UAM NEWS
UAM Trap Shooting Celebrates First-Place Team Finish and Two Individual Medals in Fundraiser Tournament
On October 17, University of Arkansas at Monticello Trap Shooting continued a strong second season, picking up a team victory and two individual medals at the South Arkansas University (SAU) Pink Ribbon Open in Magnolia, Arkansas.
The tournament, held at the Farmers Bank & Trust Trap Shooting Range, served as a fundraiser for the Steel Magnolias Breast Cancer Support Group.
The UAM Trap Shooting team scored 218 of 250 possible points in the Youth Division, which included all competitors under the age of 25. Scores made by Missy Gunnels, from Magnolia, Arkansas; Chloe Hargis, from Rison, Arkansas; Brody Little, from El Dorado, Arkansas; Ace Patrick, from Rison, Arkansas; and Ellen Payne, from St. Louis Park, Minnesota, counted toward the team’s first-place finish. UAM was also represented by Christina Heredia-Jimenez, from Dermott, Arkansas.
Chief John Kidwell, director of the University Police Department at UAM and team sponsor of UAM Trap Shooting, praised the team for their efforts, stating, “I am so proud of the team for coming out on a Saturday morning to support this cause.”
Gunnels, a senior animal science major in the UAM pre-vet program, scored 46 out of 50 targets, which earned her Top Female Shooter in the Youth Division. She emphasized the camaraderie among the teammates as a contributor to individual success, stating, “No one puts any pressure on us. We all just encourage each other and help each other. There’s some competition between us, but for the most part, we’re all just there to help each other do better.”
Little, a sophomore natural wildlife management major, delivered one of the tournament’s top performances. He shot 49 out of 50 targets, which resulted in a 25-target shootout with two other competitors. Little shot an additional 23 out of 25 targets, earning him second place overall in the Youth Division. Little surprised himself at the tournament, stating, “I did not expect to shoot that well.” He credited team spirit and support to the team’s continued success.
The UAM Trap Shooting team currently includes 19 student members (nine women and ten men) from UAM, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett and the UAM College of Technology-McGehee, with more expected to join.
The team is made possible through UAM’s partnership with the AGFC Warren Shooting Sports Complex, which provides a quality venue for weekly practices. The team is funded, in part, by the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education Program (CFDA# 15.611) (Grant # F25AF01373) of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service through an agreement with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
For more information about UAM Trap Shooting, contact Chief John Kidwell at kidwell@uamont.edu or 870-460-1183.