It’s been a long wait, but the scores are finally out for the first three weeks of competition.  It was worth the wait though, as the Laker trap team finds itself currently in 1st place in its class/conference.  “It isn’t by a big margin, but we will take it,” coach Jennie Stone said.  “Now, to hang on for the last two rounds of competition and see if we can finish in 1st like we did last year.”

Minnewaska currently has a score of 5,637, which is just ahead of Kenyon-Wanamingo (5,613).  Other teams in the conference are Cambridge (4,818), Mesabi East (3,680), Mora (3,419), Deer River (3,205), Maple River (2,600) and Eastview (2,346).

The Lakers have several shooters in the running for top recognition.  Currently in the top 25 in the conference out of 192 shooters are Kyler Anderson (2nd), August Reichmann and Mason Reichmann (tied for fourth), Dylan VanZee (seventh), Levi Schultz (tied eighth), Isaac Hennen (tied tenth), and Jonathan Hagen and James Nichtern (tied for 17th).

For the females in the conference, Makayla Hagen and Tabbi Durand are tied for 7th and Holly Hennen currently ranks 19th 

In the overall top 100, out of 11,989 shooters in the state, Kyler Anderson is tied for 19th.  “We have a few other shooters just barely out of the top 100, and they could still land there,” said coach Stone.  “They still have a lot of work to do to stay in those positions or move up, but there is no reason we can’t dominate.   A large portion of our team is hitting their stride right now which is exactly what we need.”

Week 4 scores dropped the average down, but just barely.  Holly Hennen again hit her personal best of 21 and was most improved shooter this week.  Mason Reichmann was top gun with a 48.  Besides our top gun, there are so many team members that add to our overall total for the week.  “Although you don’t see their names in print, each member is so important,” coach Stone said.  “We have been getting very consistent numbers from Ethan Curry, Isaac Hennen, Dylan VanZee, Cole Kittelson, Joey Marquardt, James Nichtern,  and Levi Schultz to name just a few. Such great effort and hard work every week by everyone is making a difference.”

Out of 22 team members that competed in week four, 15 had an average of 20 or higher.  “Those are good numbers, but we really want to see our team average above 22,” coach Stone said.  “Week 3 average was 21.1, down from last week’s 21.5.  If that doesn’t come up a bit we may slip in place and we want the average to be increasing as we head toward state. That is when we need to really peak.”

The team competes for the final regular competition, Sunday May 14.    State shoot practice starts on May 21. Mark your calendars for Tuesday June 13 as the team will be competing in Alexandria.  “Feel free to come and watch this amazing group of athletes,” Stone said.