Hillsdale College Shotgun Team Member Wins U.S. FITASC Junior Honors

7-31-2015 – Hillsdale, MI

Hillsdale College congratulates Drew Lieske, a member of the College’s shotgun team, for winning Junior Champion honors and earning first place in his age group at the 2015 U.S. Federation Internationale de Tir aux Armes Sportives de Chasse (FITASC) Grand Prix. Lieske placed 6th overall in a field of 300 competitors, including past World and National Champions.

The U.S. FITASC Grand Prix was hosted this year by the Caribou Gun Club in Le Sueur, Minn., July 17-19. Lieske’s score of 179×200 topped 30 junior shooters from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, and England. FITASC is an international form of sporting clays with the largest international following of all the clay target shooting sports. Similar to sporting clays, trap, and skeet, FITASC involves strategically placed clay target throwers (called traps) set to simulate hunting quarry. Many would argue that it is the ultimate challenge in clay target shooting.

“Competing in the U.S. FITASC Grand Prix was truly an honor,” Lieske said. “The unique grounds at Caribou Gun Club featured some of the most diverse and immaculate terrain, making for a true championship event. To be a part of something this prestigious and to come out on top is a great feeling. The Grand Prix is one of two FITASC World Cup events held in the United States, and there was some stiff competition. I was able to meet some really great new people.”

Lieske is from Oxford, Mich., and is currently a sophomore at Hillsdale College. He has been a part of the Hillsdale College shotgun team since his freshman year.

Following the U.S. FITASC Grand Prix, Lieske also competed in the 2015 World FITASC Sporting Championship, held July 23-26. This year’s World Championship saw 750 participants from 22 countries worldwide. His score of 165×200 in the Main Event tied for 18th out of 70 in the junior category. In the Super Sporting side event, Lieske shot a 94×100 to tie for first in juniors and fourth overall. After a six person shoot-off, he took honors as Junior Runner-Up.

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