouse collegiate shooting talent. JU shooters went toe to toe with some of the top shooters in the U.S. this past July and made us proud!

Collegiate shooters have 6 years of eligibility to compete in the ACUI & SCTP system from the time of their first Nationals event, regardless of Collegiate or Graduate level, making this the most competitive system in existence today -- building better citizens for our future across all fronts. We congratulate ALL of our amazing Students!

There are some 350 universities and colleges with Clay Sports (Shotgun Sports) shooting programs currently across the country, and these programs boast some of the highest GPA composites in the Collegiate world. The Shooting Sports are now the fastest growing element in Collegiate Club/Varsity Sports.

Please join me in congratulating JU's former team captain and current assistant coach, Kelby Seanor, in winning the Silver Medal at the World F.I.T.A.S.C. event in Lyon, France this past month. This is his second year as a member of Team USA, our Sporting Clays Olympic Team equivalent. Way to go, Kelby!

Many thanks to the Jacksonville Gun Club, and all of the other Clubs here and around the country who have stood behind our Youth and Collegiate shooters, as they are our future. God Bless and safe shooting!

David Dobson is one of our long-term Resident (Master) Teaching Pros and life members here at JGC. He and Addie, also a NSCA Certified Instructor, live in Ponte Vedra Beach. He is Chairman & CEO of Dobson & Associates, Inc., as well as the founder of Dobson Performance Shooting School (www.daviddobson.com), and current JU Faculty and Founder/Head Coach/Director of the JU Varsity Shooting Team, as well as Founding Head Coach for the UNF Shooting Team. He can be reached at (904) 285-9500, or via Email at Ddobsonpvb@aol.com or ddobson1@ju.edu.



October 12, 2017 - Jacksonville, FL

River City Live Interview


Dave Dobson & Benji Felder Interview at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports ... Watch the video at River City Live



August 10, 2017 - Jacksonville, FL

Shooting team members put "skin in the game" to take command nationally


The collegiate shooting world took notice when Jacksonville University's Varsity Shooting Team ... Read more at The WAVE



July 26, 2017 - Columbus, OH

Jacksonville Univ. Picks Up 2nd National Title With Doubles Skeet Win


Members of the Jacksonville (Fla.) University Sporting Clays, Skeet & Trap Team picked up ... Read more at The Outdoor Wire



July 01, 2017 - Jacksonville, FL

The Outdoors Show


We were joined in-studio by the Coach David Dobson and two members of the Jacksonville University Shooting Team, ... Read more at The Outdoors Show



April 11, 2017 - Westhampton, NY

Westhampton's Hunter Tracy Helps Lead Jacksonville University To Successful Week At Clay Target Nationals


As a freshman on the Jacksonville University Sporting Clays, Skeet, and Trap team, Hunter Tracy had a bad habit of ... Read more at 27East



March 24, 2017 - Southeastern OH

The Last Column

My byline first appeared on this on this column twenty years ago this month, my first go at standing in for a hardbitten ... Read more at The Weekend Birddog



January 20, 2017 - Jacksonville, FL

Varsity Shooting Team emerges as a national powerhouse


Seven seasons, 10 national event championships, several Olympic hopefuls,... Read more at The WAVE



November 8, 2016 - Jacksonville, FL

Varsity Shooting team Runner-Up at JAX Southeast Collegiate Invitational


The Varsity Shooting team recently co-hosted its sixth Jax Southeast Collegiate Invitational... Read more at The WAVE



July 28, 2016 - Jacksonville, FL

JU Shooting Team takes GOLD at SCTP Nationals in two events


The Varsity Shooting Team took a six-man squad to the recent Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Championships (www.shootsctp.org), grabbing HOA (High Overall) ... Read more at The WAVE



November 3, 2015 - Jacksonville, FL

JU wins top honors at Fall Southeast Clay Target Regional Championship


Jacksonville University took top honors while hosting nine teams at the fifth annual Fall Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) Southeast Clay Target Regional Championship held recently at ... Read more at The WAVE



October 28, 2015 - Jacksonville, FL

JU shooting team receives high praise


This week Jacksonville University's shooting team is our Team of the Week. Last week they won the Southeast Collegiate Championship, and swept the awards. ... Read more at WJXT



July 27, 2015 - Jacksonville, FL

Varsity Shooting Team earns four national titles at SCTP Championships


The JU Varsity Shooting Team recently took a five-man squad to the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Championships and came back with ... Read more at The WAVE



April 14, 2015 - Jacksonville, FL

JU's Scott Hensley new national skeet champ as Varsity Shooting Team places in top six at ACUI Nationals

Jacksonville University is home to a new national champion. ... Read more at The WAVE



January 30, 2014 - Jacksonville, FL

JU Varsity Shooting team takes top honors at ACUI Southeast Collegiate Regionals


JU's Varsity Shooting Team has started the new semester strong, winning the ACUI Southeast Collegiate Regional Championships at the famed Forest City Gun Club in Savannah, Ga. ... Read more at WAVE Weekly



January 27, 2014 - Jacksonville, FL

Outside: Barrels of fun at Jacksonville Skeet and Trap Club


It all seems so simple. A 4 1/2-inch clay disc whirls across the wide-open spaces of a level field, only to be blown up by a perfectly aimed blast of a shotgun. ... Read more at Jacksonville.com



November 18, 2013 - Jacksonville, FL

JU Faculty, Varisty Shooting Team Link Up With Wounded Warrior Project


Jacksonville University's Varsity Shooting Team continues to develop its unique relationship with the Wounded Warrior Project based in Jacksonville, including recently hosting 18 veterans for clay target shooting, as well as arranging an eye-opening visit by JU staff to WWP's facilities. ... Read more at JUShootingTeam.com



July 1, 2013 - Jacksonville, FL

JU Varsity Shooting Team wins at Georgia State SCTP Championships


The JU Varsity Sporting Clays, Skeet, and Trap Team dominated in the Collegiate Division of the Georgia SCTP State Championships in Savannah this month, claiming three of six individual event awards and winning first place in the Collegiate Skeet event and second in the Collegiate Sporting Clays event.

