HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Take a shot at trapshooting

Editor's note: Here is your chance to tell your story about your team, your school or your favorite player. If you'd like to join The Gazette's growing list of high school contributors, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com

By Caleb Zimmer, East Buchanan junior

WINTHROP - Every year the Independence and East Buchanan schools join forces at the the Buchanan County WIldlife Association to practice for the annual state trapshooting event in Cedar Rapids.

I decided, for the first time, to join the Buchanan county trapshooting team in 2012. The first day of practice we  met to discuss etiquette and rules for that year's trapshooting season. We got to meet all of the people who would be involved with the sport. All were very friendly and helpful during every practice.

The practices are on a first-come first-served basis, meaning those who arrive first get to shoot first. Once you arrive, you put your name on a sheet with a group of four others and wait until its your team's turn. Each person shoots once until all have fired a total of five shots, after which you move to the next station and fire five more shots. You repeat this process until each person has fired a grand total of 25 shots. At each station, there is an instructor to help improve your technique and correct an error if you are not properly going through the process of firing.

When your not on the range, you get to spend time quietly socializing with friends and coaches. This also is a great time to meet new people, especially helpful since there are two schools merging together. There always will be someone new to meet. It is never difficult to start a conversation with someone because you already know you share a love for trapshooting.

The staff  always is glad to help people, whether it be relative or friends coming out to watch the team practice. I even remember my grandmother coming out to watch me shoot. She had a great time and got to socialize with the coach, as well.

And at the end of the season, we all  gather for a fun shoot and have pizza. The last day always is very fun and leaves you with a good memory. Everybody involved in trapshooting is very friendly and it is an incredibly fun experience.To anyone who is on the fence about whether or not they should try trapshooting, just give it a shot. I doubt you will be disappointed. And if you ever get a chance, come out and watch the Independence and East Buchanan High School trap shooting team. We would love to have you.