For a small rural county, Colusa has had its fair share of high school athletes continue to play in the collegiate ranks. However, this year, a unique chapter has been written in that history, as one of its own has committed to Midland University in Fremont, Neb. to compete on the shotgun sports team.
In doing so, Colusa High School’s Chase Carrere becomes the first athlete in the county to secure such a spot at the collegiate level.
It was Carrere’s father Jason who initially sparked his interest in the sport, introducing him to hunting as soon as he was able to get his hunting license.
Then, as his passion for hunting grew, so did his love of shooting, and as a result, Carrere joined the Colusa County Ducks Youth Shooting Sports Team.
For the past six years, Carrere has honed his skills with the Ducks and will take that experience to Midland, a place he feels comfortable because it reminds him somewhat of Colusa.
“Since it’s a private school, only 1,500 to 2,000 people go there,” Carrere explained. “I also liked how it felt like home since Fremont is a pretty small town too.”
Carrere, who will major in Business Intelligence and Technology, will compete in three disciplines, including sporting clays, skeet, and trap – and is looking forward not only to challenging himself on the shooting range, but to new adventures.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and I’m also ready to step out of my comfort zone and try new things,” he said.
The shotgun sports season runs intermittently from September to April. ■