Captain Scott Hensley started off the morning June 15 with a strong score in sporting clays that netted him the title of Georgia SCTP State Sporting Clay Collegiate Champion. Mike Esposito and Lissette Matos, also team captains, recorded strong scores in sporting clays, with the Dolphins finishing second as a team.

The afternoon kicked off the skeet portion of the championships. Again, the Dolphins had strong performances that landed them the Collegiate Georgia SCTP State Skeet Championship title. Hensley and Esposito battled through mechanical issues on the field and scorching heat to earn two of the three awards for skeet.

Hensley finished runner-up with Esposito hot on his heels earning the Dolphins two of the three individual awards for the Collegiate Division of the championships. It was another stellar performance by the JU Varsity Shooting Team.



February 4, 2013 - Jacksonville, FL

The JU Shooting Team and Winter Alumni Gathering

Watch the video at News4Jax.com


November 19, 2012 - Jacksonville, FL

Olympic coach leads skeet shooting clinic at JU

Every athlete has goals they want to achieve.

Some want to be all-stars. Others want to win championships, or they dream about representing their country in the Olympics.

Being taught by an Olympian isn't a bad place to start for the latter goal. ... Read more at Jacksonville.com


November 6, 2012 - Jacksonville, FL

Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock to lead clinic Nov. 17-18 for Jacksonville University Varsity shooting team, public


A budding Jacksonville University Varsity Sporting Clays, Skeet & Trap Team turned in a strong performance recently as it hosted the Southeastern Collegiate Invitational Championships. ... Read more at Jacksonville.com


November, 2012

Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock runs clinic Nov. 17-18 for Jacksonville University Varsity shooting team, public

Article on the Jacksonville University's news site detailing David's commitment to teaching the sport.


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Altus Brands Partners To Promote Youth and Collegiate Shooting Sports
Traverse City, MI - Altus Brands recently announced a sponsorship with highly accomplished professional competitive shooter and NSCA & NSSA Certified Level III Master Instructor, David T. Dobson. Founded in 1998, and based in Jacksonville, Florida, Dobson Performance Shooting School provides top-notch wing-shooting, sporting, skeet and trap shooting instruction and coaching to people of all ages, backgrounds and shooting levels- from the beginner to the Olympic level.

Most notable, however, is David Dobson's accomplishments and ongoing work with youth and collegiate shooting programs. Dobson is the founder and head coach of the Jacksonville University Sporting, Skeet and Trap Team, now a varsity sport in its fourth year at JU. The JU Shooting Team was the (Divisional) ACUI National Clay Target Sports Champion in 2011, and placed third in Division the following year (2012) - a VERY big deal for these young shooters.

"We're very proud to have such an accomplished shooter and professional coach like David Dobson on board with us at Altus Brands (www.altusbrands.com)," stated Altus Brands Executive VP Charlie Ricci. "Year after year, David Dobson has helped hundreds of youth shooters meet their goals. We want to support Dobson and the work he's done to further shooting sports. As a sponsored athlete and professional coach, Dobson will use our shooting products, such as Pro Ears and ShotKam, and provide us with expert guidance on shooting equipment as it relates to youth and collegiate athletes."

The Jacksonville University Shooting Team became the model for the rest of the collegiate shooting programs in the state of Florida, as well as a host of others around the USA. David Dobson, along with Craig Hancock, whose son Vincent is currently a two-time Olympic gold medalist in International Skeet, helped to found, and currently serve on, the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Collegiate Advisory Board. He also founded the Jacksonville Southeastern Collegiate Invitational Fall & Spring Shoots, now sponsored by the SCTP and hosted by JU and the Jacksonville Skeet & Trap Club.

For more information on Dobson Performance Shooting School, see: www.daviddobson.com.

Media Contact: Sue Bookhout, sue@suebmedia.com, 315-333-0630.

About Altus Brands, LLC
Since 2008, Altus Brands, LLC has worked with small to mid-sized companies in the hunting, fishing, shooting and outdoor recreation space to unlock their potential for growth through partnerships and acquisitions. The company has acquired and developed eleven brands in the hunting, fishing, shooting and outdoor recreation space, including Cass Creek Outdoors game calls, Extreme Dimension Wildlife Calls, Pro Ears hearing protection, Benchmaster Shooting Products, Bughat, Woodland Whisper, Harmon Scents, Heart Stopper Lures and Pro Hood. Altus Brands, LLC is located at 484 W. Welch Ct., Traverse City, MI 49686. For more information visit www.altusbrands.com
.


The Florida Times Union Sport / Outdoors section printed an article on October 30, 2010 describing the work that David has done with both the Jacksonville University and University of North Florida in establishing shooting team programs at both colleges. Click the following link to read the full article: Outdoors: JU, UNF teams taking their best shot


David was highlighted in the following Fox Ten Shoot 4...Via segment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Traci Mysliwiec
Release Date: April 21, 2011 Communications Manager, 256-7042

JU Shooting Club Wins Honors at ACUI Clay Target National Championships

Jacksonville, Fla. - The Jacksonville University Shooting Club is the Division III, National 5-Stand Sporting Clays Champion after competing in the 43rd Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Clay Target National Championships held March 31 thru April 4 at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas. JU's Club was also runner up in both International Trap and International Skeet, as well as placing third in American Skeet and Sporting Clays and fifth in American Trap, all Division III.

