Colquitt Christian Academy senior signs with Emmanuel University on Clay Target Team scholarship

MOULTRIE, Ga. – One local athlete’s aim and unwavering dedication has taken them to remarkable new heights.

Wyatt Spruill, a senior at Colquitt County Christian Academy, is taking his talent to the next level. He recently signed with Emmanuel University in Franklin Springs, Georgia, where he’ll compete on their varsity Clay Target Team.

“So, when I was way younger, my older brother started shooting for a team and got me interested. But I didn’t initially start. And, then, when I saw Charlie, my older brother, go to some competitions, I got really interested in it and I wanted to try it out. So, I tried it out and I had a lot of fun. So, on New Year’s Day I went to a competition and it was raining, it was cold, but I had a lot of fun. It was enjoyable and I knew that I wanted to start doing this,” said Wyatt Spruill, CCA senior, Emmanuel University Clay Target signee.

“We were super excited. Emmanuel’s a great school and has done a lot of awesome things in recent years and they also offer the degree program in Agribusiness that he wanted to pursue. So, we were really excited,” said Robert Spruill, father, coach, Colquitt Christian Academy.

“I feel the same. I was very excited for him. It is a small school and that’s what he’s used to, kind of from a classical school. So, we were really excited for him and know that he’ll be in good hands with Emmanuel,” said Brooke Spruill, Wyatt’s mother.

Wyatt is coached by his father, Robert Spruill, at Colquitt Christian Academy. His parents, Robert and Brooke Spruill, reflect on the challenges they’ve faced while supporting Wyatt throughout his journey.

“It’s certainly a challenge. The time constraints and the effort that they have to put into it is quite large. So, we certainly went through some of that in terms of him developing that dedication to the sport and putting the necessary time in it to be competitive,” said Robert.

Wyatt has built an impressive resume in the sport, competing three times at the NSCA Nationals in San Antonio, Texas, and the SCTP Nationals in Marengo, Ohio.

During his high school career, he also achieved an a-class ranking within the National Sporting Clays Association.

“Wyatt is a very hard worker and he’s been shooting for a while, so he’s got great skills. As far as when he prepares for a competition, he knows how to practice. He knows how to come to the field and get ready to shoot. Just well prepared. Well-rounded young man comes from a very solid family,” said Gina Shealy, Emmanuel University Clay Target Team, Co-coach.

“We’re looking for students who fit in with our team. Wyatt does that. He has a lot of experience through shooting in SCA National and Regional shoots. So, he comes with a lot of experience,” said John Shealy, Emmanuel University Clay Target Team, Co-coach.

Robert Spruill offered his perspective on the unique experience of coaching his son, Wyatt.

“We are very proud of Wyatt. I’m proud of his character. He was able to serve as our team captain this last year. And, with all sports, there’s always the recruitment of the younger athletes as they’re coming up. And, with shotgun sports or clay target sports, there’s always a lot to learn and Wyatt was instrumental in helping teach some of our younger ones and set that good example, good sportsmanship, just overall good attitude,” said Robert.

Wyatt will begin his journey at Emmanuel University in the Fall of 2025.

“What a blessing clay target sports has been to us over the years. It’s been a great opportunity for now two of our boys to get to compete and to travel and to get scholarships and go on to two awesome colleges and furthered their education. The clay target sports community is made up of really great families, all very supportive of each other. Just a really great sport, and we’re proud to be part of it,” said Robert.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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