Ely/Northeast Range trap team competes at State
by Carolyn Mackai
The Northeast Range trapshooting team did very well at the State Trap Shooting Meet in Alexandria, MN on June 12.
Nineteen athletes from NER and Ely joined a total of 860 shooters and received personal bests and respectful placings all the while battling gusty winds and heat.
The NER team placed ninth out of 72 teams and the junior varsity team received second place overall.
Kamryn Bregier-Beno received third place female on junior varsity and Alyssa Ice received fourth place as female novice.
In four rounds with 25 shots each and 100 total shots fired, Jacob Mackai, Caden Roseth and Layden Hart all got a “perfect 25” during a round. Jacob and Kale Beno were also recognized as graduating seniors and finished off in the top shooter spots with over 90 shots completed.
Prior to state, members celebrated with student recognitions, a shoot-off, a couple rounds of Annie Oakley and potluck.
The following students were this year’s letter winners: Jacob Mackai, Noah Backe, Kale Beno, Kamryn Bregier-Beno, Caden Roseth and Else Bee. Top female for the season was Else Bee with runner-up Kamryn Bregier-Beno. Top male shooter was Noah Backe with runner-up Jacob Mackai. The Sportsmanship Award went to Jacob Mackai.
This is the eighth consecutive year (minus Covid) that Northeast Range has had a trapshooting team and attended state. All teams start their season at the end of March and complete it at this event. The biggest obstacles that they face is improving their own ability to shoot, gain confidence and adjust to changing weather conditions and seasons from winter with snow drifts to summer with heat, wind and bugs.
These athletes find success through practices every week and the guidance from their coaches: head coach Julie Huseby, Mark Huseby, Ed Zupancich, Chad Loewen, Travis Loewen and Score Keeper Terri Loewen.
Trapshooting has become a rising star in high school athletics. Of all the shots fired, not one injury has been reported. Athletes are taught to respect their firearm, show good sportsmanship and leadership, and to have fun improving their ability to shoot clay targets.
