AgEcon Sophomore Pursues Passion as President of Purdue's Trap and Skeet Club
Ethan Buck (Commodity Marketing; Lafayette, IN) was sure of starting his Purdue career in the Agricultural Economics department, but he also wanted to find out what clubs and other outside activities were open. He found the perfect fit in the Trap and Skeet club and wanted to continue doing what he loved while getting his degree at Purdue.
Ethan grew up practicing shooting sports, sparking a passion at an early age, "Since I was 12 years old, my family and I have been shooting trap competitively at local, regional, and national events." Ethan knew that the Trap and Skeet club was going to be one of his priorities when coming to Purdue. While participating in the club, he decided that there was an opportunity for growth and leadership by running for President.
In order for him to get to the President position that he wanted, he ran, and was elected, Vice-President his freshman year. Early on Ethan was already taking a huge role in the club and asking officers questions and what it took to become the president. He then pursued the opportunity and was elected as the President in November. Ethan explained, "My role is simple, yet the hardest to accomplish." He must run the whole club, be the contact with other clubs, Purdue, and the public. He mentions how he must put in a lot of work, with the majority being leadership and organization, making sure that all the officers are doing their roles correctly and he is there to help them if needed. While it may sound like a lot of work, Ethan would not have it any other way, "At the end of the day I am just a guy who loves shooting sports and I will do everything in my power to keep the club and its members on the right track."
Ethan is extremely excited to serve in this role because he can use his skills in networking and public communication, where he will be able to take those with him wherever he ends up. Ethan cannot express how much he enjoys being the president and mentions, "I have loved everything about being the President of the Trap and Skeet club but also be able to work with other Purdue students who have the same passion as I do."
Another aspect of the club that he loves and is surprised by is how many first-time shooters join the club and want to learn how to shoot firearms. "It's great to see other Purdue students joining the club and creating an interest in shooting sports." Even though it has been some tough times due to Covid, Ethan has worked closely with fellow officers and pieced everything together to understand how to run the club going forward. Ethan has loved his time at Purdue and the Trap and Skeet Club has only made his experience better, "It is amazing to see his hard work and commitment to becoming the President as a sophomore and running the club."
