The 44th Intercollegiate Clay Target Championships are in the books. What is that you ask? In case you haven't been following this March sport, it’s the ACUI championships for college shotgun.
The NRA Collegiate shooting programs hosts the pistol championship and co-hosts the rifle champs with the NCAA. The all-stars of trap, skeet, and sporting clays are participants and follow the ACUI student program standards of eligibility and code of conduct. The ACUI event is the only one in the United States where registration and sponsorship covers ammunition, and it's the only event where college students
compete in all six events to comprise the High Overall scores that lead to a title.
On average, one new school each year adds ACUI membership to their budget to get their team to the championships with the member rates. And it’s where 545 students competed for $10,500 in individual scholarships and $422,000 in endowment funds for their school in 2012, thanks to our supporters.
Many of the Central Office staff have a Google alert set for any new stories or posts about ACUI, but I have an additional one called "trap and skeet," so I can keep up with industry news, the formation of new teams or clubs on campus, and ACUI alumni who may have made it to the Olympics, a World Cup competition, or become the manager at a range somewhere in the United States. It's a handy tool, and I bet I'd win in the office pool for most unique Google alert.
These students are leaders on campus. They rally together to enlighten administration about their club’s mission. Three of the schools that come to our event have elevated their trap and skeet status to a varsity sport. Others come from student organizations, recreational sports, or 
just one individual who grew up in the sport and wants to continue their passion.
For more on the ACUI program, go to www.acui.org/claytargets and find out if your campus has a budding young athlete who needs your support. Or better yet, volunteer to be the program team leader for ACUI. This application is online and interested parties should reply by May 11. No prior experience is required (just look at me!).
Although it wasn't what attracted me to the job six years ago, I am proud to be associated with the program and happy to accept new assignments that connect me to students.
What describes your most rewarding other duty as assigned?
Michelle Smith
is the Director of Meetings at ACUI.
Serves as the primary meeting planner for the annual conference. Works with Championship-level Recreation and Leisure Activities, volunteer recruitment, elections, and the conference program team.