Shooting Teams Enjoy Reception Honoring Their Success

MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Senior staff, and several dignitaries were among those in attendance in the Vera Low Enrichment Center Thursday evening on the campus of Bethel honoring the recent success of the Bethel Shooting teams.

The coaching staff and student athletes were honored for their recent individual and team national championships.

In March, Bethel traveled to Talladega, Alabama, not just to defend titles—but to prove total dominance. In SASP, there are no divisions. Every college competes head-to-head, placing Bethel against top programs including Arizona State, Florida State, Virginia Tech, and Texas A&M, the defending centerfire pistol national champion.

When awards were announced, Bethel University was named national champion in all eleven disciplines, becoming the first team in SASP history to sweep every title. The team also captured all three traveling trophies, cementing its place at the top of collegiate action shooting.

McKenzie Mayor Ryan Griffin read a proclamation from the city saluting the Cats.

Bethel Chaplain Garrett Burns read a proclamation on behalf of Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler saluting the squad.

Head Coach Steve Thomas said, "This is a very special group of young people who worked hard and achieved their goals with great confidence. I am so proud of them and our coaching staff." 

Bethel Vice President Derek Horne congratulated the coaches, and students, "The accomplishments of these teams are unparalleled in the sport.  We are so proud of their efforts, and the results speak for themselves. These are lifetime memories and our athletic department and entire school salutes them and shares these memories with each of them."