This was the Club's first national event since its inception in the fall of 2009. There were 50 colleges that competed, broken into three divisions, and 432 individual competitors, including members from the United States Shooting Team. Being a club sport, the activity is not funded by the school so members have to pay for their own supplies, etc., but all of the schools compete as varsity teams, as the ACUI makes no distinction between club or varsity.

"We're undefeated in regular season competition, two years running," said David Dobson, MBA, JU adjunct professor and head coach and founder of the JU Shooting Club. "This is a big deal for JU, and I hope to get it fully funded and approved as a varsity concept for JU as it will help with recruitment and retention for the University. Students love it, and the clay shooting sports are the fastest-growing, recreational sport in the country today, and that goes for colleges and universities, as there are more than 200 universities who have Shooting Teams or Clubs."

A professional Wingshooting/Clays instructor and local Ponte Vedra executive, Dobson holds Level III certifications from both the National Skeet Shooting Association and the National Sporting Clays Association. He is only one of two instructors in the country to hold both levels of certification. Dobson, who is also the head coach for the Shooting Club at University of North Florida (UNF), proposed the club to JU in April of 2009. With the help of Dr. Priscilla Berry, assistant professor of business communications, the Club started in the fall of that year with the aid of a National Shooting Sports Foundation (www.nssf.org) grant written by Dobson. JU's Shooting Club was the pilot program for the state of Florida with respect to the NSSF Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative and partners with the Club from UNF for practices.

In regional competition on April 9, JU won the Spring Collegiate Conference Shoot held at Flagler Gun Club, besting UNF, FSU, UF, Stetson, Embry-Riddle and Daytona College. The club also earned the JU Leadership Award for Best New Club in 2010 from Campus Activities. They have earned several grants from the NSSF to put toward their practice and shooting expenses. Funding is always a challenge for the Club, as shooting facilities have fees for targets and shells, and traveling to competitions incurs additional costs.

"We've worked hard to raise money, but it would be such a huge relief if we had more help," said Ashley Kohler, a junior and vice president of the Club. "We've gone to work at the gun show and even sold cookies, but funding is still the biggest obstacle."

The Shooting Club at JU started in the fall of 2009 and now has 16 members. The current members on the shooting club roster are: Justin Felker - president, Ashley Kohler - vice-president, Matt Arn - secretary, TJ Urbanek - treasurer, Anthony Flock, Phillip Rowley, Arthur Pareene, Laura Wade, Alexis Crouch, Steve Lundy, Pete Sutherland, Tarrant Dunford, Michael Esposito, Charles Needham, Jacob Parr and Scott Hensley.

The JU Shooting Club also currently works to support the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), based here in Jacksonville. They wear patches on their vests and WWP hats when they compete in order to spread awareness of the WWP and its mission to help wounded vets acclimate back into civilian life after traumatic injury in combat. This cause is important to them, as a club member, former Army SGT. Pete Sutherland, is a combat veteran, Wounded Warrior and graduate of WWP "TRACK Program". Additionally, Dobson's nephew-in-law, Dan Nevins, is an EVP with the WWP and also a Wounded Warrior after losing his legs in combat in Iraq in 2004.


Action Shots - Click the pictures for full size images...
Addressing the Bird The Coach displaying championship form in Skeet competition The Coach Teaching an Instructor Certification Course with Dan Schindler The Master himself, Dan Schindler (Master Yoda), at work teaching Teachers
Addressing the Bird The Coach displaying championship form in Skeet competition The Coach Teaching an Instructor Certification Course with Dan Schindler The Master himself, Dan Schindler (Master Yoda), at work teaching Teachers
Hands to the Target -- Is that the Coach in the Dave and Addie Having Fun at TM Ranch (is that the lovely Miss Leslie on the right?) The Coach maintaining his Championship Dominance at the State FITASC Shoot Addie Displaying Superb Fundamentals -- Notice the
Hands to the Target -- Is that the Coach in the "Box"?

Dave and Addie Having Fun at TM Ranch (is that the lovely Miss Leslie on the right?)

