SAN ANTONIO — The Montreat College clay target shooting team made program history at the 2026 Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Collegiate Clay Target Championships, which were held from March 16-21 in San Antonio. Classified as Division III competitors, the Cavaliers placed runner-up out of 22 squads, marking their first overall podium finish at the national championships in program history.
 
Across the American skeet (474), American trap (476) and sporting clays (401) disciplines, the Cavs ultimately accrued 1,351 targets. That overall showing proved good enough for second place in the Classic All Around (CAA), just 10 back of champion Simpson College. Montreat also ended 21 targets ahead of Coe College.
 
In addition to the runner-up CAA effort, the Cavaliers also concluded third as a squad in doubles skeet. Montreat struck 458 targets, just three fewer than Louisiana State University. Jackson Switzer found the mark on 95 of his 100 tries to lead the Cavs. Madison Mishio (92), Connor Bruning (91), Wyatt Ferlan (91) and Peyton Bentley (89) also contributed to the cause.
 
Individually, Mishio garnered the highest honors among the Cavaliers in attendance thanks to her remarkable performances. The Bedford, Texas native received the ACUI & Scholastic Clay Target Program's (SCTP) Certificate of All-American Women for her competitive excellence during the ACUI Collegiate Clay Target Championships. Mishio grabbed a pair of podium finishes to go along with her All-American nod. She placed second overall in the ladies' sporting clays with an 89, as well as third overall in the combined sporting clays with a score of 182.
 
"I am so very proud of our athletes and how they performed during nationals," said Head Coach Hub Powell. "We have worked and competed all year for this opportunity, and the result is second place nationally in the Division III Classic All Around competition category. For this team, it is a first for us having a national podium finish in the all-around space. Next year: first place. We begin working on that this term. Go Cavs."
 
For a look at result from the 2026 ACUI College Clay Target Championships, click here.
 
With its main championship event in the rearview mirror, the Montreat College clay target shooting team turns its attention to a handful of local and regional events to conclude the 2025-26 season. The Cavaliers compete next on April 25 at the Unaka Rod & Gun Club in Johnson City, Tenn.