Cedar Rapids, IA – The Indian Hills Sports Shooting team opened its 2023-24 season with a split at the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) East Division Trap Triangular at the Otter Creek Sportsman's Club on Saturday.
Competing against division foes Kirkwood Community College and Northeast Iowa Community College, the Warriors tallied a trap score of 473 to defeat Kirkwood's 421. Northeast Iowa defeated the Warriors with an overall score of 481 on the day. The Warriors' team score of 473 is its highest mark since shooting 480 against Kirkwood on October 3, 2021.
"Couldn't have asked for a better day to shoot, conditions were too perfect," stated head coach Jake Stalzer. "Proud of the team and how we started the year out but always room for improvement. A few of our top guns were off their game today, we'll get them dialed back in. The goal was for a team score around 480, I think that's very achievable and we'll accomplish that feat sooner than later."
The Warriors were led by freshman Aidan Eischen (New Sharon, IA/North Mahaska) with an impressive 99/100 in his collegiate debut to take top overall honors against both Northeast Iowa and Kirkwood. Eischen's 99 was the top mark of the day amongst the three programs.
"Aidan firing a 99 for us was huge, awesome job to him," Stalzer added.
Mason Herrington (Eldridge, IA/North Scott) placed second overall for the Warriors with a 96 while Raymond Franzen (Oskaloosa, IA/Oskaloosa) tallied a 94 for a third-place showing. Luke Farley and Alex Shelton (Chariton, IA/Chariton) both tallied a 92 to round out the top five for the Warriors.
"It was awesome to see Mason in that big of a moment straight out of the gate this year," Stalzer noted.
Against Northeast, Herrington posted the third-best mark of the dual while Emma Bradley (Ablia, IA/Albia) and Haley Byrge (Chilton, IA/Chilton) each posted a 91 to tie for second overall in the ladies division.
In the win over Kirkwood, Herrington and Franzen took home second and third-place honors, respectively. Bradley and Byrge tied for first overall while Scarlet Meyer (Bloomfield, IA/Davis County) took home third-place honors.
"On the ladies side, Emma and Haley both shot fantastic with 91s and took home awards against both NICC and Kirkwood."
The Warriors now head to Waukee, IA for the Simpson Open at the New Pioneer Gun Club September 16-17.
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