Hunter Derenski has joined Montcalm Community College’s coaching staff and will lead the clay target shooting team as part of the college’s athletics program.

Derenski has been shooting competitive clays since he was 10 years old. He is a three-time collegiate national champion and a world champion. He also coaches the Montabella High School team. 

“I wanted to coach the shooting team for MCC because I wanted to see more colleges accept shooting sports as a legitimate sport,” he said. “I am looking forward to seeing the program grow and expand to where hopefully other community colleges will follow suit.” 

Derenski said he looks forward to leading the college athletes in building and strengthening their skills. 

“The reason I enjoy competitive shooting is not because it is different, but because of what it teaches the athlete,” he said. “Shooting teaches us discipline, teamwork, mental focus, sportsmanship, confidence, social experience, and leadership. With these skills you can conquer anything you put your mind to.” 

The team will compete in Trap and Skeet shooting, two of the many disciplines of competitive shooting. 

He currently works as the manager at Kent County Conservation League Gun Club. He calls himself a homebody, since he likes to spend his free time at home. 

Derenski graduated from Lakeview Community High School and went to college at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo.