The Schoolcraft Clay Target team finished 2nd in the conference this spring. All student athletes’ scores count towards a team score. Individual scores and status are based on athletes’ league averages and performance rather than their age or what grade they are in school. Individual awards on the team are divided into three levels: intermediate, junior varsity, and varsity. It’s not uncommon for 6th and 7th graders to earn varsity status with lots of dedication and practice.
“We are a self-funded club team that relies on lots of local sponsors and support from the community,” said Coach Chuck Fritts. “Our team receives great school support and recognition from the athletic department, boosters club, and yearbook club.”
Because of the growth in the sport, the state shoot, held annually at Michigan Trap Association in Mason, Michigan, is now a two-day event to accommodate the number of athletes.
Over 80 high school teams and more than 1,250 student athletes attended this year’s state shoot. Schoolcraft had 10 athletes compete, and the varsity team finished 8th out of 58. The team score was 455 hits out of 500 targets.
High gun female Addison Smith finished 8th in the Varsity female division out of 25 other females with a score of 87/100. High gun JV men’s division Gabe Redmond finished 30th out of 188 with a score of 83/100. Caden Fritts scored 96/100, ran a 50 straight, and finished 8th out of 283 in the Men’s Varsity division.
Ethan DenHartigh shot his last targets as a graduating senior. Ethan has been on the team since its beginning, and he joined with zero shooting experience. He quickly earned a top spot on the team with lots of hard work, and he has even scored an amazing 100 straight without missing. He plans to continue shooting at the college level.
Grayson Smith ran his personal best and scored 94/100 at state.
Three student athletes earned an All-State Award through the league which recognizes the top 100 finishers in the state: DenHartigh, Brady Chobot and Caden Fritts.
Fritts was also awarded with a #1 men’s varsity conference trophy out of 136 athletes in the conference and finished 4th in the state out of 2,179.
