Clay, Camaraderie, and a Cause: The Story of Lagcoe’s Clay Classic

Oct 01, 2025 / Blog

The first time I ever attended the Clay Classic, I’ll admit, I didn’t know the first thing about shooting clays (I may still not know much, I confess). What I did know was that the moment I walked onto the course, I felt welcomed. The laughter, the friendly competition, the smell of good food drifting from the cook teams, it was clear this was more than just a tournament. It was community.

The roots of this event go back more than a decade, when friends and Lagcoe Young Professionals committee members Tom Hebert, Chad Motty, Josh Credeur and others came together with a simple idea: raise money to help high school students pursue degrees in the oil and gas industry. What began as a passion project grew into a tradition. Over the years, the Clay Classic has funded more than fifteen scholarships (over $90,000 supporting students), built connections, and reminded us why investing in the next generation of energy leaders matters.

Like many things, the tournament took a pause during COVID. Last year, Lagcoe board member Josh Credeur helped bring it back to life. Standing there, watching previous scholarship winners volunteer and share their experiences, and seeing my Troop 162 Scouts lead the pledge and offer the opening prayer, I was struck by the full circle of it all. Here were young people already stepping up with leadership and service, exactly the kind of future we hope to nurture through this event.

The Clay Classic isn’t just about sport. It is about investing in tomorrow. Every shot fired, every auction item, every sponsorship secured helps fund the Future Energy Professionals Scholarships, direct support for students pursuing education in STEM-focused degrees.

This year, as we prepare to gather at the Wilderness Gun Club on October 10, I hope to see even more of our community join in. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or, like I once was, just curious and along for the ride, this event has a place for you. Together, we can ensure the cycle continues: camaraderie, competition, and raising funds to fuel the future of energy.