Dylan Darhower of Mechanicsburg may appear to be a typical 16 year old student at Cumberland Valley High School, but what sets him apart from classmates is his amazing trapshooting ability. Even before he competed on the sub-junior level at the state shoot last year, he had made his mark at the Pennsylvania Eastern Zone, becoming resident champion in singles and open champion in both handicap and doubles. He added another two wins at the Keystone Open. When the state shoot ended in 2008, Darhower had another 14 wins under his belt.

His unbelievable achievements in 2008 have earned him a place in the PSSA Hall of Fame as the 2008 Trapshooter of the Year at the 118th Pennsylvania State Shoot held at Elysburg this week.

Darhower has never been coached professionally.

“Bill Gardner, the trap coordinator at the Mechanicsburg Sportsmen Association was really his mentor,” said his father, Ed Darhower. “He just picked it up on his own naturally.”

He has already competed in seven states and at the Grand American. “I shot my first 200 straight at the New York state shoot last year,” Darhower said quietly. “I want to pattern after Chris Vendel, who is one of the best trapshooters in the nation.”

His father agreed. “Vendel is such a positive role model for kids, and he really does all he can to help shooters.”

Practicing is a key component in shooting well. He shoots two to three times a week at the Carlisle Sportsmen Association, but he credits staying calm as the main reason for his success.

“I am also very competitive,” he admitted.

His most difficult event is doubles. “I shoot with one eye and I think this is what hurts me.”

Darhower is only one of a few sub-juniors who have received the recognition of trapshooter of the year. “I guess I am pretty close to being the youngest,” he said shrugging his shoulders.

Perhaps his accomplishment, reached only after one year, is still surreal.

His focus remains on shooting.

“I started out slow this year, but I am doing better.”

His father laughed. “It’s hard to do better than you did last year.”

Already to his credit, he has already attained the high overall score at both the 2009 Colonial Classic and the Eastern Zone shoot.