The West Prairie Press

By Brecken Smith

The spring trap shooting season started Monday, March 23, and will run through May 27. The state tournament will be May 31, and the national tournament will be held July 8–12.

Trap is both a team and individual sport focused on safety, skill, and fun. Students use shotguns to break flying clay target discs, earning points for each one broken. Students work in groups of five, with each person shooting 50 targets at a time. Points are tallied for both an individual score and a team score. The team is placed in a conference with other teams from across the state of similar size; West Prairie has one of the largest teams in the state. The team competes against these schools weekly for the highest score, and athletes can also earn individual awards. Based on average scores, athletes can qualify for the national tournament in Mason, Michigan.

Though it is too late to sign up for this season, new members are accepted in the fall so they can train and complete orientation in better weather. Those students then carry over to the spring season. The next opportunity to join the trap team will be in August.

To join the trap team in the fall, students must complete either hunter safety training or an online SAFE course through the National Rifle Association. Students must have access to their own gun, as the team does not provide them, and must supply their own ammunition. To join, students must attend the team orientation meeting in August, complete all behavior agreements, and obtain parent permission. Students must also follow all eligibility rules, the same as other sports.

Let’s meet the spring Cyclone Trap Team:

Eighth grade: Micheal Hocker, Landon Porter, Jake Wissled, Emmalyn Wilson

Freshmen: Brynlee Finch, Cody Peters, Mayson Reed, Ethan Sartorius, Kenson Welsh, Ayden Lacey, Jack Zimmerman

Sophomores: Will Butler, Jace Fowler, Kaylee Jackson, Charlee Kindhart, Bo Knox, Addalyn Stanberry, Kasen Webster, Kendrick Welsh, Jemar Whyte, Alisa Wilson

Juniors: Gauge Caho, Maya Hofmeister, Carlee Jackson, West Markham, Aiden Percy, Cameron Peters

Seniors: Melodee Ford, Kenadie Webster, Charlie Zimmerman

Freshman Brynlee Finch said she has been on the trap team for two years.

“This is my second year, but I really enjoy the program and the opportunities that come with it,” Finch said.

Finch said she plans to continue shooting trap until she graduates. She also said trap is a great opportunity that everyone should take advantage of.

“I plan to shoot till I graduate. Trap is an amazing opportunity offered by the school, and I think everyone should take advantage of it. Our coaches are wonderful, and it’s an all around good time,” Finch said.

Junior Carlee Jackson said the season has just started, but based on the last trap season, she expects it to be a good one. Jackson said she would like to continue shooting trap in college.

Jackson said if you’re interested in trap, just join — even if you have never shot a shotgun before.

“If you are interested in trap shooting just join. When I wanted to start I was going to be one of the only girls in my grade. I had never shot a shotgun before and was scared. I joined and the team and coaches were the biggest supporters you could ever ask for. Each coach will be there to support you and help you better yourself. So if you are thinking of joining just join you won’t regret it,” Jackson said.

Senior Charlie Zimmerman said he is enjoying this season and is excited to see younger students join.

“I’ve been enjoying this trap season a lot and am excited to see some of the younger kids join,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman said he hopes to join the SCC trap team in Burlington when he goes to college.

Zimmerman’s advice to younger students interested in joining trap is that skill is less important than enjoying yourself and being part of a team.

“You will not find a closer and tight knit community of kids than the West Prairie Trap Team. Everyone will encourage you to do your best and skill isn’t as important as enjoying yourself and being a member of a team,” Zimmerman said.

Senior trap members will be recognized at the Spring Meet the Cyclones event on April 24.