The Allen Community College Shotgun Sports team competed in the Tiger 450 hosted by Fort Hays State University.
The Red Devils were represented by Weston Cleaver, Jozie Stagg, Sheldon Weber, Shaun McLaughlin, Hunter Bussard and Trent Rymer. The competition featured 195 athletes from four universities and seven community colleges competing across five events: Double Skeet, American Trap, Trap Doubles, Super Sporting and Sporting Clays.
Sophomore Weston Cleaver led Allen with a combined score of 392 out of 450. Cleaver recorded a 93 out of 100 in Sporting Clays and an 86 out of 100 in Super Sporting.
Freshman Trent Rymer also had a strong collegiate debut, recording a 94 out of 100 in American Trap and breaking his first collegiate 25-straight.
The athletes also reflected on their experience competing in Hays.
“I had a good time, and my teammates and I performed well despite the heat,” Cleaver said.
Stagg said the weekend provided an opportunity for the team to build chemistry.
“It was a great bonding experience with the team and the two new freshmen,” Stagg said. “It was a great start to get us ready for the rest of the season.”
Weber said the team remained composed despite the conditions.
“I am very proud of how my team shot over the weekend,” Weber said. “Considering the conditions, everyone kept calm and performed to the best of their ability.”
Bussard said the competition reinforced the importance of preparation and confidence.
“It may only be the beginning, but it proved to me that hard work, practice and believing in yourself can turn a goal into a reality,” Bussard said.
For Rymer, the highlight of the weekend was reaching a personal milestone in his first collegiate competition.
“I have accomplished hitting my first collegiate 25-straight in trap,” Rymer said.
McLaughlin also recorded a personal best in Sporting Clays while gaining experience in new events.
“I had a great time this weekend,” McLaughlin said. “I learned how to deal with the elements, tried out some new events and broke a personal best in Sporting Clays.”
The Red Devils will look to build on their performance as they prepare for their next competition.
