Grace College Shooting Sports Team Takes Third at National Competition

The Grace Shooting Sports Club (GSSC) recently competed in the National Collegiate Championships at the Cardinal Shooting Complex in Marengo, Ohio. The team took third place in the Olympic Bunker trap, competing against colleges from across the nation.

In conjunction with the national event, a regional competition was held for American-style events. Grace placed third in Skeet Doubles, and Ruth Abel won a bronze medal in Women’s Sporting Clays. In addition, the team placed fourth in three of the other five events. The Grace team participated in bunker trap, trap, skeet, sporting clays, trap doubles, skeet doubles and super sporting clays.

Matthew Walters received a unique opportunity to compete for a National SCTP Team Vest by participating in a “shoot-out” elimination event. The SCTP squad is comprised of the best collegiate bunker trap shooters in the nation. Walters held tough as four of the six participants were eliminated.  He was edged out in the final elimination round, coming in second overall.

“It is wonderful to see our team competing at these levels both in the individual and team events,” said Paul Blair, GSSC head coach. “More importantly, the team represents our college well — whether they are in the arena or not. They are all a wonderful group of young Christians.  And, as I have said before, the backing of Grace and the support of many family members who came out to encourage our team makes these events even more special.”

The five-day competition was hosted by the Association of College Unions International and the Scholastic Clay Target Program.

GSSC is a recreational shotgun shooting club that focuses on promoting gun safety, enhancing shooting skills and connecting with the shooting community. The group strives to promote a positive image of shooting sports, provide opportunities for leadership development and enhance community awareness of safe shooting practices.

The GSSC is open to all Grace students and meets twice a month at KOSKO Shotgun Sports Complex, 2391 Fox Farm Road, Warsaw. Practices include shooting a variety of sporting clays, traps and skeet.

To learn more about GSSC, contact coach Paul Blair at blairp@grace.edu.

Photo: (Left to right): Jackson Million, Sam Boyer, Cody Plisky, Mackenzie Bird, Matthew Walters, Ruth Abel, Stephen Foy, Niko Lopez and John Thomas.