Great Falls Hosts Thriving High School Trap Shooting Championship
GREAT FALLS, MT — The Montana High School Association concluded its 2024-25 sports calendar with an exhilarating trap shooting championship at the Great Falls Trap and Skeet Club this past Saturday. Nineteen schools participated, underscoring the rising popularity of the sport, which now boasts over 53,000 young athletes nationwide, as noted by Cascade High School trap shooting coach Farrah McGregor.
Saturday’s event saw a remarkable turnout, with participation doubling in just one year, showcasing the commitment of nearly all 115 competing athletes. Teams from various regions, including Boulder, Jefferson, Columbus, Denton, and Helena, came together, highlighting the community support that amplifies the event. "It means a lot for the sport," McGregor emphasized, reflecting on the turnout of families cheering for their young athletes.
Trap shooting became an official high school team sport in the U.S. in 2004, with Montana launching its teams in 2023. This was also the inaugural season for the Cascade High School team, allowing students to engage in real-time competition for the first time. Senior Hal McGregor expressed excitement about being part of a dedicated team, saying, "I finally have some people in my school who are shooting with me."
Similarly, fellow senior Izaak Munski, who joined the team this year under McGregor’s encouragement, shared his newfound passion for the sport. “It’s really nice seeing schools around the state come to Great Falls for a great time,” Munski said, highlighting the sport’s longevity and appeal.
In the end, Jefferson High School claimed victory at the championship, marking a successful day and promising future for trap shooting in Montana. As the sport expands, participants hope to keep fostering its growth for generations to come.
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