LEAD: The Steel Shooters of Traer pictured on July 13 including (back row, l-r) Coach Pete Holden, Anthony Dudys, Brady Droste; (front row, l-r) William Dudys, Elliot Dudys, Gwen Wical, and Coach Krystal Meggers. PHOTO COURTESY OF KRYSTAL MEGGERS

TRAER – In December 2023, the Steel Shooters of Traer faced a major hurdle – they lost access to their home shooting range. Months of uncertainty followed, but that didn’t stop these young athletes. With grit, determination, and strong community support, they secured a temporary practice space 20-25 minutes away. It wasn’t always ideal – or welcoming to everyone – but the team showed up and put in the work.

Despite the unfamiliar environment and inconsistent practice schedule, the team brought home multiple regional and state medals. Former teammate Alex Meggers was honored with a spot on the Iowa All-State Team. And while national medals in steel action eluded them in 2024, Gwen Wical placed 2nd in the Ladies Optic Pistol division, and Anthony Dudys earned 1st place in both Air and Sports Pistol in the Senior Junior Varsity division.

The 2024-2025 season brought even more change. The team chose not to renew their membership at the temporary facility and instead trained wherever they could including on family land, at friends’ properties, or by traveling long distances to practice.

Still, these athletes stayed committed- and their perseverance paid off again. Under the guidance of Pete Holden and Alex Meggers, the team brought home more hardware this season:

Regional Match Results

Pictured from left, Elliot Dudys, Anthony Dudys, William Dudys, Gwen Wical, and Brady Droste. PHOTO COURTESY OF KRYSTAL MEGGERS

-3rd Place Pistol: Anthony Dudys, Sparrow Kalani, Gwen Wical, Brady Droste

-2nd Place Optic Rifle: Brady Droste, Owen Bruns, William and Elliot Dudys

-2nd Place Optic Pistol: William Dudys, Owen Bruns, Gwen Wical, Brady Droste

-3rd Place Iron Rifle (Intermediate Division): Brady Droste, Owen and Brooke Bruns, William Dudys

Iowa State Match Results (All Non-Collegiate Division)

-1st Place Pistol: Anthony Dudys, Brady Droste, Gwen Wical, Owen Bruns

-2nd Place Optic Rifle: Anthony, Elliot and William Dudys, Gwen Wical

-1st Place Iron Rifle: William Dudys, Brooke Bruns, Gwen Wical, Owen Bruns

Three athletes including Brady Droste, Gwen Wical, and Anthony Dudys earned spots on the Iowa All-State Team and proudly represented Iowa at the National Championships in Marengo, Ohio – one of the largest shooting events in the country, with over 2,500 entries.

While the team didn’t bring home additional national medals, they placed in the top 50% across nearly all disciplines, an incredible accomplishment at such a competitive level.

Congratulations to our individual national medalists!

-Anthony Dudys: 3rd Place Sports Pistol, Senior Division

-Gwen Wical: 1st Place Pistol, and 2nd Place in both Iron and Optic Rifle, Ladies Senior/JV Division

These young athletes have proven that with hard work, dedication, and teamwork, they can overcome any obstacle. We couldn’t be prouder!

As the season wraps up in August, we’re excited to announce that the Steel Shooters of Traer will soon have a home range to call their own. Once construction is complete, we’ll post the announcement on our Facebook page, Steel Shooters of Traer.

The new season begins September 1! For more information, contact Pete Holden at 319-415-5044 or Krystal Meggers at 319-939-3214