Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1536470
IN 2001, A HANDFUL OF STUDENTS WHO 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 2025 Spring Season welcomed a record-breaking 39,069 student athletes on 1,973 high school, college, and homeschool teams nationwide. These student athletes are mentored by nearly 10,000 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 140,000 participating student athletes and 250 million-plus 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. Over 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! 2024 CHAMPIONS Individual Champion Male: 1. Brody Lenington Cedar Vale-Dexter High School, KS 2. Alexander Hill Belton High School MO 3. Henry Finney Kittson County Central MN 4. Justin Doetsch Armada High School MI 5. Zane Hatfield Belfry High School KY 6. Oliver Cran St. Croix Central High School WI 7. Hunter Prockish Rock Creek High School KS 8. Devon Patchen Copenhagen Central Schoo NY 9. Fischer Schaus Mishicot High School WI 10. Hank Sipe Dieterich High School IL Individual Champion Female: 1. Madelyn Coats Franklin-Waverly High School IL 2. Taylor Madsen Brighton High School CO 3. Brianna Helsene South Prairie High School ND 4. Keira Aplanalp Oregon City High School OR 5. Dakota Hessoun North Ridgeville High School OH 6. Audrey Jones Bishop Carroll Catholic High School KS 7. Alexis Stupi Aquinas High School Wi 8. Madison Gregor Yamhill-Carlton High School OR 9. Bella Milbur Spencer County High School KY 10. Makenna Parr Fall River High School WI Team Championship: 1. Yamhill-Carlton High School OR 2. Mount Pulaski High School IL 3 Chaparral High School KS 4. Bishop Carroll Catholic High School KS 5. Cedar Vale-Dexter High School KS WELCOME TO THE 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 5