Trapshooting hits interest at Marian

Brigitte Moland

 

Throughout the athletic program and the many clubs here, Marian has seen almost everything.  From intramurals to varsity sports, Spanish Club to Student Board; Marian offers a wide variety of activities for students.  Anyone can find an activity that pertains to their interests.

 

Just when the list seems full, a new option is added to the list.  A Marian trapshooting team is now in affect for spring. In trapshooting, clay pigeons are launched in the air and shot with a shotgun.

 

This idea came about from Junior Kara Stockdale, who has been shooting with her family and was interested in starting a team at Marian. “My brother shoots for Prep and my dad is really excited about the idea of an all girls team.,” said Kara.   She approached Mr. Bruce Esser with the idea.

 

Because so many people showed interest in the idea, Esser assumed the moderator position and requested permission from Ms. Elizabeth Kish, the head of school, to form Marian’s first competition trapshooting team.  “Everyone seems really excited about it. I’ve had a lot of teachers who were interested, also,” said Esser.

 

On Sept. 4, an informational meeting was held to discuss who was interested and what was required to be on the team.  Thirty-seven students showed up to the meeting with lots of enthusiasm and the athletic club was formed.  “I’m excited because it is a sport that I can do while being on student board,” said junior Marie Young.

 

Because of the large amount of interest, Marian will be able to break down into smaller teams ranging from 4 to 5 participants.  “It’s really unusual to see an all girls team, but I think it’s great that Marian is giving us the opportunity to experience a new sport,” said Kara.

 

Practices will be approximately two times a week during the season.  In addition to practicing, each girl involved will have to pass eight hours of the Nebraska hunter training-course in order to participate in the spring competitions. “We are working on trying to get a training course to come to Marian, if not there are other schools that offer the course, so that is always an option,” said Esser. 

 

Currently the team is looking for guns to use and a shooting range to determine any costs in joining the sport.  If you could not attend the meeting and are still interested in being involved, contact Mr. Esser for further information.