The Coach maintaining his Championship Dominance at the State FITASC Shoot Addie Displaying Superb Fundamentals -- Notice the "Head in the Gun"!
The Coach at the National Championships Teaching Young Stevie Schwartz To Keep His Head In The Gun New Student Karen inkdots a CROSSER her first time out! New Student Karen Childers and the Coach
The Coach at the National Championships Teaching Young Stevie Schwartz To Keep His Head In The Gun New Student Karen inkdots a CROSSER her first time out! New Student Karen Childers and the Coach
First Time Student Karen Childers smokes High 6 Alex Dobson displaying great form. Alex Dobson, the next Champ in the Dobson Shooting Dynasty! Alex Dobson plans his shot!
First Time Student Karen Childers smokes High 6 Alex Dobson displaying great form. Alex Dobson, the next Champ in the Dobson Shooting Dynasty! Alex Dobson plans his shot!
The Foster Family of Catie, Thaddeus and Alex Catie Foster Smacks a Target! Thaddeus Foster Works A Tower Shot Alex Foster in the Shooting Stand
The Foster Family of Catie, Thaddeus and Alex Catie Foster Smacks a Target! Thaddeus Foster Works A Tower Shot Alex Foster in the Shooting Stand
The Fosters with Patrick (from Dallas) after a great lesson. A Merrill Lynch Shooter Masters an Incomer! Merrill Lynch Shooting Clinic at Jacksonville Gun Club, April, 2004 The Good Times Shooting Team at TM Ranch!
The Fosters with Patrick (from Dallas) after a great lesson. A Merrill Lynch Shooter Masters an Incomer! Merrill Lynch Shooting Clinic at Jacksonville Gun Club, April, 2004 The Good Times Shooting Team at TM Ranch!
Ahnea Vignutti making a nice move to the bird! Ahnea Vignutti gets ready for the rapid rabbit while dad watches! Cecil Vignutti smokes a Clay with great form! Jules Vignutti gets ready to smoke a target.
Aenea Vignutti making a nice move to the bird! Aenea Vignutti gets ready for the rapid rabbit while dad watches! Cecil Vignutti smokes a Clay with great form! Jules Vignutti gets ready to smoke a target.
Jules Vignutti smokes a target as brother Ahnea looks on. The Coach being awarded the HOA Trophy by Sheriff Rutherford, JSO, at the PAL Charity Shoot, 12-2005 Addie's Level I Instructor Certification Class, WW Sporting Clays, 12-2005 Coach Addie helping Heather smoke a target.

Jules Vignutti smokes a target as brother Aenea looks on.

The Coach being awarded the HOA Trophy by Sheriff Rutherford, JSO, at the PAL Charity Shoot, 12-2005

Addie's Level I Instructor Certification Class, WW Sporting Clays, 12-2005 Coach Addie helping Heather smoke a target.
Aenea Vignutti and his Coach hunting quail. Cecil Vignutti and Son, Jules, on their first quail hunt with their Coach and Guide, Matt. Aenea Vignutti with dogs on point. Aenea Vignutti drops a quail on the wing.
Aenea Vignutti and his Coach hunting quail. Cecil Vignutti and Son, Jules, on their first quail hunt with their Coach and Guide, Matt. Aenea Vignutti with dogs on point. Aenea Vignutti drops a quail on the wing.
Aenea Vignutti and his Dad on their first quail hunt with guide, Matt, in the lead. Aenea Vignutti and his Coach take a break while quail hunting. Jules Vignutti and his first quail, nicknamed Jeff. The Vignutti Men and their quarry.
Aenea Vignutti and his Dad on their first quail hunt with guide, Matt, in the lead. Aenea Vignutti and his Coach take a break while quail hunting. Jules Vignutti and his first quail, nicknamed Jeff. The Vignutti Men and their quarry.
The Vignutti Men after their first quail hunt with guide, Matt. Alex and Caitie Foster on their first quail hunt. Addie at her NFL Shoot Station ( WWSC #9) Heather and her Coach, Miss Addie
The Vignutti Men after their first quail hunt with guide, Matt. Alex and Caitie Foster on their first quail hunt. Addie at her NFL Shoot Station (WWSC #9) Heather and her Coach, Miss Addie
Daver Dude & Bill Brooks hanging out in San Antonio at the NSSA World Shoot Daver Dude, Rich Newman & Doug Thompson hanging out in San Antonio at the NSSA World Shoot NFL Hall-of-Famer Jack Youngblood  in the Box Addie and some of her new NFL Hall of Fame friends (WWSC SuperBowl Shoot, 02-2005)
Daver Dude & Bill Brooks hanging out in San Antonio at the NSSA World Shoot Daver Dude, Rich Newman & Doug Thompson hanging out in San Antonio at the NSSA World Shoot NFL Hall-of-Famer Jack Youngblood in the Box Addie and some of her new NFL Hall of Fame friends (WWSC SuperBowl Shoot, 02-2005)
NFL Great The Goose with some of his friends (WWSC SuperBowl Shoot, 02-05-2005)
NFL Great The Goose with
some of his friends (WWSC
SuperBowl Shoot, 02-05-2005)
Jackie & Her Coach On The Skeet Field
Jackie & Her Coach
On The Skeet Field

Jackie displaying excellent form on the Skeet Field
Jackie displaying excellent
form on the Skeet Field

JU Varsity Shooting Team - 2011 Division III ACUI National Champions UNF Varsity Shooting Team - 2011
JU Varsity Shooting Team - 2011 Division III ACUI National Champions UNF Varsity Shooting Team - 2011
JU Varsity Shooting Team - 2012 ACUI National Collegiate Championship JU Varsity Shooting Team - 2012 ACUI National Collegiate Championship JU Varsity Shooting Team - 2012 ACUI National Collegiate Championship
JU Varsity Shooting Team - 2012 ACUI National Collegiate Championship
Vinnie Hancock, 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist, hanging out with the JU Varsity Shooting Team and friends
Vinnie Hancock, 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist, hanging out with the JU Varsity Shooting Team and friends
The Hancocks with some of the JU Varsity Shooting Team at the JU reception (11-16-2012)
The Hancocks with some of the JU Varsity Shooting Team at the JU reception (11-16-2012)
Craig & Vinnie Hancock (Olympic Gold Medalist) visiting with JU President, Dr. Kerry Romesburg (11-16-2012)
Craig & Vinnie Hancock (Olympic Gold Medalist) visiting with JU President, Dr. Kerry Romesburg (11-16-2012)

Testimonials - Kind Words from Our Friends...

