Kubiatowicz is perfect; Altrichter qualifies for state
The NRHEG Clay Target team put together the strongest performance of any team in its conference this year, but it wasn't quite enough to catch the leading team from McGregor-Aitkin-Cromwell. That performance, however, did earn a number of individuals on the squad some accolades.
The team was led by freshman Brett Kubiatowicz, who recorded a perfect round (50/50). He was joined by no less than nine others who shot rounds that ranked in the top 10 for the week. According to head coach, Dan Sorum, of the 51 shooters that competed from the NRHEG squad last week, 42 scored above their personal average and of that half of them scored above a 40/50.
"This was a phenomenal effort on the team's part," said Sorum. "But, we needed MAC to stumble bit as well and they proved to be the tough team they have been all year."
Frank Altrichter ended the season tied for the top individual spot in the conference with a per round average of 23.1 out of 25. This average also places Altrichter in the top 100 in the state so he will get to end his high school clay target career by competing in the 2nd Annual MSHSL State Clay Target Individual Tournament June 20.
"I am very excited for Frank," stated Coach Sorum. "He was on the team our first year and was named most improved shooter. It's great to see him on top of the game his final year."
Joining Frank in the top 25 were Tyler Raimann (NRHEG) 4th, Collin Christiansen (NRHEG) 4th, Kyle Bartz (Waseca) 6th, Brett Kubiatowicz (NRHEG) 7th, Noah Lund (Waseca) 8th, Sam Bartz (Waseca) 10th, and Alex Romer (Albert Lea) 12th. Having seven shooters in the top 10 in the conference bodes well for the team heading to the State Championship in Alexandria on June 14. At this statewide invitational, the top five scores from all of the shooters on a team counts toward the team’s attempt to qualify for the 2nd Annual MSHSL State Clay Target Team Tournament. Four teams from Class AAAA will qualify and if the NRHEG team is on its game the Panthers are almost certain to get one of those spots.
This week the team will get a break. They host their annual picnic and fun shoot on Wednesday as they recognize individual accomplishments so far this year. Then it will be back to business as 30 of their shooters prepare for Alexandria.
