SFCC shooting sports competes well at Panther Classic

Springfield, Mo. – The State Fair Community College (SFCC) shooting sports team finished second in the High Overall Team competition with a total of 1,564 at the Panther Classic hosted by Drury University on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14.

The event was held at two locations. Sporting clays and five stand were shot at the Ozark Shooters Sports Complex, while American trap and American skeet were shot at the Springfield Rod and Gun Club. Each competitor shot 100 American trap birds, 100 American skeet, 100 sporting clays and 50 five stand targets, for a total of 350 birds per participant.

Sophomore Mitchell O'Reilly of Belton, Missouri, led the team in sporting clays with a score of 89. Sophomore David Thomlinson of Hughesville, Missouri, shot an 86. Sophomore Mason Rohan of Laddonia, Missouri, and sophomore Broc Barnes of West Plains, Missouri, each shot an 85. Sophomore Alex Hill of Belton, Missouri, scored an 83.

Sophomore Caleb Hensley of Belton, Missouri, led the team in American skeet with a score of 96. O'Reilly followed with a 94. Barnes and sophomore Ava Cooper each shot a 92. Rohan recorded a 91.

In American trap, Barnes and Hill each shot a 98. O'Reilly followed with a 96. Cooper and freshman Buzz Harris of Smithton, Missouri, each shot a 95.

"Mitchell O'Reilly did an amazing job this weekend. His total for the entire weekend was 324 of 350," said head coach Sarah Manuel. "He finished 10 birds behind the gentleman in first place to finish as the third High Overall Male at the competition. Ava Cooper earned Top Female Skeet, Top Female Trap and Female High Overall."

"I would also like to highlight Zoey Wilson who came into the program with no experience at all," said Manuel. "She shot an 84 in American trap. She definitely deserved some kudos for having the determination to do something that she has never done before. Mason Rohan was a really good team leader at this event. Caleb Hensley took second in American skeet with 96."

SFCC will return to action on Oct. 8 at the William Woods Exhibition.

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics