The Becker Bulldog trap shooting team breezed into week one of competition Monday at Del-Tone/Luth Gun Club. 

 

As is typical of spring sports, the weather becomes part of the story when winter tries to hang on well past its seasonal time period. 

 

The Bulldog shooters were challenged by the strong winds and occasional rain/sleet mix that came with late April. Clay targets flew like frisbees and the wind played tricks with the clay discs.

 

“A nice breeze is a good thing,” said Head Coach Chris Keeler. “But we had a strong and gusting wind coming from our backs and that pushes targets down and makes them pick up speed. As they dive toward the ground it becomes somewhat unpredictable and a real challenge.” 

 

The student athletes were able to overcome the weather as best they could and shot very well. 

 

“We spent a little extra time coaching how to deal with these conditions and keep focus,” Keeler said. “It paid off in solid scores.” 

 

A few of Keeler’s shooters scored 24/25, and the head coach is still waiting to award that first Dairy Queen "claybuster parfait" he will present to anyone with a perfect 25 score. 

 

“We will see how our scores compare on Saturday evening, that is when the league posts everything,” he said.

 

For those interested, standings can be tracked at www.mnclaytarget.com during the season while the athletes have access to the Shooter Performance Tracker through the league to see both team and individual standings in their class, conference and state. 

 

Scores are posted at 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays.