Harris County shotgun team claims 18th national championship

The Harris County shotgun team made a trip to Ohio last week worthwhile by bringing home some trophies and medals for its efforts.

Harris County proved to be a formidable foe in the 2017 Scholastic Clay Target Program National Championship, as it captured its 18th championship in program history. The title capped off a strong season of shooting for a Harris County squad which had missed nationals the last two years.

“It is was an honor to represent Harris County on such an elite level as the national competition,” head coach Angie Everson said. “The athletes performed well against some very stiff competition. They had the drive, the focus and the determination to give 100 percent on the field, and then they were champions.”

The competition featured around 2,800 shooters from 26 states, but the Harris County competitors were still at the forefront in many events.

Harris County’s Avery Lawski, Gabriel Tharpe and Harrison Tew took first place in the senior varsity skeet main event and the senior varsity skeet high school division. Harlan Brooks, Ashton Curry and Clay Weaver claimed fourth in the intermediate entry skeet and third in senior varsity skeet doubles. The team claimed fifth in the nation in the national high overall among high school squads.

Three Harris County shooters also placed as individuals at nationals. Tew took first place in high overall senior varsity skeet, Brooks placed third in intermediate entry skeet, and Luke Weaver claimed fourth in intermediate advanced for sporting clay.

“I, along with the rest of the coaching staff, are very proud of these athletes,” Everson said. “We could not have asked for more of them. Their shooting abilities, dedication and integrity on the field were impressive to see.”

This story was originally published July 17, 2017 at 4:25 PM with the headline "Harris County shotgun team claims 18th national championship."