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The University of Olivet

UOlivet Clay Target Team Earns Multiple Podium Finishes at the Michigan Collegiate Tri-State Shoot

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UOlivet Clay Target Team Earns Multiple Podium Finishes at the Michigan Collegiate Tri-State Shoot
October 25, 2025

HILLSDALE, Mich. — The day began long before sunrise as The University of Olivet clay target team sathletes gathered at the Bellevue Conservation Club to carpool to their first competition of the season — the Michigan Collegiate Tri-State Shoot, held at the John Anthony Halter Shooting Sports Education Center in Hillsdale, Michigan. The team met at 6:00 a.m. to arrive by 7:30 a.m., ready for the first squads to begin at 8:00 a.m. It was a full day ahead, with each athlete shooting up to 300 targets across three disciplines: trap, skeet, and sporting clays.

Upon arrival, the Comets joined a talented field of competitors from Hillsdale College, Grace College, Ferris State University, Montcalm Community College, Mid-Michigan College and The University of Southern Indiana. A total of 63 athletes participated in the event, including 15 representing The University of Olivet — nine of whom competed in all three disciplines. For several of the Comets, this was their first time experiencing such a full schedule of events.

Trap Competition

The Comets began the day on the trap fields, fielding three squads.

  • Squad 1: 451/500

Tyler Wildman, Olivia Krauss, Desmond Morrison, Kaitlin Dyer and Tyler Chatell

  • Squad 2: 375/400

Hunter Ambrosen, Haley Oosterhouse, Matthew Brown and Dallas Goodridge

  • Squad 3: 444/500

Whitley Olson, Kali Sutherland, Olivia Wing, Eric Wilson and Abi Kruger

Using Super Squad scoring (top five scores combined), The University of Olivet earned second-place in trap with: Matthew Brown – 97, Olivia Krauss – 95, Hunter Ambrosen – 94, Tyler Chatell – 93, and Haley Oosterhouse – 93, for a team total of 472/500.

Skeet Competition

Next, the Comets moved to the skeet fields with two squads competing.

  • Squad 1:  465/500

Tyler Wildman, Olivia Krauss, Desmond Morrison, Kaitlin Dyer and Tyler Chatell

  • Squad 2: 383/500

Hunter Ambrosen, Haley Oosterhouse, Matthew Brown, Dallas Goodridge and Serenity Thomas

With Super Squad scoring, the Comets once again claimed second-place in skeet with: Tyler Chatell – 98, Olivia Krauss – 98, Tyler Wildman – 96, Kaitlin Dyer – 93, and Matthew Brown – 92, totaling 477/500.

In addition, Olivia Krauss earned an individual seocnd-place in Ladies Skeet for her impressive performance.

Sporting Clays Competition

In the afternoon, 11 athletes took on the challenging and scenic sporting clays course — often described as "golf with a shotgun." Athletes rotated through wooded stations, where targets flew from every direction, including overhead. For many of the Comets, this was their first experience competing in sporting clays, and they approached it with enthusiasm and teamwork.

When the results were tallied, The University of Olivet earned another second-place finish, with the Super Squad consisting of: Tyler Chatell – 90, Tyler Wildman – 84, Olivia Krauss – 79, Hunter Ambrosen – 71, and Desmond Morrison – 70, for a total of 394/500.

Tyler Chatell also captured second-place Men's Sporting Clays with his strong individual score of 90/100.

High Overall (HOA) Results

Capping off the impressive day, The University of Olivet Clay Target Team earned second-place High Overall (HOA) by combining their top team scores across all three disciplines:

  • Skeet: 477/500
  • Trap: 472/500
  • Sporting Clays: 394/500
  • For a total HOA of 1343/1500

Team Awards

  • 2nd Place Trap
  • 2nd Place Skeet
  • 2nd Place Sporting Clays

Individual Awards

"These athletes worked incredibly hard leading up to this event," said Head Coach Ponch Wildman. "To see them come together, support one another, and perform so consistently across all disciplines makes us very proud. This was the perfect way to start our competition season."

For many, this event marked not only the first collegiate competition of the year but also their first major tournament representing The University of Olivet. The Comets' early morning dedication, strong performances, and positive team energy demonstrated the growth and depth of the program.

As the season continues, the team looks forward to building on this momentum. With a foundation built on teamwork, sportsmanship, and Comet pride, The University of Olivet clay target team is proving they're a force to be reckoned with in collegiate clay target sports.