FOX 39's Person You Should Know: Shooting His Way to the Top

Rockford native Michael Everson has been shooting sporting clays for the past six years.

"You use a shot gun and shoot 100 rounds," said Everson, "and for here, you have stations, 12 of them, you shoot 100 total and the high score out of 100 usually wins."

Everson has his routine in the cross hairs. He explained that you step in to the station and watch a view target so you know what to expect. Then, you shoot about two to three pairs, maybe four at a station.

"I have a pre-shot routine that I go through every time that I shoot, and you know, it gets me in the groove and focused, and then I'll shoot them," said Everson, "and see what happens."

Everson said his dad got him into the sport; his dad is an Illinois State Champion in sporting clays. So just like dear old dad, winning is in Michael's blood. In the past year, he's already claimed the title of U.S. Open Junior Champion in the sport. He's shot a whopping 99 out of 100 possible points.

"I'm trying to get into medical school or dental school and know, if I have time, I'll try to make the Olympics that would be the ultimate goal," said Everson.

As of now, International skeet and International trap shooting are the only clay shooting sports in the Olympics. But eventually, the internationally popular game of sporting clays could be included too. In the mean time, this biology student said the game isn't his main focus.

"You know, this is more of a fun thing and if I start thinking about it as a job, it starts to get... it's too much tension," Everson said, "I just like doing it for fun."

Everson said the sport is about more than just shooting, it's about the people you meet out on the course and having a good time.

"I think I'll be doing this my entire life," said Everson.