Adam Turner, co-coach of the Grace Shooting Club, also discussed the group’s uniqueness. “For a lot of these people, the shooting team is their community at Grace,” explained Turner. “Whether that is shooting or getting dinner together at Alpha Dining Hall.”
Another aspect of the community is the shooting itself. “You can shoot for a lifetime,” said Paul Blair, the team’s other coach. “Coach Turner and I still shoot competitively. It’s a sport that brings many generations together. I know Ruth has built skills and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Being on the shooting team has also opened up the door for Abel to serve on the board for the Scholastic Clay Target Program for the state of Indiana. “I met a guy who was on the board but had plans to retire and step down,” explained Abel. “Through my involvement with the Grace team, he offered for me to take over for him. Grace prepared me for this opportunity.”
As Abel’s experience at Grace comes to a close, she reflects on how Grace has prepared her as a leader. Not only has Abel served as a team captain, but she also functions as the student recruiter for the team. In full-circle fashion, Abel now goes to the college fairs herself to recruit future team members for the Grace College Shooting Team.
In addition, Grace and the shooting club have helped Abel grow in her faith. Blair emphasized the importance of shining for Jesus on the shooting range.
“When our teams go to a competition, they are competing against schools from all makes,” said Blair. “These include large, small, secular, private, religious, and Division 1 NCAA schools.”
Blair loves hearing the other coaches marvel over Grace’s patient, calm, and respectful shooters. Turner agreed, “As coaches, we enjoy seeing the students mature and grow as leaders from when they enter Grace until they leave.”
Abel’s experience has been just this. “I have been transformed through the shooting program at Grace, and now, I have my sights set on the exciting future God has for me.”
If you are interested in joining a club in college and building connections through shared interests and hobbies, learn more about the clubs available at Grace.