The Minnewaska Trap team is about to start its 10th season as a lettering sport at MAHS.  The team of 27 was set to begin practice Tuesday April 2 with actual competitions beginning April 21. “It is hard to believe we are starting year 10,” said head coach Jennie Stone.  “Seems like just yesterday that Robb Richards, John and myself attended a school board meeting looking for support.  And, here we are with nine years under our belt and a few hundred kids through our program.” 

A reserve week shoot is set for Sunday, April 15 followed by competitions set for Sundays, April 21 (competition #1), April 28 (#2), May 5 (#3), May 12 (#4) and May 19 (#5).  The State Shoot is set for June 10-18 at Alexandria followed by the State Championships at Prior Lakes, June 20-21.  There is no makeup date for missed rounds and no ammo given out.

Trap practices are set for April 2, 4, 7, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 30, June 2, 6 (at Alex) and 9 (Alex).  Other practices may be added as the season progresses.

“This year, having three trap fields will help things a lot so we aren’t shooting at dusk unless it is Annie Oaklies or something,” coach Stone said.  “The continued support for this program is so inspiring.  We are a safe place for many that don’t really belong anywhere else.  They find a home with us and we watch their confidence blossom.  It really makes your heart full.”

Last year, the team took second place in the regular season, first place at the conference championship and 12th place overall in the state.  “We also boasted three kids in the top 100 in the state out of almost 12,000 athletes.  That is a statement right there!” said Stone.

This year, there are 11 new team members.  “I don’t think we have had that many new kids since the first year,” coach Stone said.  “This year, we do lose five seniors, so with most of the new members being underclassmen, it will really help continue the strength of our team.”

This year’s roster includes Grady Braaten, Ethan Curry, Tabbi Durand, Jonathan and Makayla Hagen, Holly and Isaac Hennen, Brody Hoffert, John Jenson, Onyx Johnson, Sam Jones, Hunter Kalb, Carter Katzenmeyer, Cole Kittelson, Matthew Longtin, Bage Maasjo, Micah Mahoney, Carson Meyer, Koda Noyes, Andren Olness, Madeline Reents, August Reichmann, Mason Reichmann, Kendran and Levi Schultz, Dylan Vanzee, Landon Weber, Riley Weisel and team manager Maxwell Stevens.

Check out more photos in our photo gallery!