Spectacular Spartans: Ed Eichstadt Finishes Fourth in State Shooting

Recent graduate (2012) Ed Eichstadt finished fourth overall in last weekend's varsity Minnesota State Clay Shooting competition in Alexandria, Minn.

Nine hundred shooters qualified for Saturday's competition—including novice and junor varsity—with 403 shooters competing in the varsity shoot on Sunday. 

For Eichstadt, the competition was a matter of staying mentally tough. 

"The day of the shoot I just had to block out all of the stress," Eichstadt told Patch. "They say 90 percent of shooting is between your ears. Then, after that, all you have to do is keep your head down and shoot straight. Anyone has a chance to place in the top, its all about how you perform when it counts."

Ed's father Jeff was beside himself with his son's Sunday performance: "He hit 97 of 100 targets. He was in the zone!" 

Despite his individual success, Ed chalked up the performance to a team effort. 

"As a team we all keep each other in good spirits while shooting," Eichstadt said. "I'd like to say thanks for the support and also congratulations to my teammates Robbie Backes, Josh Froyd, Trevor Renner and Mark Millerbernd." 

Ed concluded his chat with Patch by thanking "everyone who made this possible" including his coaches Doug Renner, Dave Larson and Rob Backes.

Ed also wished to highlight that Simley's Courtney Renner was the Classic Suburban Conference 5A female high score for the season.