Warriors Claim Bulldog Invite Championship

BRAINARD, Neb. – The Midland Warriors claimed the championship of the Bulldog Invite, hosted by Concordia University at Oak Creek Sporting Club on Saturday. Midland posted a team score of 1,390 to finish first out of 12 teams.

"I'm really proud of how this team started our spring season off," head coach Jake McThenia said. "Whether it was in the 200 main event or the 100 super sporting, we had shooters step up in some capacity."

On the men's side, competing across four disciplines, Midland's Andy Grell captured first overall with a score of 282. Teammate Atley Painter placed second with a 280, while Jackson Zoller finished fourth at 276. Jake Ruehl also earned a top-10 finish, placing ninth with a 271.

McThenia praised Grell's performance in earning the HOA male title. "I'm really proud of Andy," McThenia said. "He's very methodical when it comes to sporting clays, which was on display this weekend. Andy also always strives to make sure his squadmates and teammates are also shooting to their best abilities, and that was evident as well."

In the women's competition, Kimberly Beevers led the Warriors with a fifth-place finish in HOA, scoring 258. Sarah Sjoberg placed ninth with a 251, and Alex Klocek rounded out the top 10 with a score of 247.

Midland competed against several strong divisional programs, including Fort Hays State University and William Penn University. McThenia noted that the level of competition and changing conditions tested his squad.

"Having to compete against other heavy-hitting divisional teams like Fort Hays and William Penn always brings out the best in everyone," McThenia said. "We had great weather on Friday afternoon with sunny skies and 70-degree temperatures. Saturday was still sunny but much colder and windier, so I'm very happy to see our team be resilient with the weather change and stay focused on the goal. The targets were pretty straightforward; most we have seen in other competitions and in practice. This is a good momentum builder going into next week."

The Warriors return to action next weekend at the Heart of America Conference Championship. The competition is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, at Powder Creek Shooting Park in Lenexa, Kan.