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Local youth shines in rifle events
Tristan Melton pic
Dawson County High School freshman Tristan Melton has won six of his seven competitive shooting matches during the 2013 season and has also set an unprecedented three national records. He has four national records to date. - photo by For the Dawson Community News


Dawson County High School freshman Tristan Melton has managed to do what few other 14 year olds can lay claim to.

As a shooter in National Rifle Association and Georgia Sport Shooting Association sanctioned competitive small-bore rifle matches, he has finished his third year of competitive shooting winning 18 gold medals in the 21 NRA matches in which he has competed.

He has won back-to-back Georgia State Championships, while setting new NRA national records in both.

During the 2013 season, Melton has won six of his seven matches and set an unprecedented three national records. He has four national records to date.

Melton says his goal is to start competing in the 50 and 100 meter, three position matches. By doing that, he says it will help him to prepare to shoot at the collegiate level.

"Getting my college paid for and doing something I love to do is what I really want," he said.

The young shooter said that his dad, Wayne Melton, and his coaches, have played an integral role in preparing him for the highest level of competition.

"I would like to thank my dad and all the other top coaches that have helped in getting me to this level," Melton said.

This year, Melton has qualified to compete in the small-bore matches at Camp Perry during the summer of 2014.