Warriors Place Fifth at ACUI/SCTP Nationals

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Midland University turned in a strong overall performance last week at the ACUI/SCTP National Championship, placing fifth in the team standings while producing multiple podium finishes in both individual and team disciplines.

The Warriors were especially sharp in the doubles events, capturing the Division II team title in Doubles Skeet with a score of 486 out of 500. Midland also placed runner-up in both American Trap (498/500) and Doubles Trap (484/500), highlighting the squad's consistency across the weeklong competition.

Head coach Jake McThenia credited the team's resilience following a challenging showing in Sporting Clays, which ultimately impacted Midland's high overall placement.

"Sporting Clays was the killer for our team's high overall score. We just didn't perform," McThenia said. "It's hard to make up the amount we dropped from one event, especially in Sporting Clays. However, I'm very proud of our team's performance in the other five events throughout the week. We showed grit and determination after Sporting Clays and threw up some monster scores as a team and individually. Even our team's Doubles Skeet score was the highest score across all divisions, which is a great feeling."

In Doubles Skeet, Andrew Grell paced Midland with a 99, followed by Hunter Martin (98), Jake Ruehl (97), Michael Martinez (96), and Jayce Namuth (96) as the Warriors secured the Division II championship.

Midland's American Trap squad finished second with a near-flawless 498. Devin Huguenot, Chase Carrere, and Kimber Beevers each posted perfect 100s, while Atley Painter and Lacey Gangwish added 99s to round out the scoring team.

The Warriors also took second in Doubles Trap behind 99s from Audric Scheidel and Drew Hoekstra, along with strong contributions from Namuth (97), Gil Palmer (95), and Ben Swanson (94).

Individually, Midland shooters delivered standout performances across all divisions. Grell claimed the men's Doubles Skeet Open-class title, while Beevers captured the women's American Trap Open-class championship and added a runner-up finish in Super Sporting Clays. Sarah Sjoberg placed second in women's American Skeet, and Hoekstra finished second in men's Doubles Trap Open class.

Additional top finishes included Hunter Martin (second, Doubles Skeet A-class), Jake Ruehl (third, Doubles Skeet Open class), and Scheidel, who earned third-place finishes in both men's Doubles Trap Open class and American Skeet Open class.

As a team, Midland also placed fourth in both Super Sporting (466/500) and American Skeet (491/500). The Warriors finished fifth in Sporting Clays with a score of 417.

Several Midland shooters were recognized with All-American honors following the championship. Carrere and Ruehl were named Second Team All-Americans, while Scheidel and Grell earned honorable mention accolades.

McThenia also praised the program's senior class for its leadership and legacy.

"I'm proud of the senior class and their contributions not just from this season, but for their duration at Midland and maintaining the Midland name in a positive way," McThenia said. "The next generation of athletes coming into this program looked to these guys and girls, and I couldn't be more proud of them and all that they gave."

Midland now turns its focus to the offseason as it looks to build on a top-five national finish and return an experienced core heading into next year's season.