CSU clay target team has first national champion

This spring the Charleston Southern University Clay Target Team celebrated two milestones: the first student recruited for the team graduated, and a member of the team won a national championship for the first time.

Freshman Ella Grace Harrison won first place in Class C American Trap at the Association of College Unions International/Scholastic Clay Target Program 2025 College Nationals in San Antonio, Texas. 

Reagan Martin was the first person signed to the newly formed Clay Target Team four years ago by Founding Coach Thomas Cousins. He graduated in May with a major in biology with a wildlife emphasis. In the ACUI/SCTP college nationals in San Antonio, Texas, he finished in the top 20% overall in Classic All Around.

Cousins said, “I had hoped when we started the team that we could compete with the schools we shoot against. In building the program, we had a few years of just learning and kind of taking our lumps, but now we feel as if we can compete with just about anyone on a national stage.” The CSU Team finished tied for 12^th out of 21 teams in Division 3 at nationals.

Freshman Evelyn Elkins also saw success at the college nationals shooting a 90 in sporting clays and finished second (class B), shooting a 95 in trap, tied for first (class B), and finishing third in the nation in her Division in Classic All Around – combined skeet, trap and sporting clays.

Harrison said her favorite memories from the year came at the national championship, “I was able to shoot my first ever 25 in a row in trap and won first place in C Class women’s trap. I was also surrounded by the best teammates and coaches having fun the whole time we were there.”

Martin said, “The traveling experiences were my favorite. I was able to compete in Nevada, Texas, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. The sights, stories, and fellowship will not be forgotten. The trophies won were rewarding because they were a result of something that I was a part of from the beginning.” 

Cousins emphasizes the commitment students on the Clay Target Team make. When he coached at the high school level, the season ran from November to March. College seasons run from September through April. “It is a big commitment for the students to be a part of a season that is so long,” said Cousins.

Team members contribute their success to having a family with their teammates. Martin said it is important to draw near to the Lord and remember that success is earned, not given. 

Harrison said, “I try to stay on top of my class work, so then I can focus on the tournament and keep up with grades.” She says sporting clays is a mental game, and you must make sure your education comes first.

She said, “The 2024-2025 season was my first season with CSU, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My teammates and coaches made this season to be some of the best memories I will forever keep, and at dinner after each tournament there was never a moment we weren’t laughing. I am looking forward to getting back to shooting and being around the team in our 2025-2026 season.”

Athletes who attended the National Championships in addition to Martin, Elkins, and Harrison were: Ethan Moore, Ryan Clark, Aubrey Latham, and Tristen Cooks.