Martin Methodist Assistant Captain Emma Williams helped write this article.
MARENGO, Ohio – For the fourth time in as many seasons, the Martin Methodist Clay Target team has been crowned national champions. The RedHawks took down their fourth-straight national title at the Scholastic Clay Target Program national tournament this weekend.
The RedHawks came out of the gate strong on day one by, posting a school-record 498/500 targets in American Skeet. They continued to impress in day two, but fell short in American Trap, putting them three targets behind Lindenwood going into the final day of competition. The RedHawks prevailed in day three though, leading them to the top of the podium for the fourth consecutive year.
Collectively, the Clay Target Team took home the High Over-All Team title, the Ladies High Over-All individual title, two Division I national champion squad titles, two individual event national champions, one individual event runner-up, a runner-up squad title, and an individual event third place.
These accolades were presented as follows:
"I could not have asked for a better team to be a part of for my senior year," senior
Madelynn Bernau said. "Our team's freshman class is full of great, hardworking, and talented individuals that add so much value to the team. The entire team never stopped supporting each other throughout the match. I feel that our Spring 2020 season will be our best one yet."
The freshmen played a vital role in this National Championship performance with
Seth Ratliff leading the youngsters. Ratliff was the top freshman scorer for the team, landing him in the number nine position for the high over-all in his first collegiate competition.
"Being a Martin Methodist RedHawk has brought me so many new friends," Ratliff said. "Each and every individual on this team is like family to me. Being able to bring home a fourth national title for the team feels amazing, but what feels more amazing is knowing that I have these awesome people by my side, on and off the field."
"This team and their mental makeup is simply on another level," Whittenburg said. "Every year we come into this tournament with other schools vying to take us down. And every year our team continues to get better and better. I am so proud of their dedication and their commitment to excellence. This is a special squad and I cannot wait to see what they have in store as we continue our spring competition schedule."
