If you’re interested in guns (and shooting them), our school’s Trap Team is for you! The Trap Team is an exciting opportunity to interact with your classmates outside of school who share the same interests as you. This activity is unique because both sexes are able to compete on the same level. Really, The Rock and Paris Hilton would be equals when it comes to this sport. This is probably one of the only activities you’ll find where being a “beefcake” doesn’t benefit you. Also, because the sport consists of the use of firearms, it is very structured and focuses intently on safety. These safe restrictions guarantee that you won’t shoot your eye out for the sake of your concerned parents! Every member is required to have a gun safety license and being a part of the team takes patience and responsibility.

The Trap season typically starts in the first week of April, and members meet weekly at the Park Gun Club in Long Lake. A select few (the elite members) meet twice a week to further practice their skills. Members’ scores are logged on the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League website which enables them to compare their statistics to students from other schools. The shooters at Minnetonka are also members of a national organization called the Scholastic Clay Target Program, which is dedicated to getting more young people involved in safe shooting sports. The Trap team is also a “letter sport” and several freshmen members (including two girls) were able to letter at the team’s annual state shoot in Alexandria last year.

Unfortunately, registration ended on February 14th (sorry seniors, maybe there will be a trap team at the college you’re attending), but next year is always an option! If you’re interested, however, be sure to sign up sooner rather than later. Because so many students enjoy the team, the waiting list gets longer and longer every year. The key to success to trap shooting is, “a combination of practice, great concentration, hand-eye coordination, and and a positive attitude” according to the head coach, Steve Korin. Also, taking your daily school, work, and life stress on some clay pigeons would be a much better outlet than a wall, or even a sibling. More information on this year’s team is available on their website, minnetonkatrap.com, and if you have any additional questions or you’re interested in joining the next year’s team, feel free to email the head coach himself at [email protected]. So, exercise your right to bear arms and join the trap team today!