SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The UT Southern clay target team delivered a historic performance on the national stage, finishing as the 2026 ACUI Collegiate National Championship Division III National Runner-Up with a team score of 2,769 out of 3,000 targets.
The Firehawks showcased depth and consistency across all disciplines, turning in one of the strongest overall performances in program history against a massive national field.
Chase Kelly and Garrison Farmer led the way in American Trap, each firing a perfect 100 to tie for the top score in the nation. Kelly added a personal-best 91 in Doubles Skeet and finished 22nd out of 876 competitors in American Trap following shoot-offs, while Farmer placed 28th in the same event and paced the squad in Sporting Clays with an 87.
Nathan Myers turned in a well-rounded showing, posting a 97 in American Skeet while leading UT Southern in Super Sporting with a 94. He placed 47th out of 741 athletes in Super Sporting, 44th in combined sporting events, and 87th out of 877 shooters in American Skeet.
Jackson Williams delivered one of the top doubles performances in the field, recording a 98 in Doubles Skeet and a 95 in Doubles Trap. His combined doubles score of 193 out of 200 ranked fourth overall out of 609 athletes across all classes and divisions, while also placing third in his class in Doubles Skeet.
On the women's side, Mercie Ashmore highlighted the Firehawks' efforts with a 97 in American Skeet and a 98 in American Trap. Her combined singles score of 195 out of 200 placed 10th out of 245 athletes, while her 536 out of 600 total targets earned an 18th-place finish in the Women's High Overall standings.
Zach Rippeto proved to be one of the team's most reliable contributors, posting a 97 in American Trap and a 96 in American Skeet for a combined singles score of 193 out of 200 while contributing to the team score in five of six events. Ben Yarbrough matched that consistency, also counting toward the team score in five events with marks of 97 in American Trap, 96 in American Skeet, 90 in Doubles Trap, and 90 in Super Sporting.
Additional key performances came from Haley Starmer, who recorded a 92 in Doubles Skeet to place 25th out of 175 athletes and added a 93 in American Skeet for a combined skeet score of 185 out of 200. Ellie Huddleston turned in a personal-best 90 in Super Sporting to finish 14th out of 206 athletes while also posting a 98 in American Trap, placing 24th out of 266 competitors.
Josh Murray added a personal-best 77 in Sporting Clays that contributed to the team total, further emphasizing the Firehawks' across-the-board production.
"I am so proud of this team and all their accomplishments throughout this season. The individual awards and the Team awards received at the Nationals are all well deserved. Throughout the season they have continued to improve. They have stayed driven, determined, and focused on achieving their goals. What a first year this has been for me as their new coach and what a way to cap this season off!", commented Head Coach Michael Williams.
With multiple top national finishes, personal bests, and two perfect scores, UT Southern capped off an outstanding season with a runner-up national finish, highlighting the program's continued rise on the collegiate clay target stage.
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