About Us
About the Shooting Sports Education Center (SSEC)
The Georgia Southern University Shooting Sports Education Center (SSEC) is a partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The 30,000 square foot facility is open to the public and equipped to serve a variety of shooting sports interests through the 16 lane, 25 meter firing range, 16 lane, 25 meter archery center and two training rooms.
Our purpose is to provide a hub for the shooting sports in southeast Georgia. Through instructional programs, training classes, recreation, competition, and special events we serve a variety of individuals including youth, adults, students, law enforcement, hunters, 1st time shooters, elite athletes, all groups interested in participating and learning more about the shooting sports.
Our facility would not be possible without the commitment from The Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife Resources Division, the Easton Sports Development Foundation, the Archery Trade Association and the city of Statesboro.
The SSEC is located in a school safety zone. Therefore, all users must first become a member to utilize the facility unless they are participating in a training program or competition.
SSEC Hours
Summer 2024 Operating Hours
| Day | Hours | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 1pm - 8pm | Memorial Day - May 27, 2024 |
| Saturday | 9am - 6pm | July 1-6, 2024 |
| Sunday | Closed |
Spring 2024 Special Hours
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| MLK Holiday | Monday, January 15 | 1pm-7pm |
| Spring Break | March 11-15 | 1pm-8pm |
| Memorial Day | Sunday, May 27 | Closed |
| Independence Day | Thursday, July 4 | Closed |
Our Location
SSEC Staff
Matt Horst
SSEC Director
Matt Horst has been involved with the center since its inception, where he guided it from idea to completion as part of the SSEC development and design team. Previous to this appointment, Matt served as the Director of Recreation Programs and Risk Management for 9 years with Campus Recreation & Intramurals, and 4 years as the Intramural and Club Sports Director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Matt earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and his Master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In addition to his passion for shooting sports, Matt is a high school football and basketball sports official.
Contact: mhorst@georgiasouthern.edu
Cassy Pelton
Assistant Director
Cassy Pelton graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BS in Biology in May 2018. She worked as a Student Assistant at the Shooting Sports Education Center since its opening in 2015. Cassy began shooting archery at the age of 14. She competed on her local 4-H Team, Emmanuel College’s Varsity Team, and then Southern Eagles Archery at Georgia Southern. During her time at Georgia Southern she had the privilege of representing the United States of America at the 2016 World Team Championships in Ankara, Turkey. Her current archery certifications include: USA Archery Level 4 NTS, USA Judge Certification, S3DA Advanced Instructor, and NASP Basic Instructor Certification. Cassy is driven to impart her passion of archery on young archers across the country.
Contact: cpelton@georgiasouthern.edu
Amanda Velez
Head Archery Coach
Amanda graduated from Georgia Southern in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Health Education & Promotion. Amanda was an Honors College graduate, Honors Ambassador, Southern Leader, 1906 Scholar, Southern Eagles Archery club member and president and worked all 4 years at the Shooting Sports Education Center.
She is an active compound archer and has served as the Archery Director for several summer camp programs across the country.
Contact: avalez@georgiasouthern.edu
Anna Mayo
Graduate Assistant
Anna Mayo graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2023 with a degree in Human Development and Family Science with a concentration in Child Life. During her time as an undergraduate, she was a member of the Georgia Southern NCAA Division I Women’s Rifle Team. The team won the Southern Conference Championships in 2022 and 2023. Anna finished 5th place in smallbore with a personal record to finish her athletic career.
She is now pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia Southern. She is now the coach of the Junior Shooting Club and is excited to inspire young athletes in the sport of precision riflery.
Contact: am40086-sw@georgiasouthern.edu
Damon Steele
Graduate Assistant
Damon Steele graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in May 2023, and is currently attending Graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked at the Shooting Sports Education Center as a Student Assitant before becoming a Graduate Assistant. Damon has been active in several student organizations during his time at Georgia Southern University, serving as a Design Lead for Eagle Motorsports, as well as Treasurer for Southern Eagles Archery. Damon has been active in the archery community for 2 years, quickly developing his skills and becoming an Archery Instructor at the Shooting Sports Education Center as well as being an Assistant Coach at a JOAD organization in Atlanta.
Contact: ds24015-sw@georgiasouthern.edu
Last updated: 4/3/2024
