CEDAR RAPIDS — No matter how experienced a trapshooter is, the season is full of opportunities to set goals and improve skills and techniques.
Just ask Cedar Rapids Xavier junior Matthew Koopmann.
Koopman has been shooting trap since his freshman year, but always is setting goals to better himself and the team.
“My goal is to be able to shoot a perfect score of 50 out of 50,” Koopmann said. “I am already close, but I just need to stay focused and pay attention to the fine details.”
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Scholastic Clays Target Program directs the high school trapshooting programs. The object of the sport is to break 25 clay targets shot into the air five times from five differing positions. Scores are based on 50 targets.
The Saints are coached by Gene Parker.
Junior Peter Kennedy looks up to Koopman, not only as a teammate but friend, as he begins his first season of trapshooting.
“My goals are to learn the basics of trap and hopefully become better as the season goes on,” Kennedy said. “Matthew is one of the best trapshooters, and I believe that I can learn a lot from him this season.”
Kennedy chose to take up trap because he wanted to try something new and spend time with his friends.
“I already went out for my first season of swimming and thought I should keep it up by beginning trap,” Kennedy said. “I really just want to beat (junior) Rory (Bostwick).”
The Saints hope to make memories through friendship and their competitiveness this spring.
The trap team has boys and girls from all grades. Their season began last month and continues through the middle of June.