David,

Just wanted to drop you a note and say thanks for the lesson last month.
I shot a 36 six months ago at this event [Corporate Shoot], shot a 78 today.

Jake Brown


Hi David,

I wanted to write to let you know of how much the lesson you gave me last year has helped. When I arrived, I would shoot about 85 on trap, and after the lesson, I moved up to shooting 94+, and with more practice, I will do much better. However, the sporting clays game has taken hold, and I have used the tips from our lesson in my sporting clays shooting. I have placed first in my class in each registered shoot I have attended, punched out of E at Bushy Creek during their club championship, and earned two punches by winning my class in the main event and five stand at Santa Rosa, where I shot an 85 in the main event (second time shooting at registered targets). It is remarkable how effective one lesson is with you. I'm still shooting my Browning XT during sporting clays and have managed, during charity shoots, to break 97! The targets during a sporting clays shoot are far more challenging and fun. Thank you again for your time and priceless knowledge.

James Kuehn, USN


Hi David,

I had such a fantastic time yesterday and was shocked by my quick progress with your instruction. I will be working on my gun mount drills (move, mount, work it, shoot it!). I look forward to our next meeting and hopefully we will get the whole family out there for some fun! Have a great week!

Chris Sonntag, M.D.


David

Holy Smokes!! This is fantastic. This exceeds any expectations I had or hoped for. What a tremendous showing for the team and for you, the coach. Amazing.

Kerry D. Romesburg, President - Jacksonville University

Hi Kerry,

JU is competing at the 43rd ACUI Collegiate National Clay Shooting Championships this week in San Antonio, beginning last Thursday and ending tomorrow evening. Here is how we have done so far with our 9/15-man Team coming to SA:

2011 (Division III) National Champions in the 5-Stand Sporting Event (WOW!!!!)
2011 (Division III) RU in the International Skeet Event
2011 (Division III) RU in the International Trap Event

AND we have the TROPHIES to prove it! Pictures to follow!

The JU Shooting Team/Varsity element is making a statement to other colleges here and their coaching staffs..... It has caused quite a stir, and this is thrilling to witness.

The American Skeet & American Trap events are being shot today and tomorrow, and these kids aren't done yet making history, as I suspect they will finish strong in these 2 events. You need to realize that we have members of the USA Shooting Team here competing, and there will be shooters from these collegiate ranks who will be asked to join the US Olympic Shooting Team. THIS A BIG DEAL!

I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of them, let alone, how absolutely amazing this is for such a new program. We have received more compliments from other Coaches on how professional they are in how they conduct themselves, gun safety and etiquette, etc., and they are head and shoulders above the other teams in this regard.

David


HI David,

Thanks for the great lesson today -- I enjoyed it! Got a lot of confidence back. You are a great instructor, and yes, I will work on going "TO the bird"!

John R. Shields, CPA
Mobile, AL


Hi David,

Just a note to thank you for a wonderful lesson on Sunday. Ben and I very much enjoyed learning from you. I still can't believe that I was able to hit the targets, having never held a gun before. Ben was excited to be officially diagnosed as LED, and therefore, a new "lefty shooter". I also appreciate you taking the extra time with us.

As discussed, this is something that we'll have to save and budget for, but we would be interested in taking another lesson at a later time. We'll touch base as we start planning for the year.

If you need a referral or to use us as a reference for future clients like us (i.e., no shooting background), please feel free to send them my name and number.

We had a GREAT time!

Thanks again.

Casey & Ben Huron
Jacksonville, FL.


Hi David,

Today's session was great. I feel like I am starting to get the hang of a lot of things. Just finished three sets of 25 gun mounts, 5 at a time, and will do one more. Thanks for all of your help - you're a great coach!

John R. Shields, CPA
Mobile, Alabama


Hi Dave,

Thank you again for the awesome lesson! I already FEEL like twice the shooter I used to be. I think this is the first and only time I'll ever ask for homework, and I really can't wait to get out there and show off my new found talent (and shattered clays)!

Sincerely,
Thomas Coates
Jacksonville, Fla.


Hi David,

Thanks for the instruction (Friday afternoon at Bushy Creek Sporting Clays). As I told you, it was very helpful, and you are a great teacher. I am excited about learning how to shoot better. Hope to get with you again.

John R. Shields, CPA
Mobile, Alabama


Hey Coach,

Just wanted to thank you for the great coaching session we had Saturday!!!!! You are the man when it comes to teaching. David, you have a great ability to show us students in a positive way that hard work, focus, good mental attitude, and the right fundamentals plus desire = a winning way!!! I will be shooting this coming Saturday, and I will be in front of every target!!! M/P ALL THE WAY. Thank you once again for your time, knowledge, coaching ability, and sincere personality. You are a real joy to shoot with (may God bless you & your family, and if you let Him, He will). Until next time, this old Country Boy will be praying for you & your family. Shoot well and stay focused!!

Old-school ways,
Eddy Taylor
Palatka, Fla.


Hi David,

We have not met, but I am a member of Brush Creek Sporting Clays, where you recently spent a day giving instruction on the sporting clays course. One of those in your charge was my good friend, Walton Starling. I feel compelled to write you to let you know of the profound change I and others have noticed in his shooting. Not a gradual change, but a quantum leap in both approach and effectiveness. You sir, are quite an instructor. If you come back to Brush Creek, I would like to schedule some time with you.

Regards,
John Jankowski
Seneca, S.C.


