NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- Wartburg College clay target sports freshman Kelly Maier placed third in the Ladies division at the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) World Super Sporting Championship on Sept. 4 -Sept. 6 at Northbrook Sports Club.

Maier was one of four Wartburg competitors to take part in the three-day championship, joining teammates Caden Grossman, Megan Swartzendruber and Hayley Burke. The event did not feature team competition, with individual results determining the standings.

The World Super Sporting Championship brought together a highly competitive field that included multiple national and world champions. Competitors completed 200 targets over three days while navigating a variety of weather conditions. Maier's third-place finish in the Ladies division highlighted a strong showing against some of the top shooters in the sport.

"This event featured some of the best shooters on the planet at a venue well known for some of the most challenging targets in the world," said Wartburg head coach Russell Malterud.
"To see Kelly go out and perform at the level she did was not something that came as a surprise but was nonetheless extremely impressive and fun to watch. Having such a young squad at an event of this magnitude was incredibly valuable to developing their experiences and familiarity with competing at events of the highest level. I am extremely proud of how all of them handled themselves and persevered through a variety of challenges throughout the weekend."

For Maier, the championship provided an opportunity to compete against an elite field in ear inaugural collegiate-opener, while gaining valuable experience on a demanding stage.

"The World Super Sporting Championship was an experience I will never forget," Maier said. "These were some of the most challenging targets I have seen throughout my shooting career. That being said, I came into the shoot not expecting much. To have placed third for ladies, I am extremely honored. I am also so proud of my teammates for going out there and shooting their best. It was fun watching them grow in their sporting clays game. I am so excited for what is to come and hopefully I will have more podium finishes in future tournaments!"

WARTBURG INDIVIDUAL SCORES
Kelly Maier (152/200) - RC Ammo (49/68), North Star (48/66), Promatic (55/66)
Megan Swartzzendruber (108/200) - RC Ammo (38/68), North Star (32/66), Promatic (38/66)
Caden Grossman (131/200) - RC Ammo (40/68), North Star (39/66), Promatic (52/66)
Hayley Burke (103/200) - RC Ammo (30/68), North Star (36/66), Promatic (37/66)