The 2024 MCAC Clay Target Championships saw 240 talented athletes, showcasing their precision and skill in a thrilling display of marksmanship. This year’s event was held October 15 at the Alexandria Shooting Park in Alexandria, MN and featured standout performances across both men’s and women’s divisions, with several Anoka-Ramsey athletes making their mark.
Alexander Stone-Perry (Forest Lake) made a notable impression, tying for 45th place overall with a solid score of 91 out of 100. Stone-Perry started strong, achieving a perfect 25 in the first round, which set a competitive tone for the rest of the event. Max Hauan (Big Lake) also had a solid finish in 103rd place with a score of 86 out of 100 and his determination shone through, reflecting the spirit of the championships.
In the women’s division Cadence Werth (Legacy Christian) excelled with a score of 89, tying for 9th place overall and solidifying her status as a top competitor. Close behind her was Samantha Schulz (Coon Rapids), tying for 17th with a score of 88. To round out our women, Leah LaFlamme (Elk River), and Allie Fossum (Elk River) finished in 22nd and 27th place with scores of 81 and 79, respectively.
During the championship awards ceremony the MCAC regular season awards were also handed out. The men’s division saw Isaac Steffen (Andover) in the top 10 finishing 8th overall with a solid 23.30 season average and collecting two perfect rounds of 25 on the year. In the colleges 1st year of competition, the women made their mark in the conference with all 4 women athletes landing in the top 6 and an All-Golden Ram tie for 3rd place overall between Samantha Schulz, Leah LaFlamme, and Allie Fossum with a season average of 21.50. To break the tie the best reserve week score was used, and Schulz took home the 3rd place trophy. In week 3, Leah LaFlamme scored the programs 1st perfect 50 straight. In 6th place right behind that trio was Cadence Werth with a 21.20 average.
Since they could not make it to the Championship Shoot, Coach Chris Johnson also wanted to acknowledge Hayden Baird (Academy for Sciences & Agriculture) and Ariyah Niev (Blue Cord Academy), who contributed significantly to the team’s success, embodying the hard work and teamwork that defined Anoka Ramsey’s inaugural season.
This year’s championships not only highlighted the exceptional marksmanship of the participants but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that define the clay target community. As the season wraps up Coach Johnson is excited for the future saying, “This is just the beginning, and we are incredibly proud of all our athletes. We are looking forward to next fall and seeing the growth in the team and are excited for what’s ahead for the Clay Target program.”
The entire athletic department is proud of our first-year program and the remarkable achievements of our inaugural athletes. Their enthusiasm and dedication have set a solid foundation for the future, displaying their commitment to excellence and teamwork from day one. It’s been incredible to witness their growth, both individually and collectively, as they embrace the challenges of competition and embody the values of our college. They truly are ambassadors for Anoka-Ramsey, and we are proud of their hard work and achievements.