Hi David,

Just a short note to tell you I shot a charity shoot at Quail Creek today (Red Course) and scored a 92, a personal best! I only dropped 3 birds in the 1st 14 stations. On Stations, 15, 16 and 17, I dropped 5. The "voices" get me! See you Wednesday morning. I am looking forward to the FITASC tutorial. In case I haven't ever said so....Thank you. You are a great instructor.

Art Rhomberg
Lighthouse Point, Fla.


Hi David,

Thank you for your follow up email after our lesson on Saturday at Brush Creek Sporting Clays. I really enjoyed the time with you. I felt it was one of the most positive experiences I have ever had dealing with an Instuctor.

Walton Starling
Hoschton, Ga.


Hi Mr. Dobson,

I teach Intermediate Accounting at Clemson University. One of the biggest obstacles my students have to learning is they don't believe that they can learn accounting. My husband was given a copy of your article, "Have You Gone Mental?" during his Level II Instructor Certification Class. I would like to post your article for my students to read, but need your permission. It will be posted with all of your information attached. Please let me know. Your ideas have helped me with my shooting -- I have too many little devils sitting on my shoulders.

Thanks for your response.

Mary Ann Prater
Senior Lecturer
School of Accountancy and Legal Studies
Clemson University
Clemson, SC


Hi David,

Bob and I want to thank you so much for our lesson this past Friday. We really had a great time and I want to thank you for your time. We are still talking about the lesson and I can't wait to get back out there and practice!

Thank you again and look forward to seeing you soon.

Bob & Ann Campbell-Hays
Jacksonville, Florida


Hi David,

It was a pleasure taking a lesson with you today. The whole family really enjoyed it and we all think that not only are you a fantastic Instructor, but also a very good person!

We shall go out and practice and hope to get back together with you within the next few weeks.

Chris Koppel, M.D.
Fernandina Beach, Fla.


Dear David:

I want to personally thank you for your gift of time (and patience) at the Jacksonville Skeet and Trap Club Women in the Outdoors event! I received many e-mails and notes of thanks, and not one thank-you came without a note particularly regarding your class! While the thought of skeet shooting was intimidating for most of them, every one that participated in your class left feeling comfortable on the field, educated and more importantly, confident!

Once again, thank you for your priceless gift!

Sincerely,
Christine Lyle
Volunteer Event Coordinator


Hi David,

I want to thank you for an eye opening experience today. I contacted you to gain knowledge on safety and good technique, and I left with all and more, and a newly discovered love of a sport. This was an unexpected and exciting result.

I plan on meeting you out at the North JAX site tomorrow at 3PM, but am wondering if I should wait on the cushion, and spend the money on a better shotgun. By chance, are you aware of anyone, among your contacts, who has expressed an interest in wanting to sell a higher quality shotgun such as the Beretta AL390/1, or something similar? If the price is right I may be willing to move up for the pleasure of better made/shooting weapon. I realized today having the right fit is important especially being a big man.

Anyway, thanks again. I appreciate the lesson and look forward to more in the future. I'll see you tomorrow.

Cheers,
Joe Schmitt
Jacksonville, Fla.


Hi David,

Thank you for taking the time to work with me on Wednesday. It was a pleasure to meet you, and I can not begin to tell you how much I enjoyed the experience. Your patience and coaching technique is amazing. I have been on a high for the last two days. You are right, it is addicting! I am hooked already. I have printed your email and will follow your instructions on practice and take your recommendations. I was speaking with a few people, and there is a place in Ocala where I can go to practice with my own targets. I plan to do that on a regular basis and hope to get with you again before December for another lesson maybe with Al and David Eason. I'm sure as I practice more I will have more questions for you. I hope it is ok if I email you. Look forward to working with you again soon!

Thank you,
Sandy Shrum
Florida Business Manager
Forshaw Distribution, Inc.
Ocala, Florida


Hi David,

Just a note of thanks for the enjoyable lesson. I feel as though you helped me in my weaknesses instead of trying to change my whole game plan...very refreshing. I have been practicing my gun mount and focusing on my Mental Cue...I have even recruited my wife to check me for head movement. I look forward to seeing you in the future.

Michael Lyons, M.D.
Mobile, Alabama


Hi David,

I have not yet taken the time to pass along my thoughts and appreciation for including (my Son) Curt and me in your Family Foundations tournament.

Certainly the remarkably fast progress that Curt made is astounding! To start from a complete novice, have only one lesson, and then win the "long-bird" contest and win the B-flight in the tournament might indicate a receptive and coach-able student, but most definitely demonstrates your superb ability as an instructor and a coach. You communicated not only the essentials, but also the proper fundamentals and building blocks for long-term progress. And you made it easy to follow and fun to practice. You can imagine how proud I was of his first exposure to Sporting Clays! A great start that will keep him coming back for more.

John C. Maddox
Jacksonville, Fla.


Hi David,

Thank you for the time on Friday as well as this follow-up. I left our Friday session with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the importance of the fundamentals; I had read about them, but until you showed me how to apply them, the picture was not quite complete. I also read through the Dan Schindler book, and that further reinforced the 5-steps.

We did shoot on Saturday morning, and it went pretty well. I really tried to apply the system, had to self-correct a few times and had Jay there to point out on one stand that my MHP was too close to my VHP, and I was chasing the target. It really helped to further reinforce the importance of those fundamentals and the need to get them into the subconscious. Interestingly enough for me (but well known to you) that even with mounting from the low-gun position and having the correct MHP and VHP, the presentations at WW that I used to have trouble with because of speed, really seemed to slow down. I still have to work on really focusing on the leading edge of the birds, but was able to nail some high-crossers by getting that focus and "extending"...it felt good.

