Clarksville, Ark.-The talents of University of the Ozarks clay target shooters Grace Brown and Summer Sanders were on full display at the Association of College Unions International Collegiate (ACUI) National Tournament recently as Brown captured a national championship and Sanders posted a top-5 finish.

The two student-athletes had successes in other events at the tournament, but it was in international bunker trap that the sharp-shooting duo made the biggest splash. The first and fourth place feat was even more remarkable considering the two competed against much larger schools. Brown's title was the first for the program.

"We have two of the best female shooters in the country," said head coach Caleb Hemphill. "They are fantastic. They were already the best collegiate Arkansas shooters in trap. I've not known them to ever miss two birds in a row. For both of them, it is more like counting the ones they miss rather than the ones they hit."

The duo receives considerable attention at state-wide tournaments, but will now be nationally known.

"Everywhere we go, opponents feel like they are already beat when they see Grace and Summer walk up," said Hemphill.

Hemphill believes Brown and Sanders are not intimidated competing in a sport typical dominated by male shooters. In fact, they view it as a challenge.

"They don't back down, they accept the challenge," said Hemphill. "They have made many put their foot in their mouth. When my girls are crowned at events, some guys roll their eyes."

Hemphill says each shooter has distinguishing features that make them special.

"Grace brings a lot of knowledge to the table," said Hemphill. "She has a great mental attitude. Summer has had an impact as a freshman and has been everything I have needed her to be. They are the foundation of the program. This program will grow and remain a force because of Grace and Summer."

Brown, a junior from Booneville, Arkansas, received a place on the USA Shooting/ACUI Collegiate Team for her national championship. Sanders, a freshman from Greenwood, Arkansas, came to Ozarks as one of the top high school shooters in Arkansas.

"Summer had an outstanding high school career and was being recruited by several schools," he said. "Her name was out there as being one of the top shooters in Arkansas. She has continued to work hard at the sport."

Sanders uses a Beretta DT 10, while Brown prefers a Krieghoff K-80 Parcour.

"Summer shoots a very heavy gun," said Hemphill. "Grace shoots a very light gun. It is just the shooter's preference."

Hemphill is a perfect fit for the program having been a member of the clay target and baseball team at Ozarks. He has seen first-hand the support from the university. He believes the university's commitment to the shooting program has not only helped Brown and Sanders, but the entire program. The program has flourished in just a few seasons of collegiate competition.

"There is tremendous support for our program," said Hemphill.  "We are set up to succeed. We have our very own facility to practice regularly. We are sponsored by Under Armour and Fiocchi shot gun shells. Our ultimate goal is to bring home a team national championship."