Trap shooting setting record numbers in Minnesota

Lacrosse might have the reputation as the nation’s fastest growing sport, but in Minnesota that crown belongs to trap shooting.

Clay TargetThe Minnesota State High School Clay Target League (MSHSCTL) registered more than 8,600 student-athletes this spring, a record for the organization. That’s up from 6,100 last year and 340 in 2010.

From the league’s website:

“Last year, 6,100 student athletes participated in the spring league,” said
Jim Sable, Executive Director of the MSHSCTL. “With the addition of 83 new teams, the expansion of existing teams, the increased capacity of shooting facilities, and the addition of the new spring skeet league are some of the factors attributing to the continued success as Minnesota’s fastest-growing high school sport since 2008.”

The clay target league is also the safest sport in high school. Since 2001, the MSHSCTL has no reported injuries or gun-free zone violations at school.

Upon completion of the spring league, all trap shooting teams are invited to participate in individual and team competitions at the 2015 MSHSCTL Trap Shooting Championship at the Alexandria Shooting Park in Alexandria, Minnesota scheduled for June 11-16. “With an expected 20,000 attendees including more than 5,000 student athletes, this tournament will be the largest shooting sport event in the world” Sable said.

Some have voiced concerns about allowing kids to handle guns, but all participants are required to obtain firearm safety certification. All competitions and practices are held at gun clubs to prevent students from carrying weapons on campus.

The state tournament is held in association with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The MSHSL is the first state high school athletic association in the nation to provide support and recognition for trap shooting as a high school sport.


Leave a Reply