Despite setbacks in recent years with changes in coaching staff, the trap team looks to accel this season as the program gets revamped.

Head coach Richard Plantz said a change to the team is seventh and eighth graders are now able to participate.

According to Plantz, anyone with the proper qualifications can join the team.

“The most important, and time consuming step in becoming a member of the team is obtaining your firearm safety certificate; you can’t join without it,” Plantz said.

Plantz said he recommends taking the course online, signing up for and attending a field day experience, then printing the awarded certificate.

Junior Luke Cichoski has been an active participant of the Trap Team for four years.

According to Cichoski, this season the team added a new objective; skeet shooting. In standard trap shooting the targets are all outgoing targets, but in skeet shooting the majority of the targets are crossing targets.

“I think the new addition (of skeet shooting) is great because it’s more shooting practice for everyone,” Cichoski said.

Plantz agreed with Cichoski and said it will increase interest and involvement of current and future members.

Plantz said members are expected to attend at least one of the two night practices a week. The other is optional but can be used for increased practice time.

“We practice to hone our skills for competition,” Plantz said.

The season picks up at the end of March with a practice shoot. The date is still to be determined. Practice and competitions will continue through the end of May, leading up the state meet in early June.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Trap Team this spring is encouraged to obtain their certificate and pick up a registration form from the student office.