The Silver Bay William Kelley Clay Busters Trap Team, coached by Ben Goutermont, Faron Meeks, Steve Clarke, and Thomas Rowlee have plenty to be proud of this season. With 12 athletes on the team, the Clay Busters brought home a conference championship, capping off a strong season of hard work & focus.
This year’s championship carries special meaning for the team, as the season is dedicated to Al Klotzbach, the founding coach of the Clay Busters, who recently passed away. His dedication to the sport, the students, and the local shooting community helped build the foundation for the program. This year’s success is a fitting tribute to the legacy he left behind. Several team members also earned individual conference honors. Stella LaPointe placed 2nd and Morgan Meeks placed 3rd among females in the conference, and Cooper Goutermont placed 4th among males. The team has three graduating seniors: Kale Hackensmith, Landon Mansheim and Morgan Meeks. Meeks plans to continue competing at the next level as a member of the Minnesota North College Trap Team.
High school trap shooting continues to grow across the country as a school-sponsored activity that emphasizes safety, fun, and marksmanship. According to the USA High School Clay Target League, the League’s priorities are “safety, fun, and marksmanship,” in that order, and it describes clay target shooting as “America’s Safest High School Sport,” reporting zero injuries since 2008 (USA High School Clay Target League, n.d.).
For many students, trap shooting offers a chance to be part of a team, build confidence, practice responsibility, and enjoy a lifelong outdoor sport. It is also an inclusive activity where athletes of different experience levels can participate and improve throughout the season.
Summer is a great time for students and their families to visit the Silver-Beaver Rifle & Pistol Club. Memberships to the club can be purchased at Julie’s True Value.
Congratulations to the Silver Bay William Kelley Clay Busters on an outstanding season, a conference championship, and a meaningful tribute to Coach Klotz.
