Two-hundred and thirty-one athletes comprising 25 teams from 15 states participated at this year’s Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) College Nationals, held October 27-29 at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, OH. Over 125,000 clay targets were thrown for matches in Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, Bunker Trap and 5-Stand―keeping the Cardinal Center staff quite busy for a few days.
This year’s tournament experienced some inclement weather. Rain and snow, coupled with temperatures dipping into the low 30’s made for some very interesting rounds at the Cardinal Center.
Division I teams comprised of this year’s (HOA) winner Lindenwood University of Missouri. Runner up Midland University of Nebraska gave them a tough battle, as did third place Bethel College from Tennessee.
Division II teams included 2017 champion’s Martin Methodist of Tennessee (who had the overall HOA high score for the second straight year), runner-up Ft. Hayes State University of Kansas, followed by Hillsdale College of Michigan in third place.
Division III schools were represented by 2017 winner Emanuel College of Georgia, runner-up the University of Alabama Clay Shooting Team, and third place team Eastern Kentucky University.
This year, the SCTP added Division IV―consisting of two-year colleges. Roane State Community College of Tennessee was this year’s winner. The runner-up was Hawkeye Community College of Iowa.
Individuals with stellar performances included Ladies HOA winner, Paige Denny of the Midland University Shotgun Team and Men’s HOA winner, Riley Ross representing Ft. Hayes State. Both athletes won Shamrock Leather Shooting bags. Additionally, there was a perfect performance in the Skeet event by Eli Christman of Martin Methodist College.
“Great facility, great teams/coaches/athletes/parents and cold weather! The SCTP team worked very hard and thoroughly enjoyed working with these great teams. We are extremely excited and looking forward to next year’s tournament!” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP national director.
View the complete results of the championship at (click “Leaderboards” at top left): shot.sssfonline.com/shot5/web/publish/results/frames.asp?cid=1518&org=SCTP
