On May 18, 2025, NSCA history was made when 10-year-old Elliott Wiley of Sanger, Texas, became the youngest member ever to earn Master Class status. The fifth-grader achieved this milestone at the Texas State Championship. Elliott’s record surpasses the previous record of an 11-year-old shooter.
Elliott’s father, George Wiley, said of his son’s accomplishment and his journey to Masters, “His enthusiasm for this sport would not be where it is today without NSCA competitions. Each All-American point, punch earned, and Sub-Junior accomplishment has pushed him to reach for new goals. Elliott’s journey is a testament to what is possible with encouragement, opportunity, dedication, and recognition. We are incredibly proud of his work ethic and commitment to sporting clays, and this milestone serves as a meaningful part of his story and an inspiration to other young athletes.”
Elliott began shooting in January 2024 and entered his first NSCA competition in June 2024. His success illustrates the benefits of shooting all kinds of clay targets and competitions; in addition to NSCA events, Elliott also shoots skeet and trap and competes in 4-H, SCTP, and YESS events.
It also speaks to the advantage of seeking good coaching early. Since last fall, he has been coached by TK Caskey in sporting clays, Brian Burrows in trap, and Vincent Hancock in skeet, following the unexpected death of his first coach, Brian Baxter.
Elliott doesn’t spend all of his time shooting clay targets. He is also passionate about hunting, fishing, and taxidermy. He is a straight-A student and will attend Liberty Christian School as a sixth-grader in the fall.
Congratulations to Elliott on this remarkable and inspirational achievement! He will be recognized at the National Sporting Clays Championship in October.
