Despite year off, experience is team's strength

The clay target team is growing in popularity as evidenced by the team having 14 experienced shooters returning to the field this season. To be considered varsity, an athlete hast to shoot an average of 19 and above for the entire season.
"There is a lot of camaraderie between teammates and there is also a lot of competition for those top five varsity spots," said coach Kent Williams. "That is one things that is great about this sport. It is a team sport, but you also compete against yourself trying to improve your individual score each week."
Besides the 14 athletes returning for the Vikings, there are also 12 newcomers from grades 6-11 that could help the team.
"We have a lot of young shooters who are eager to learn," Williams said. "The older shooters are great role models for the new team members."
The first three practice weeks do not count towards competition average. Minneota's competition scores began on Tuesday, April 20.
Last season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the team is excited to return.
"Everyone is excited to be on the trap field again," Williams said. "The students have a lot of energy and I don’t think they will skip a beat."
Because trap shooting is basically a social distance sport anyway, it makes it easier and safer for the athletes.
"While we still have COVID rules in effect, once athletes are in their positions it is just like shooting was two years ago," Williams said.
Williams expects the Minneota team to improve as the season progresses.
"As a coach, we have some top shooters that still have a few years of competition in their high school career," he said. "I am hopeful that we can develop the team to be competitive this year and in the future with other teams in the league."