NCTA Aggies compete at clay target championships

By NCTA News

The Aggie Shotgun Sports Team from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis competed last month at national championships in Austin, Texas.

“Our Aggie team had a fine experience at a national match.  We were fortunate to be able to travel and gain experience against other athletes in our division,” said Coach Alan Taylor.

Competitors were led by Colby Mitchell, a sophomore from Burwell. Other Aggies were Kaden Bryant, Firth; Cooper Mazza, Harrisburg; Trey Barnhart and Kamren Sitzman, both of McCook.

They shot in four categories:  American Trap, American Skeet, Sporting Clays, and Super Sporting Clays.

“These boys worked hard all year,” Taylor said. “It was fun to be a part of their camaraderie and watch them have a good time.”

To qualify for the national meet, the Aggie athletes had to participate in three matches during the NCTA season. Taylor ranked each on the percentage of clay targets hit at matches.

The championship was hosted by the Association of College Unions International. Due to the pandemic  the meet was limited on the number of participants and targets.

NCTA competed in ACUI Division 4 which included two-year colleges and first-time schools at the meet.

The 2021 fall season opens for the Aggies after NCTA begins classes in late August.  Taylor said recruiting has gone very well with several incoming freshmen being top athletes in high school or local teams.

“We may have 20 students in the club next fall,” Taylor said.