Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1545730
2026 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 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 2026 Spring Season welcomed a record-breaking 40,100 student athletes on 2,094 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! WELCOME TO THE 2026 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! 2 0 2 5 C H A M P I O N S Individual Champion Female: 1. Brianna Helsene South Prairie High School ND 2. Aubree Antrim Stewardson-Strasburg High School IL 3. Evelyn Kubiak Fort Leboeuf High School PA 4. Tanya Richardson Estill County High School KY 5. Auhtumn Barnes Lansing High School NY 6. Vanessa Paquette Mishicot High School WI 7. Claresa Ruholl Teutopolis High School IL 8. Lillian Keller Richmond High School MI 9. Alexis Colby Dundee High School MI 10. Kindyl Ingle Cumberland Community High School IL Individual Champion Male: 1. Nicholas Coppage Queen Annes County High School MD 2. Owen Kalma St. James Academy High School KS 3. Carson Thomas Reed City High School MI 4. Wyatt Bowers Richmond High School MI 5. Samual Abel South Prairie High School ND 6. Ethan Doughty Chippewa Hills High School MI 7. Jacob Itzin Ashland-Washburn High School WI 8. Nevyn Hengel Sibley East High School MN 9. Logan Milleman Bishop Carroll Catholic High School KS 10. Kolten Kidd Sullivan High School IL Team Championship: 1. Beaver River Central High School NY 2. Blackhawk High School PA 3. South Prairie High School ND 4. North Ridgeville High School OH 5. Goodland Junior Senior High School KS 5