chance to take conference, and ….

chance to take conference, and he feels that having state at home will help their chances to place higher than ever before.

“I do think we can do better,” Lieders replies. “Just shooting with these boys helps a lot. They’re all really good shooters, and it’s a lot more helpful to shoot with people you’re comfortable around. It definitely makes a difference.”

That being said, the chance for trophies and prizes and rankings isn’t what motivates the trap team to get out on cold, windy days, or wet, rainy days.

No, what gets them out, regardless of the conditions, is the camaraderie of the club, and of being part of something bigger than themselves.

“Every time I get out here, I get a lot closer with these boys, and you make new friends,” Lieders says. “We all bond out here and it’s a lot of fun.”

For one member, trap is more than just learning how to handle a gun, it’s also about bucking perceptions on what a trap club member is or should be.

Alana Brill is the lone female on this year’s team, and 2021 is her second season with the sport. Brill had her best performance at state in 2019, where she finished 26th in the female novice category.

“I think people think girls can’t shoot and do this kind of sport, but girls can actually do it. I think a lot of girls just don’t trust themselves,” Brill says about being the only girl on a male dominated sport. “It feels good to show people that I can do this and sort of prove them wrong.”

Growing the club, and giving young adults life skills, is what trap is all about, says Hederer.

“It’s nice to get them involved with another sport, and this is a sport they can do for the rest of their lives, and they can go into other competitions.

“It’s nice to see them back and having fun. It takes commitment to get good at anything, so it’s nice to see the kids want to be here and want to get better. It’s working out pretty good.”