Hodges aims for 2008 Olympics

Taylor Hodges and Coach Jim Reay prepare the 2008 Beijing Olympic selection match slated for next week in Kerville.

Taylor Hodges of Bullard has his sights set on the Beijing China 2008 Olympic Games.

The 18-year-old International Skeet shooter will be competing in the final selection match to determine who will represent the USA in the Olympic Skeet competition.

This match will be held March 13-16 at the USA Olympic Training Center at Kerrville.

Hodges will have one day of squaded practice and then three days of competition. This Olympic Match will have 250 targets.

Making the USA Junior Olympic Team last year, Hodges has recently earned a spot on the 2008 USA Junior Olympic Team for a second time.

Only eight skeet shooters in the nation, under the age of 21, are on this elite team.

"I am very blessed to be on the Junior Olympic team again this year and will do my very best in Kerrville," Hodges said.

In February, Hodges won fourth overall in the tournament and second in the juniors division at Kerrville.

Hodges has shot in numerous National Olympic matches in the past year at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Col.

Jim Reay of Bullard has coached Hodges for the past seven years.

Taylor is the son of Winfred and Carole Hodges. He attends Jacksonville College.