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While it is common to hear the t e r m " e x t r a c u r r i c u l a r " w h e n i t comes to athletics and activities, r e a l l y, t h e c o n n e c t i o n i s e d u c a - tion-based as these opportunities are an extension of the classroom. These programs connect learning b e y o n d t h e c l a s s r o o m , t e a c h i n g responsibility, leadership, team- work and respect while reinforcing academic expectations and school pride. Education-based activities also provide a safe, structured envi- ronment where students can grow 40 PULLUSA MAGAZINE WINTER 2026 THE FIELD INSIGH T personally while representing their schools and communities. To support the growing activity and opportunities for all, in 2022, the League approved a Girls-only division for the state tournament. The next year, Detroit Lakes senior Kira Wolf made history as the first girls' champion by hitting 99 of 100 targets. After the awards ceremony, Fertile-Beltrami's Kerra Ramsey, w h o w a s t h e r u n n e r- u p t o Wo l f , tracked down tournament admin- istration to share her thanks and a message. "Please thank the Board of Direc- tors on behalf of all of us," she said. The MSHSL's pioneering efforts in providing opportunities through participation are not complete with- out the incredible partnership of the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League. The two organizations are unit- ed in their beliefs that every stu- dent should have the opportunity to participate, belong and succeed, regardless of background and expe- rience. By expanding access, edu- c a t i o n - b a s e d a c t i v i t i e s b e c o m e s t r o n g e r, m o r e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e , are increasingly vibrant and more impactful for students across the state and beyond. An awards ceremony, complete with a photo session, caps Champi- onship Day. Images of participants congratulating one another after an incredible day of competition are powerful tributes to sportsmanship and respect. They are also a prelude to a fun ride home, complete with shared anecdotes from a memorable state tournament experience. ✪ Smiles abound amid a sea of color- ful team banners and canopied open- air tents that line the viewing areas for thousands of supportive fans as they settle in for a daylong competi- tion that showcases and recognizes the best teams and individuals in what has become a crescendo event in the League's final state tourna- ment of the school year. Q u i t e s i m p l y, i t i s a p o w e r f u l annual showcase of marksmanship and sportsmanship at the highest levels for thousands of student ath- letes in Minnesota. As part of its mission to support education-based activities, in 2012 the MSHSL became the first state high school activities association in the nation to approve a presenting partnership that sanctioned Clay Tar- get as a League-sponsored activity. From the first state tournament e ve n t i n 2 014 , p a r t i c i p a t i o n h a s soared annually as this co-educa- tional, inclusive activity has pro- vided another avenue for student athletes to compete. In total, 55,832 students from 1,972 teams registered to participate in the USA Clay Target League in 2025. ONE OF A KIND THE MSHSL IS PROUD TO SUPPORT CLAY TARGET AS A LEAGUE-SPONSORED ACTIVITY FUN FACT in 2012 the MSHSL became the first state high school activities association in the nation to approve a presenting partnership that sanctioned Clay Target as a League- sponsored activity. F rom the moment you take a right hand turn into the Minneapolis Gun Club parking lot, there's no mistaking the excitement that envelopes you: It's Championship Day at the Minnesota State High School League's Clay Target State Tournament. by TIM LEIGHTON, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE KIR A WOLF OF DETROIT L AKES WON THE FIRST- EVER GIRLS DIVISION MSHSL CL AY TARGET STATE TOURNAMENT IN 2023.