09/19/12 jb

HAYS, Kan. -- In three out of five events, the Fort Hays State University Shooting Team took first place at the Colorado State University Competition on Sept. 8-9. The team also earned seven first-place individual medals.

"We have learned that shooting isn't only a quality competitive event, but also has a wonderful social aspect," said Ashley Nau, Gering, Neb., junior. "We get to meet students from a variety of schools across the country and we remain friends with them and continue to talk even after the competition is over."

Four schools competed -- FHSU, Colorado State University, the University of Wyoming and Iowa State University.

In the men's individual standings:

Damien Giles, North Platte, Neb., senior, took first in double skeet and sporting clays, second in trap and third in double trap.

Cody Pedulla, Minatare, Neb., junior, took third in skeet.

In the women's individual standings:

Kendall Hostler, Grand Island, Neb., sophomore, took first in double trap, trap and sporting clays, and second in skeet.

Kilee Hutchison, Lakin senior, took second in sporting clays and tied for second in double skeet, and third in double trap.

Ashley Nau took second in trap and double trap.

Katie Svoboda, Mitchell, Neb., sophomore, tied for second with Hutchison in double skeet and took third in skeet.

Caitlin Watts, Kingman junior, took first in skeet and double skeet, and third in trap.

"Many people believe anything involved with guns is only a 'men's sport,' when in reality there are many top women shooters that out-compete the high men," said Nau. "Women can thrive in this sport as much as any man can."

FHSU took two five-shooter teams. Overall, FHSU took first in double trap, trap and double skeet, and third in skeet.

"We love the sport because it's something we can continue into old age, and we are always seeing old friends and making new ones," said Nau.