Sangamon Sun

Illinois College has announced the addition of a clay target team, marking it as the 24th varsity sport for the institution. The team is set to start competing in spring 2023, with Bruce Shafer appointed as head coach.

The Jacksonville Sportsman Club in South Jacksonville will serve as the home site for this co-ed team. Competitions will include events such as trap, sporting clays, and five stand. The team will be part of the Scholastic Clay Target Program and participate in ACUI Clay Target events.

The Scholastic Clay Target Program is recognized as the largest and fastest-growing clay target organization nationwide, offering opportunities for student-athletes to engage in sports like trap, skeet, and sporting clays. ACUI, established in 1968, is noted as the oldest collegiate shotgun sports program and organizes the annual ACUI Collegiate Clay Targets Championships.

Illinois College plans to host a Recruiting Invitational at the Jacksonville Sportsman Club on Saturday, November 5th at 1:00 PM. This event provides prospective student-athletes an opportunity to meet coaches and learn about the new program. Beginning with check-in at 9:30 AM, participants can engage in a team shoot starting at 10:00 AM that includes trap shooting, sporting clays, and an Annie Oakley event. Shells, clays, and lunch are provided free of charge to attendees.

Registration for this recruiting event is currently open. For more information or inquiries regarding registration details, interested parties can contact Meghan Roman, Director of Athletics at meghan.roman@ic.edu or by calling 217-245-3000.