Wayne Downham holds two plaques: the one on the right presented for being named to a State Team for 2009, and the one on the left for his highest honor, being named to the Indiana Trapshooting Hall of Fame. Photo provided Wayne Downham of Camden has been inducted into the Indiana Trapshooting Hall of Fame.

The distinction is based on diligence, sportsmanship, integrity, character, and the following criteria: At least ten years of registered trapshooting in Indiana and 25,000 singles targets, along with at least three state championship titles or 10 years on a state team.

Downham started registering targets in 1970. He has competed in Ohio, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Florida, and Arizona as well as Indiana.

He has made the Indiana State Team six times, including 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009. He has had the pleasure of winning in the Parent & Child category as well as Husband & Wife category several times.

Downham made the All American Veteran Team in 2007 and 2008. He has accumulated 145 – 100 straights (hitting 100 out of 100 targets, a total of 145 times) at 16 yards, and 12 – 200 straights at 16 yards. His greatest victory was at the Missouri State Shoot in 2006 when he broke 100 x 100 (100 out of 100) from the 27- yard line, completing his Grand Slam. The other two components of a Grand Slam, which he previously had accomplished, are 200 x 200 in the singles category and 100 x 100 in doubles.

Downham did not start keeping records until 2002 so he can only account for 73 major awards ranging from Rochester, Indiana, through the Michigan State Shoot, Illinois State Shoot, Missouri State Shoot and Missouri Fall Handicap, Ohio State Shoot, Indiana State Shoot through the Southwestern Grand, Great Lakes Grand, to the Grand American itself.

His first major win was a 99 x 100 in the President’s Handicap in the 2002 Grand American. Then 100 x 100 in doubles at the 2005 Southwestern Grand.

Downham’s Total Lifetime Targets are: singles, 74,450; handicap, 68,600; and doubles, 42,750.

Downham’s wife, Mary, is also involved in trapshooting, and has made the Indiana Ladies All-State Team many times.

Downham said after seeing the movie, “Bucket List,” he made a comment about something he’d like to do before “kicking the bucket.” He said he’d like to be included in the Indiana Trapshooting Hall of Fame.

“Two years later, I was,” he said. And he’s still competing.