Prairie du Chien Clay Crushers have good season
The Prairie du Chien seniors fired their last round. From right to left are Max Clanton, Brady Bartels, Chad Achenbach, and Jack Lange. (Photo submitted)
For the 2021 spring season, the Prairie du Chien Clay Crushers roster was made up of 25 students from grades 6 to 12.
Since the 2019 season, the Clay Crushers graduated nearly half the roster. Fourteen of the 25 students on the team in 2021 were new to the sport of clay target shooting. Thanks to the dedicated coaches, Kevin Doerring, Rich Noel, Denny Kirschbaum, and Judy Armstrong, the kids improved consistently throughout the season.
In the first week of practice, the team’s average was 27 targets out of a possible 50 targets. But by the end of the 5 weeks of competition, their average was 35 out of 50.
The team was led by veteran shotgunners Max Clanton (season average: 42.8/50), Chad Achenbach (41.6/50), Meg Katzung (38.6/50), Sadie Torgerson (35.3/50), Zach Mezera (34/50), Lydia Seeley (33.7/50), and Brady Bartels (27.8/50).
The team was fortunate to have a few high school students new to the program which provided leadership and scoring: Lindsey Nolan (35/50) and Jack Lange (37.8/50).
The team’s veteran leadership helped several newcomers improve rather quickly. The scoring leaders of the new team members were Mikey Pettit (39.2/40), Zach Ross (36/50), Caleb Mezera (34/50), Brecken Toberman (33.2/50), and Sam Kramer (33/50).
At the State Tournament on Saturday June 12, the team looked to take another step and improve on an already successful season. Despite the strong crosswind, the team finished the day strong. Max Clanton (84/100), Chad Achenbach (84/100), Sadie Torgerson (81/100), Brady Bartels (78/100) and Jack Lange (77/100) led the team scoring and showed a positive attitude despite the wind.
The team finished with 404 points which was 33rd out of 41 teams. It was a tough day, no doubt. To give some perspective, the 2019 team set the school record of 454 points which would have been good for third place this year, but it was only good enough for 20th place in 2019.
A very positive result was that the team finished in first place in the Novice Division. There are three divisions in which each participant is classified into a division based upon their average scoring throughout the season. Varsity participants have an average of 19-25, junior varsity 15-18.9, and novice less than 15 per round of 25. Brady Bartels, Pierce Key (75/100), Hunter Reid (74/100), Josie Kramer (63/100), and Justin Moris (62/100) led the team to this accomplishment.
Based upon this result, it is clear that this means the team improved as much, if not more, than any other team at the tournament. Despite losing a bunch of seniors who have been instrumental in building the program, the future looks bright for the PdC Clay Crushers.
Thank you to all the parents who helped at the state tournament Saturday and throughout the season. Prairie du Chien Clay Crushers Advisor Kirby Kohler said he really appreciates the support and the willingness to give a hand whenever it’s needed.
Additionally, the team thanks its sponsors that make the program possible. Thank you very much to Kramer Auction which was the leading sponsor to the 2021 season. Additionally, thank you to the Prairie Rod and Gun Club, Cassville Conservation Club, Bluff Country Long Spurs, Whitetails Unlimited, Todd Kraus Trucking, and the Commercial Vehicle Group of Monona, Iowa.
