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THE LEAD S QUA D SP O T L IGH T HIGH 10 PULLUSA MAGAZINE FALL 2024 CALVARY CHAPEL HIGH SCHOOL IS BUILDING SOMETHING SPECIAL IN SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA hen the California State High School Clay Target League was formed in 2017, Calvary Chapel High School (CCHS) was one of the first schools to start a team. It was around that time that Melissa Kue- bler, a teacher and science department head, noticed one of her students wearing a CCHS Trap Team jacket in class one day. Her first thought? "Wait, we have a trap team?" Now, seven years on, Kuebler is the head coach. The stars aligned for Kuebler, who, prior to teaching, had a background in the shooting sports industry, working at ranges for years and even owning an ammunition company. "It was something my son was interest- ed in participating in, so I started as a par- ent the first year." Kuebler said. "I knew this team could be big if word got out." During the first season, there were around five to seven athletes. Since then, Kuebler has helped it grow to more than 20 and counting. CCHS student athletes have consistently placed at the California State High School Clay Target League State Tournament. "We really try to make sure that what our team does is provide a home and a family for students," Kuebler said. "Our big focus is growth. We'll have athletes that come out in the fall and will shoot zeros all the way until the last week and finally hit their first clay—and we cele- brate like they've hit 25." Kuebler is trying to transition the pro- gram from a club to being recognized as an official school sport with the hopes of more exposure. "I feel that if it was considered a sport at more schools, that would help with the F L Y I N G by EMILY SIZEN W