HOW DID WE DO? — Panther clay target team members confer with scorer Paul Cyr, right, as to how many targets they broke. Displaying proper gun range safety procedures are, from left, Kirsten Olsen, Seth Petranek and Larissa Peterson. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
New NRHEG shooting team part of statewide league
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Students are participating in a new sport at NRHEG. You don’t have to run, jump, throw or catch. Strength and size are not required. You don’t even have to work out to compete. The rules are the same for boys and girls. All you really need is a good shooting eye and be able to handle a firearm safely.
The sport is clay target team shooting and NRHEG is now a member of the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League. The league, starting in 2008 with three teams, is now comprised of 29 schools across Minnesota. The goal is to promote shooting sports in a safe, positive environment to enhance character and personal growth in the students. NRHEG is part of the Minnesota South Conference with Belle Plaine, Faribault BA, New Prague, Jordan, Prior Lake, Worthington and Tracy. The team shoots on Thursday evenings for 10 weeks at the Owatonna Gun Club located just south of Hope. The shooting league is a virtual league, meaning each team shoots on their home shooting range and scores are sent to a central location. This reduces travel expenses, which is meaningful because shooting can prove to be a somewhat expensive sport. Fees alone are $200 per student, which covers the cost of ammunition and targets. All shooters have to use factory ammuniton. Reloads are not allowed. The team has enlisted the help of the following sponsors who have contributed to keep costs down: Cabela’s, Ahlman’s Gun Shop, Midstate Trucking, Southern Gateway Chapter MN Deer Hunters Association, Morgan’s Meat Market, Schlaak Trucking, Ellendale Hustlers 4-H Club and Mr. John Olsen.
“We have 14 students in grades 7-12 on the team,” said NRHEG Advisor Dan Sorum. “I had just found out about the sport in early March. We had to get organized quickly to compete this spring. Our sponsors have been wonderful with their help in getting this going.”
As with any other school activity, safety is paramount. This is especially important when firearms are involved. Students must have successfully completed the Minnesota Firearm Safety Training Course in order to participate. All gun range safety requirements must be strictly adhered to, especially the wearing of hearing and eye protection. The league has adopted a “two-strike rule” for participants who violate safety rules. Upon the first violation, the student will be sent home, parents or guardians notified and concerns addressed before the student can return to the team. The second violation of safety rules is removal from the team without a refund of fees or the chance to appeal. There is even a dress code as to what shooters may and may not wear while participating.
“I think it’s great the school started this shooting league,” said Connie Kaupa, whose son Cory is on the team.
“It’s a fun new sport,” said Chandler Winkels Muff, a senior at NRHEG. “It’s something different.”
One would think the new sport would be dominated by boys, but just the opposite it true. Last year the Minnesota State League Overall champion was Kaycee Nelson, who broke 99 out of 100 targets. Her nearest male competitor broke 96. This year the state competition will be held the weekend of June 11-12. Many of the NRHEG shooters are planning on making the trip.
“I really enjoy it and want to thank the sponsors,” said Larissa Petersen, one of three girls on the team. “I like the individual and team competition. I am really looking forward to state.”