Both Jay and I were a little sore on Saturday, the old muscles weren't used to working that hard lifting those shotguns so many times!

PULL!

Tom Asp
Jacksonville, Fla.


Hi David,

I enjoyed shooting with you yesterday. I can clearly see your method of shooting after much practice will make a big difference in broken targets at the end of the day. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Mike Lange
St. Simons, Ga.


HI David,

I should be in Amelia Island on Feb 4th and 5th. Are you available either day? Everyone is practicing what you preached from our last clinic. Dave has made noticable strides. Mike is also shooting better now that he is consistantly shooting his K gun with both eyes open.

Read the book several times (Lanny Bassham). Very similar to golf psych. Happy New Year. Hope to see you in Feb.

Chris Salzer, D.D.M.
Mobile, Alabama


David,

Thanks for an awesome lesson. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Lot's to work on. Looking forward to tomorrow @ 2:00.

Alex Powers
President/CEO
Southern Aquatics, Inc.
Ponte Vedra, Fla.


Coach DAVID --

I want to thank you for the GREAT Lesson on Saturday. I walked away with a whole lot more than I came with in understanding the Mental nuances of the game, as well as more "tools" in my tool box to draw upon in the Future. Your ability to see those "little things" that make BIG differences, are truly appreciated by me! Especially getting me to realize that I need to "Trust It" with my abilities and my shot, really hit home. Thanks for your "Talents" to do what you do so well, but especially THANK YOU for your Friendship, as it is treasured.

Rick Vollmer
St. Augustine, Fla.


Hi David,

Thanks a bunch, Coach, I had a lot of fun and got a LOT of things to incorporate into my training regime. To be honest, that's significantly better than I'm accustomed to shooting. Now I honestly feel that each shot will be a hit, and the doubts are easier to banish from your thoughts. I was also able to "just shoot 'im", as you coached me to do. Less aiming, more pointing, once confidence is gained... It was also fun spending time with you. I can clearly see why most folks out at the club were/are your students. I'll be back, too, as you do a super job.

There's a long incomer in the 5-stand to work on my SLO-MO gun mounts here in G'ville.

Biggest epiphany was the mental program/checklist. That makes perfect sense. Also relaxing the mount, but staying in the shoulder pocket to reduce that variability.

Fixing the right hand felt better immediately, me being a lefty. Even helps with stability in the shoulder pocket.

Thanks for your time and help, I appreciate it. I'll work on techniques, and then schedule time with your for skeet and trap "gamesmanship" after I get more reps with the basics. I wish I had come to shotgunning when I could still see and had some semblance of young-punk reflexes. But then again, that's all the more reason to strive for mechanical excellence, since those days are past... Can't rely on 'em to pull you out of the mud, as it were...

That was a lot of fun.

David Brumbaugh
Univ. of Florida
Gainesville, Fla.


Hi David and Addie!

Hope this note finds you both doing well!

Anyhoo, thought you'd like to know that on my way home Saturday from the club, I had a permanent "smirk" plastered on my face that not even the crazy drivers out there were able to wipe it off! I enjoyed my class so much and am definitely hooked! What an awesome day I had!! I'm still trying to figure out WHY I waited so long to do this.....just glad I finally did!

I have been practicing my gun mounts, and my Dad gave me an old 12 ga to practice with, as the weight is better and there's more "gun" to it too! As for the post-it I'm using, I plead the 5th.......it's all in the "incentive" I say.....har! har! har! I'm also working on keeping my finger lightly on the trigger for hand position purposes....

I will definitely let you know when I'm ready to order my shotgun, I'm hoping very soon....cause I'm ready to get started. Question: Will this shotgun be OK for tournament shooting? I know I'm waaaaaaaaaaaaay ahead of myself, but it's my goal to one day, hopefully, do some tournaments.

Looking "very much" forward to my next class....will be talking to you soon! Take care!

Bonne journee et a bientot!
Liane :)


Hi David,

Thank you again for the instruction you gave me on Saturday. My father saw me set up for shooting left handed, and he thought I was crazy until I started shooting and hitting almost every clay! He couldn't believe his eyes. I was actually shooting better than him. I went from hitting 65-75% of my shots right-handed to a 90-95% accuracy left-handed! You were right about me being Left Eye Dominant and insisting on me making the switch to left-handed, co-dominant shooting, both eyes open.

Anyways, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me. This is my Email address so you can give me my homework. Also if you could send me a list of guns that you think would be good for me I would greatly appreciate it, because I need to go out and get one this week so I can have a little time to practice before I go hunting next week. Thank you!

Alex Cafaro
Jacksonville, Fla.


Dave, My son and I had an incredible time shooting with you this past Saturday. The smile on his face after that first shot was ten miles wide. I'm always amazed by your patience; from the time you took to find his dominant eye, to helping him with his stance and gun mount, you were a world class teacher the whole time. If I had that kind of patience, I'd have four more kids!

On the way to Amelia Shotgun Sports, I warned Scotty that you'd be "inside his head" while he was shooting, but I think he was still a little surprised. I don't know how you do it, but it's as if you are looking through our eyes when we shoot.

The gun safety lesson and handling protocol was excellent. It was good for my son to hear about handling a gun safely from someone else. Like you said, there's no such thing as an accident, just a failure to exercise caution.

