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The Cyclones Spring Trap Team is formed and ready to go for the season! The spring trap shooting season got underway March 23, and will run through May 27. The state tournament is set for May 31, with nationals scheduled July 8–12.
New members will be accepted in the fall so they can train and complete orientation in better weather.
To join the trap team in the fall, students must complete either hunter safety training or an online SAFE course through the National Rifle Association. Students must have access to their own gun, as the team does not provide them, and must supply their own ammunition. To join, students must attend the team orientation meeting in August, complete all behavior agreements and obtain parent permission. Students must also follow all eligibility rules, the same as other sports.
Trap is both a team and individual sport focused on safety, skill and fun.
Students use shotguns to break flying clay target discs, earning points for each one broken. Students work in groups of five, with each person shooting 50 targets at a time. Points are tallied for both an individual score and a team score. The team is placed in a conference with other teams from across the state of similar size; West Prairie has one of the largest teams in the state. The team competes against these schools weekly for the highest score, and athletes can also earn individual awards. Based on average scores, athletes can qualify for the national tournament in Mason, Michigan.
Members of the Cyclones Trap Team include: Eighth grade: Micheal Hocker, Landon Porter, Jake Wissled, Emmalyn Wilson Freshmen: Brynlee Finch, Cody Peters, Mayson Reed, Ethan Sartorius, Kenson Welsh, Ayden Lacey, Jack Zimmerman Sophomores: Will Butler, Jace Fowler, Kaylee Jackson, Charlee Kindhart, Bo Knox, Addalyn Stanberry, Kasen Webster, Kendrick Welsh, Jemar Whyte, Alisa Wilson Juniors: Gauge Caho, Maya Hofmeister, Carlee Jackson, West Markham, Aiden Percy, Cameron Peters Seniors: Melodee Ford, Kenadie Webster, Charlie Zimmerman “This is my second year, but I really enjoy the program and the opportunities that come with it,” said Freshman Brynlee Finch. “I plan to shoot till I graduate. Trap is an amazing opportunity offered by the school, and I think everyone should take advantage of it.
Our coaches are wonderful, and it’s an all-around good time.'
Junior Carlee Jackson added that while season has just started, based on the last trap season, she expects it to be a good one.
Jackson said she would like to continue shooting trap in college.
“If you are interested in trap shooting just join.
When I wanted to start, I was going to be one of the only girls in my grade. I had never shot a shotgun before and was scared. I joined and the team and coaches were the biggest supporters you could ever ask for,' she explained. 'Each coach will be there to support you and help you better yourself.
So if you are thinking of joining just join you won’t regret it.'
Senior Charlie Zimmerman said he is enjoying this season and is excited to see younger students join. His advice to younger students interested in joining trap is that skill is less important than enjoying yourself and being part of a team.
“You will not find a closer and tight knit community of kids than the West Prairie Trap Team. Everyone will encourage you to do your best and skill isn’t as important as enjoying yourself and being a member of a team,” Zimmerman concluded.
Senior trap members will be recognized at the Spring Meet the Cyclones event April 24.
The West Prairie Trap Team enters the Spring 2026 season coming off a 3rd place fall conference finish led by Captain Kenadie Webster (senior) and the marksmanship of 2nd place conference female Maya Hofmeister (junior) and 9th place conference male Aiden Percy
