Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1527997
PullUSA: What's your favorite memory from competing at Nationals? Oliver Cran: One of my favorite memories was the 2023 National Championship where myself and a fellow teammate tied for first place with 17 other student athletes. When I was in the shoot-off, I was nervous, but excited to be a part of it. I earned fifth place in the shoot-off to make the podium—it was an awesome experience! PullUSA: What goals do you have for next season? Cran: My goals for next season are to keep breaking clays, shoot well with my team, and hopefully do well at State and Nationals. PullUSA: What's the best piece of advice that you've received on the line? Cran: As coach Mel says, "Always keep your eyes open and follow through!" My advice to some of the younger shooters is don't worry about the lost target, just concentrate on the next one. PullUSA: What are some other activities or hobbies you enjoy? Cran: Other hobbies I have outside of trap shooting are riding a 4-wheeler around our dairy farm and deer hunting with my family. I also compete on our high school powerlifting team. PullUSA: Why should young athletes give clay target sports a try? Cran: Young athletes should give clay target sports a try because it's fun, competitive, and challenging. You can continue this sport into adulthood with many different competitive avenues. PullUSA: Do you plan on continuing the sport after high school? Cran: Most definitely! It's been really fun shooting summer league, shooting at different local ranges, and meeting new people. Each issue of PullUSA features different high school clay target athletes exhibiting exceptional character and passion for the sport and their communities. ✪ OLIVER CRAN first got wind of the St. Croix Central High School clay target team from his buddies. Now, he's one of the top student athletes in the country. Cran has placed No. 1 in the conference for three consecutive seasons. He took fifth and sixth at the 2023 and 2024 USA High School Clay Target League National Championships, respectively. THE LEAD ON T HE L INE OLIVER CRAN ❚❙❘ SENIOR | ST. CROIX CENTRAL H.S. | ROBERTS, WISCONSIN ❘❙❚ AG E FU N FAC T S 17 Oli ver c ompe ted in a shoo t- o f f w i th 18 o ther s tuden t a thle tes a t the 2023 Na tional C hampionship. 12 PULLUSA MAGAZINE FALL 2024 CR AN HAS HIGH HOPES FOR HIS SENIOR YEAR AT ST. CROIX CENTR AL HIGH SCHOOL .