A hobby that started three years ago during a family outing has propelled the son of a company employee to among the best at his craft – and he is only 10 years old.
In May, Chase Dobrinski, son of Tonya Dobrinski, Support Equipment Planner II-Tyrone, set a record as the youngest shooter in American Trap Association history to hit 100 straight targets in singles competition. Later that month, Chase became the 2022 New Mexico singles champion when he hit 196 of 200 targets. Chase also has earned 2022 non-resident junior titles in Arizona, Idaho and California.
Chase’s path to competitive shooting was unexpected. The Dobrinski family was shooting targets for fun at the Whittington Center in Raton, N.M., when Chase, just 7 at the time, begged his mom for a chance to take aim at one of the targets himself. In his first experience firing a shotgun, Chase proceeded to break multiple clay targets. He immediately was hooked and started practicing at a local trap range, where he has been coached and mentored by top-level shooters.
In reflecting on what Chase has most gained from his experiences on the shooting circuit, Tonya cites the relationships and the life lessons – in addition to the competition.
“The most appealing thing to shooting for Chase – besides his love of shooting – is the social aspect,” Tonya said. “He has met so many new friends that love to shoot as much as he does from all across the country. From Arizona to Nebraska, California, Minnesota and North Dakota, he keeps up with where his friends are shooting and how they are doing.
“He has learned many life skills interacting with different people of all ages and competing in front of people he doesn’t know.”
Moving forward, Chase’s next goal is to make the American Trapshooting All American Team in the Sub Junior (14 and under) Division. The top 25 Sub Juniors will make that team, and Chase currently is ranked fourth in the standings.
In the photos above (clockwise from top left): Chase takes aim at a target. Chase holds the championship cup from his victory in the New Mexico singles championship in May. Chase and fellow competitive shooter Luke Bower, son of Erich Bower, General Manager-Tyrone, pose for a photo with some of their trophies.