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Grant Supports Growth of Juniata College Collegiate Clay Shooting Club
(Posted July 14, 2026)
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Mason Roan ’29 competes at Shenecoy Sportsmen Club, home range of Juniata's Collegiate Clay Shooting Club.
Mason Roan ’29 competes at Shenecoy Sportsmen Club, home range of Juniata's Collegiate Clay Shooting Club.
HUNTINGDON, Pa. — The Juniata College Collegiate Clay Shooting Club is expanding its opportunities for student-athletes and improving its home range facilities through a $75,000 grant from the Midway Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports youth and collegiate shooting sports programs.
The grant, combined with required matching funds, will support facility improvements at Shenecoy Sportsmen Club in Huntingdon, the home range of the Juniata College clay shooting team. Planned improvements include the addition of two trap houses, updates to existing trap fields, improved lighting for year-round practices, restroom renovations, and upgrades to the club’s five-stand facility.
“These improvements will make a tremendous difference for our athletes,” said Coach Jack Makdad ’85. “College students have busy schedules, and they do not always have the opportunity to practice during daylight hours. Having improved facilities and lighting will allow us to train more consistently throughout the year.”
The upgrades will also create a stronger environment for coaching and competition. Two of the fields being improved are located near the team’s clubhouse, allowing coaches to better observe and support student-athletes during practices.
“This grant is an investment not only in our team, but in the future of collegiate clay shooting at Juniata,” Makdad said. “It gives students the opportunity to develop skills in a sport that emphasizes focus, discipline, consistency, and teamwork.”
The grant comes during an exciting period of growth for the program. Relaunched in 2026, the Collegiate Clay Shooting Club quickly established itself as a competitive team, hosting the 2026 Pennsylvania Clay Club Collegiate Clay Championship and earning top individual finishes during its inaugural season.
“Shenecoy Sportsmen is thrilled to congratulate Juniata College on receiving this grant funding for its shooting sports facility improvements. This investment is a tremendous win not only for the College, but for the entire shooting sports community,” said Barry Sheffield, Shenecoy Sportsmen facility manager. “Our organization is committed to supporting youth and collegiate athletes, and we know these enhancements will provide more opportunities for athletes to learn, train, and compete in a safe, high-quality environment. We are excited to watch the program continue to grow and succeed while inspiring the next generation of competitors.”
Shenecoy Sportsmen Club is contributing in-kind support toward the project, including equipment and labor assistance for facility improvements.
“The partnership with Shenecoy has been instrumental in bringing this program back to life,” Makdad said. “Their support has provided our students with a place to practice, compete, and build a community around the sport.”
Most recently, Juniata hosted the Scholastic Clay Target Program’s Pennsylvania State Skeet Championship at Shenecoy Sportsmen Club on May 16, with team members Parker Boop ’29 of Middleburg, Pa., Team Captain Trevor Burkett ’27 of South Fork, Pa., Liam Johnston ’29 of Phoenixville, Pa., Joe Laskas ’29 of Media, Pa., and Mason Roan ’29 of Cogan Station, Pa., competing.
Students, alumni, and community members interested in learning more or getting involved are encouraged to contact Makdad at jcm100@juniata.edu.
Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.