High school trapshooting is experiencing significant growth across the United States, with students from both rural and urban areas participating in this sport. In Ohio, more than 50 high school teams have formed since 2016, reflecting a rising interest that extends beyond traditional athletic programs.
Adena High School in Frankfort is among the schools embracing trapshooting as a club activity. Head coach Kirk Kellis was instrumental in establishing Adena’s team nine years ago. “We have a lot of community support. We are a school club and not part of the athletics department,” Kellis said. “There is a $40 registration fee, which we ask the students to pay. They must also provide a shotgun. We work hard to get sponsorship money from various sources. The sponsorship usually covers the cost of the ammunition and range fees.”
Parents play an active role in supporting their children’s involvement in trapshooting. Drew Miner, whose two daughters participate on the team, said: “My oldest daughter is a senior and broke a 49 (out of 50) tonight,” he said. “My younger daughter also shoots and plays volleyball. I love getting the girls outdoors. I have always had them in deer blinds and hunting with me.”
He added: “Competing here is a little different from other school sports. The girls are having an enjoyable time. The youngest is a freshman, so this is her first season. She will be back for the spring, when she will do track and trap. Our community provides support for trap. This is a sport where the parents can, in other venues, compete in the same field as their children. That gives trap a unique perspective. My daughter shoots better than me and really enjoys that.”
The Adena team currently has 15 members who practice at Mid States Gun Club twice weekly during their season, shooting at clay targets from 16 yards using 12-gauge shotguns while following strict safety protocols such as mandatory eye and ear protection.
The league operates under USA Clay Target League rules rather than those of typical state athletic associations like OHSAA; competitions are organized by participation numbers instead of traditional conferences or divisions.
According to coach Kellis, ongoing recruitment ensures sustainability for future seasons: “My youngest will graduate this year. I love it so much, I am going to keep coaching if there are kids who want to shoot… It is the most fun thing I have ever been involved in doing.”
Family members also participate through end-of-season events known as “fun shoots.” Erica Kelis commented on her husband’s dedication: “My husband is the coach… He puts a lot of heart into the team… I did not shoot well [at fun shoot], but I gave it a go.”
Grandmother Karen DeWhitt shared her enthusiasm: “It is wonderful to support young people… They got me to shoot at the season-ending fun shoot… It was fun.”
For those interested in starting or joining teams within Ohio State High School Clay Target League under USA Clay Target League oversight, information about teams and contacts can be found at oh.usaclaytarget.com/teams.
Larry S. Moore—the article’s author—is recognized for his volunteer leadership with Buckeye Firearms Association as well as multiple awards related to hunter education.
