The Lakers trap team took to the field bright and early Wednesday, June 12, competing against 42 other schools for the Class 3A Championship.  

The weather forecast for the day was for questionable weather, but Minnewaska shooters were able to finish shooting before the bad weather rolled in.  Not all teams were so lucky.  There was a severe weather delay after the sirens sounded in Alexandria for extreme weather.  

After shooting was finally completed about 7:30 p.m. or so, the Lakers landed in second place with a team score of 474 out of a possible 500.  Park Rapids was the Class Champion with an impressive score of 483.  

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“Our team gave us everything they had and they should be very proud of themselves,” said coach Jennie Stone. 

Leading the pack for the Lakers was Dylan VanZee with an impressive 97×100.  He finished in 7th place out of 410 varsity shooters.  VanZee’s score, along with John Jenson’s 96, Mason Reichmann’s 95, August Reichmann’s 94 and Hunter Kalb’s 92 rounded out the team score. 

“The whole team shot so good today, but the top 5 scores out of all our 25 scores is what makes up the team score,” coach Stone said.  “Individual awards are given by category based on the season average of the shooter.”

In the novice division, Carter Katzenmeyer brought home the third place title shooting an 83.  Carter finished third out of 99 novice shooters.  Tabbi Durand was the top Laker in the female varsity division with an 89 and finished 10th out of 42 shooters.  In Novice female, new shooter Madeline Reents placed 14th out of 45 shooters.  The top Laker in the JV Male category was Matthew Longtin, who ranked 30th out of 236 shooters .  

Rookie Landon Weber broke his first ever 25-straight on his second box.  Joining him in earning  25-straight patches were John Jenson, Dylan VanZee,  August Reichmann, Mason Reichmann, Tabbi Durand and Jonathan Hagen.

“We made it clear to the kids that having fun today was the most important thing and that we had no expectations, so no pressure,” Stone said.  “We asked them to give us the best they had for today and leave it all on the field.  I think they actually listened to me, LOL.  

“The scores that were coming out, especially from the newer shooters, were awesome.  Almost half of the team this year was brand-new shooters, so to have the season we are having speaks volumes to the work these kids are putting in.  It was a great day to be a Laker!”

The top 40 teams after 10 days of Class Championships move on to the State Championship in Prior Lake on Friday, June 21. “Right now, we have three individuals going down to compete for individual championship,” coach Stone said.  “We would love it if the team also makes it down.  So now we wait until Monday night (tonight) or Tuesday (June 18) to see if the team also gets to compete.”

Minnewaska is currently holding the No. 4 spot in the top 40 list after four complete days of competition. There are six more to get through. 

There will be a sendoff, Thursday morning to wish them luck. An exact time is yet TBD, but watch for information in the next few days.

“The coaches would also like to thank all of the family and friends that came out to cheer the team on. It is always so nice to turn around and see all the support,” said coach Stone.  “Best of luck Lakers!”