Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1471151
IN 2001, A HANDFUL OF STUDENTS THAT WERE PART OF THE SCHOOL'S COMMUNITY MENTORING PROGRAM came to the Plymouth Gun Club in Minnesota to learn about a sport very different from the school's curriculum … trap shooting. Over the next couple of years, students from two other schools inquired about this new, exciting activity and joined them to participate in a friendly competition. Word spread through websites, social media, and word of mouth, and soon more students and schools wanted to become a part of this popular, affordable, and safe high school sport. In 2008, the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League started with three teams and 30 student athletes. Following its early growth and success, neighboring states inquired about joining the League. In 2018, the USA High School Clay Target League was born. The 2022 Spring Season welcomed a record-breaking 31,688 student athletes on 1,466 high school, college, and homeschool teams nationwide. These student athletes are mentored by more than 8,000 dedicated volunteer coaches, range safety officers, and additional supporters who believe in the League's mission. Since the League started in 2008, with more than 175,000 participants and over 100 million shots fired, there has never been a reported injury. Clay target is the safest sport in school and everyone intends to keep it that way. Because of the League's booming popularity and desire of individuals and teams to compete with others outside of their home states, the National Championship was born. Nearly 3,000 registered student athletes will compete for the right to be called a National Champion in Mason, Michigan, and thousands more will cheer them on. The USA High School Clay Target League is the largest youth clay target shooting sports organization in the country thanks to the dedication and support of student athletes, their families, coaches, volunteers, shooting ranges, school administrators, and sponsors. It is important to remember that the League's priorities, in order of importance, are safety, fun, and marksmanship. Please have a safe and enjoyable experience at the National Championship, and remember that every student athlete deserves our praise and respect. GOOD LUCK! CALHOUN HIGH SCHOOL ILLINOIS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Bradyn Romsdahl - Comfrey H.S. MN (9TH), Wyatt Sibley - Calhoun H.S. IL (7TH), Hunter Prockish - Rock Creek H.S. KS (5TH), Tanner Sells Trego Community H.S. KS (3RD), Landon Sievers Calhoun H.S. IL (1ST), Steven Margherio - Calhoun H.S. IL (2ND), Tyler Pearson - Hermiston H.S. OR (4TH), Noah Heimermann - Austin H.S. MN (6TH), Jesse Loging - West Salem H.S. WI (8TH), Zackary Sellers - Richmond H.S. MI (10TH) 2021 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM: 2021 INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS: 3 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WELCOME TO THE 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!