Favored with almost zero wind, temps in the mid 60s and only hints of cirrus clouds in the stratosphere, the Clipper trap team couldn’t have asked for better shooting conditions at the Caribou Gun Club on Wednesday.
With the fortunate weather—as well as with another week of experience under the Clippers’ shooting vests—Dave Voss, who, along with Jack Zimmerman, got the trap program started 11 years ago and still helps out each Wednesday, expected the scores to go up from a week ago.
And they did. The team average increased by about 1.5 points.
But overall, the shooters were blessed with the sponsors that make the trap team viable, Voss said.
“It’s been wonderful because we have been able to keep the cost down.”
In its first season, the trap team had a $2000 budget for the 15 participants, Voss said. Today, with the support of sportsmen’s clubs, nonprofits and many businesses, the team has a budget north of $20,000 to help the 43 shooters pay for shells and facility costs. The donations have kept the athletic fee from the $600 a student that is required at some schools to $200.
With rounds of 24 and 22 on Wednesday, Nick Simonette (above) was the Clippers’ top gun. With a 44, Gabe Sullivan was two clays back.
Judd Gibbs and Jake Mueller each shot a 43. Greyson Tomaszewski scored a 41. With 40s were Reid Knish and Derek Miller.
Max Esser, Noah Hermel and Tony Hollerich all connected with 39 targets. Kaden Schmidt knocked down 37. Marshall Heldberg and Colton Tousley each scored a 36. With 35s were Austin Anderley, John Ritchie and Adam Seeman.
Ritchie had the biggest improvement from last week, upping his score by 15.
Gauge Bock, Brunson Gibbs and Dylan Zimmerman each scored a 33. Cole Stocker hit 32 clays while Blake Stocker broke up 31. Henry Boelter and Tyler Smith each shot a 30.
With 29s were Zayden Linder and Urijah Hoheisel. Hitting 28 discs, Kayla Bauer was the top female shooter. Blake Gibbs scored a 26. Aiden Giese shot a 23. With 21s were Deandra Doerr, Carter Kern, Charlie Maxfield and Brayden Seeman.
Doerr improved her last week score by 13.
Nolan Schlaak broke up 18 clays. Chase Roemhildt splattered 17. Oliver Starke hit 15. Abigail Osness grounded 14. Olivia Reinhardt hit 10, and Steve Giebel and Lucas Kortuem each scored an eight.
Olivia Reinhardt at squeezes off a shot.
Seventh grader Tony Hollerich had a good day, only missing 11 targets.
Kayla Bauer was the top female shooter.
Seventh grader Jake Mueller broke up 43 flying clays.