HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Saints aim for trapshooting success

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By John Richardson, Xavier seniorCEDAR RAPIDS - Xavier hosted the Xavier Trapshoot Invitational at the Otter Creek Sportsman's Club earlier this month with 241 shooters participating from 14 different schools.During the morning portion of the competition, the Saints placed fifth out of 47 squads after losing a shoot-off for third place. This was despite 30 mph winds that made the clay birds to be even more difficult than normal to hit. Junior Carly Berutti, who was named all-state by the Amateur Trapshooting Association, earned Best Female Shooter honors, hitting 44 out of the 50 total targets.Xavier increased its rank in the afternoon session, placing fourth. Berutti was once again named the Best Female Shooter.The Saints competed last weekend in Cedar Falls, site of this year's state meet, scheduled for June 1. They are confident the team will be successful with the help of all its members.“It has been a fun season watching the underclassmen improve their skills and help the team be successful, something we hope to see at State as well,” senior Ryan Meaney said.