Thanks again,
Greg Read
Jacksonville Jaguars


I started shooting Sporitng Clays in November of 2006 and could only manage scores in the 40s and 50s. I am left eye dominant and shoot left handed, and the first time I met David, he quickly pointed out that my Caesar Guerini had a right hand stock which didn't fit me, and I would shoot better if I had it changed by the manufacture to left hand. David helped me get the stock replaced and I picked up about 10 birds right away shooting consistently in the 60s. It was time for me to seek professional help to learn some sound fundamental shooting techniques. That's when I called on David. During the lesson, David promptly noticed I was shooting a shotgun like it was a rifle with my right eye closed. With some excellent coaching, I was able to switch to shooting with both eyes open. I immediately picked up 10 more birds. Yes, I can shoot in the 70s now, when I get out of myself, thanks to spending time with a quality coach and instructor like David Dobson. It will be time for another lesson soon, and hopefully I can pick up another 10 birds. I would recommend David to anyone struggling with the game of shooting.

Bill Dodge
Jacksonnville, Florida


You are truly a teacher and I have learned a lot from you in the past five weeks. Your approach to teaching is right on target. Learning to shoot a moving target is the universal skill needed for any of the shooting sports. I have a long way to go but I feel you have given me a foundation to work from. Expect to see me in the next registered skeet shoot. Please feel free to use me as a reference in the future.

Scott McLean
Vice President, Information Technology
Acosta Sales and Marketing


I just wanted to let you know how much Chris and I enjoyed working with you Saturday. I think we're on our way!!

Please let me know the brand of glasses you recommend so we can get that taken care of. We'll probably shoot with Bonnie this weekend if she's available.

Again, thanks for everything!! Look forward to shooting with you in a couple of weeks...

Rick Welch
Account Executive
Global Staging & Communications, LLC


Love the new website! It answers every question that a new shooter would have and I wish this was available when I started. I will be hitting this site often.

It was great to see you this weekend at the Annual Fish Fry tournament at the Jacksonville Gun Club and thank you again for lunch. As you know, this was my first registered shoot and only six months after my lesson with you. I shot in the 12, 20, 28 and .410 ga events and finished D-3 in 28 ga and E-2 in 12 ga. Your coaching has given me the basic shooting fundamentals and confidence to compete and succeed. During the tournament when I began to miss targets I went back to the basics you taught me and regained my composure and started breaking targets again. I found that everyone at the tournament was very helpful and encouraging. This is a wonderful sport and I am hooked for life!

Thank you again for your support,

Scott McLean
Vice President, Information Technology
Acosta Sales and Marketing


Thank you very much for the Excellent coaching this past weekend. Although I have been reticent at practicing my gun mount, I did manage to write down a good deal of what I learned with you and Addie.

You have a very good teaching style and I am sure I will be contacting you in the near future to squeeze in another couple hours of shooting lessons.

Thanks very much and have a great day!!

John Calvin
VP / Controller
Crowley Maritime Corp.


I wanted to give my son, Alex, a present for his 13th birthday that would be both a testament to his entry into his teenage years, as well as help him develop into a responsible young man. I have always known that the discipline, responsibility, and maturity that comes from handling weapons is an excellent way to focus and develop young minds, but I didn't feel comfortable with any of the programs that I found available locally. Fortunately, I stumbled across an article in the paper about David Dobson and the coaching he provides to all ages, and all skill levels. Not only did Alex start shooting with David, but I did as well!

The program that David teaches has been a tremendous boost for Alex's confidence, and has taught him the importance of the fundamentals in all things. As a result of the discipline that he has learned shooting sporting clays with David, he has grown in other areas of his life. His self-esteem is better, his approach to challenges is more positive, and he is doing better with tasks at home and at school.

Personally, I am hitting more targets now than I ever thought I could. Breaking targets is a great feeling, and the time I spend with my son, as well as seeing him learn and succeed at sporting clays (he is consistently outscoring the old man) is awesome!

Thaddeus Foster


Before Dave, I'd never used a shotgun. Before shooting lessons, I never had a good answer to "what do you do for fun?" I called him for a safety lesson before a family hunting trip, and he introduced me to shotgunning, skeet and sporting clays. The clays traveling at 50 mph from left to right were very impossible looking at first, but as with anything, a little knowledge and a lot of practice make even the most impressive targets explode. Dave introduced a method and reinforced and built upon it repeatedly, and now I have an interesting new hobby and new shooting friends, too. I hope one day to have my own kids train with Dave. To anyone thinking of picking up a shotgun for the first time, I can highly recommend Dave Dobson and the Performance Shooting School methods. I've seen accomplished shooters looking for an 'edge' and longtime shooters with bad habits benefit from his training. We are fortunate that someone of his professional caliber is available to aspiring shooters of all levels.

S. Scott Kramarich, MD
Riverside Spine and Pain Physicians, P.L.


Thank you for your time yesterday fine tuning the gun fitting that Todd Nelsen did for me last week. For the first time since I started shooting clays I am convinced that my gun fits me correctly. It is amazing how different and responsive a fitted gun makes! As you told me over a year ago, proper gun fit is fundamental to shooting and without it you develop bad habits to compensate for the ill fitting gun. As usual, you were right. I know that it will take several weeks to adjust my sight pictures but I am now correcting for the last time.

Scott McLean
Vice President, Information Technology
Acosta Sales and Marketing


Happy New Year's Eve! I want to thank you for helping me become familiar with my new Gamba Daytona, as well as for the always professional and expert instruction. As you can readily tell, I have accumulated some rust, forgotten some fundamentals and let some bad habits creep into the game. But what was the most special element was that I learned from a trusted friend and caring coach. Thanks Dave!

Mal Haughton


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