NRHEG wins conference crown; Christenson, Bartz advance to state
The sport of high school clay target shooting is unique, and not just because the only "ball" is a bunch of BBs that are blasted at a flying clay disc.
Three years ago, when NRHEG last won the conference championship, there were only 29 teams with 700 athletes in the state. This year, NRHEG collected their second conference championship in their short four-year team history in a league with five classes, 185 teams and over 6,000 athletes.
The fact that this conference — like the one three years ago — will not exist beyond this year is unique, but just part of what it is to be in a league growing this fast. Another aspect that sets the sport apart is their state championship in Alexandria. As an open invitational shoot, anyone in the league can compete. That is why it is billed as the largest youth trap shoot in the world. This year nearly 4,000 athletes will compete over a five-day period. NRHEG will have 21 athletes competing. Also unique will be the MSHSL state tournament to be held at the Minneapolis Gun Club on June 14. This is the first and only state high school league shoot in the nation. Two NRHEG shooters will get to participate in this historic event. Collin Christenson of New Richland and Kyle Bartz of Waseca finished amongst the top 100 averages in the state to qualify. The team can also qualify if they shoot well enough at the state championship in Alexandria.
For Christenson, it was steady shooting all season that kept him in the top spots. For Bartz, one bad week had to be made up for, but with an average of 23.8 out of 25 the final three weeks, he managed to work into the top 100 the final week. The two shooters actually finished just two tenths of a point apart with Collin averaging 22.8 for the season and Kyle 22.6. These two shooters also finished 1-2 in the conference. Other shooters in the top 25 for the conference were Frank Altrichter, Zach Eustice (Waseca), Tyler Logan, Tyler Raimann, Tanner Alfson (Albert Lea), Sam Bartz (Waseca) and Noah Lund (Waseca).
For the team, it was also hard work and consistency that made the difference. They trailed after week two of the season but, with higher and higher averages each week, they managed to pass the team from Edina the third week and kept building their lead after that. In the final week the team turned in scores (out of 50) that included one 49, five 48s, and three 47s. Six of the shooters scored a perfect round of 25/25. Edina never stood a chance. The team will now have a week off of competition with a fun shoot and awards on Thursday at the Owatonna Gun Club.
Head coach Dan Sorum will be giving awards for the team's top gun, most improved shooter, and announcing 13 letter winners from the 34-person team. The shooters will then turn their sights on June 8 in Alexandria hoping to send a team to join their two individuals at the state tournament on June 14.
Class AAA - Conference 1 (Final)
Team Total Points
NRHEG 17092
Edina 14658.5
Mahtomedi 13921
St. Thomas Academy 12165
Zimmerman 11699
New York Mills 9643.5
East Grand Forks 8727