Under clear skies on a picturesque Saturday, the inaugural Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) “Shoot for Success” Sports Shooting Fundraiser took place, creating an unforgettable experience that blended camaraderie, sportsmanship, and charitable giving.
The event, held on August 26th, 2023, at the esteemed Rock Valley Gun Club, brought together sponsors, participants, and supporters in a day of marksmanship and philanthropy. The NCC Foundation is delighted to announce that the event raised just over $8,300, with all proceeds earmarked to support scholarship opportunities for student athletes at NCC.
The event had a great turnout of participants and partners, contributing to the resounding success of the fundraiser. The NCC Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who joined hands to make this first-time event a memorable triumph.
Notable highlights of the day include:
Impressive High Score: Noah Sundene distinguished himself by achieving the overall high score of 95 out of 100, showcasing remarkable marksmanship and dedication to the event’s cause.
Team Excellence: The Team Overall High Score was a remarkable 435 out of 500, achieved by the talented group consisting of Derek Lawson, Max Jones, Skyler Van Oort, Ken Van Oort, and Mac Kelly. Their exceptional teamwork demonstrated the spirit of unity and cooperation that defined the event.
Annie Oakley Triumph: Noah Sundene’s accomplishments didn’t stop at the high score; he also secured victory in the Annie Oakley Contest, further solidifying his position as a standout participant.
Raffle Winner: Landon Van’t Hul was the lucky recipient of the event’s raffle, winning a coveted CZ Shotgun that added an extra layer of excitement to the day.
The NCC Foundation acknowledges the individuals and groups that made this event a resounding success:
Coaching Excellence: Head Coach Brian Lauck transformed the event into a personalized “pro shop” experience with his expert coaching, while Assistant Coach DJ Van’t Hul extended a warm welcome and encouraging words to all participants.
Community and Alumni Engagement: The participation of alumni, industry partners, and community members showcased a united commitment to education and student success.
Premier Partnerships: The Rock Valley Gun Club’s exceptional hosting and ongoing partnership with NCC’s sports shooting program contributed significantly to the event’s seamless execution.
Supporting Scholarships: Industry and community partners generously donated funds toward scholarships, emphasizing the importance of education and collaboration.
The NCC Foundation is delighted to announce that the event raised just over $8,300, with all proceeds earmarked to support scholarship opportunities for student athletes at NCC. This contribution is especially vital as NCC continues to develop its intercollegiate athletics programs and expand its athletic scholarship offerings.
President John Hartog remarked, “This first annual event captured the essence of a perfect summer day, underscored by the clays shattered, the laughter shared, and the genuine connections made. As scholarship dollars increased for student success, the NCC ‘Shoot for Success’ Sports Shooting Fundraiser epitomized the power of collective effort for a meaningful cause.”
NCC Athletic Director Greta Giese added, “We are thrilled with the support we received for our first Athletics fundraising event! Our student-athletes and coaches alongside our Alumni and Foundation staff provided a memorable experience for participants, and the results both in scores and in dollars raised illustrate that.”
If you are interested in joining the fastest growing sport in the nation, with over 3,000+ sports shooting participants just in the state of Iowa, consider NCC’s Sports Shooting Team.
For more information contact Brian Lauck, Head Sports Shooting Coach at nccsportshooting@nwicc.edu.
