Vikings shooters finish fourth in conference
Siuslaw senior Morgan Delle The Siuslaw Vikings' first spring season of competitive target shooting has been a big hit, says coach and Siuslaw Middle School math teacher Sean Grundon.
"This season we did well," Grundon said. "For female shooters in our conference, we did really great."
The Vikings are first-year members of the Oregon State High School Clay Target League, which has fall and spring seasons.
This spring, Vikings senior Morgan Delle was conference champion and one of the top shooters in the state.
Sixth-grader Aleria Mendolia, senior Madeleine Danielsson and seventh-grader Allison Conklin finished 9-10-11 in conference.
For the boys, junior Wade Richmond was 17th, eighth-grader Dylan Wheeler 19th and eighth-grader Collin Barnett 21st in conference.
The Vikings as a team were fourth in a seven-team league.
"Both Wade and Morgan shot a perfect round this year — 25 of 25," Grundon said. "That's something I have never done."
Eight Vikings will compete in the state tournament June 25 — sixth-graders Thomas Gentry and Aleria Mendolia, eighth-graders Billy Grable and Dylan Wheeler, sophomore Hunter Pimlott, juniors Beau Campbell and Wade Richmond and senior Morgan Delle.
Grundon had some great help this year from assistant coach Riley Hayes, range safety officers Troy Delle and Willie Rose and the Siuslaw School District, led by superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak.
The local VFW, Elks and Siuslaw Rod and Gun Club are among the sponsors of the team.
"The community rallied to get this program launched," Grundon said. "The Siuslaw Rod and Gun Club donated a shed building for the kids to keep their gear in.
"We do need donations for a new thrower. If anyone is interested, please send a check to the Siuslaw TS Team to the middle school."
Grundon is looking forward to the second school year of competition.
"Sporting clays happens in the fall, and I am sure we will have at least a squad of five — and maybe two squads, like last fall," he said.
VIKINGS ROSTER
Collin Barnett, eighth grade
Beau Campbell, junior
Allison Cooklin, seventh grade
Erik Danielsson, sophomore
Madeleine Danielsson, senior
Morgan Delle, senior
Terry Elliot, freshman
Thomas Gentry, sixth grade
Billy Grable, eighth grade
Kyler Hammerberg, freshman
Chance Jones, freshman
Aleria Mendolia, sixth grade
Hunter Pimlott, sophomore
Wade Richmond, junior
Dylan Wheeler, eighth grade
IMAGE GALLERY
