Local trap shooting team celebrates run to national championship

MT. PULASKI, Ill. (WAND) — Aiming for the best in the nation. One high school team is proving anything is possible.

Trap-shooting is gaining traction each year. And now Mt. Pulaski's for a national championship is grabbing the attention of the community.

"My dad asked me, 'Hey do you want to go try this?' And I said yeah and it just kind of stuck with me, and I really enjoyed it."

That question sparked an interest in joining the trap shooting team.

"I really wasn't the best at other sports. But this one is nice and relaxed and calm. And I can just do what I like and shoot guns."

The team started in 2017. And continues to grow each and every year.

"A lot of our athletes on our team do not participate in any other sport. So this is something that they can all do and no one sits on the bench." said Coach Robert Mott.

Mt. Pulaski has several state titles and is runner-up in national championships.

And that gained attention from people across town including leaders at one bank.

Friday, Longview Bank hosted the team at Olde Barn Sporting Clays in Oakland.

The Board Chairman of Longview Bank believes it's a good opportunity to showcase the sport.

"And I think it's a really good. It's a positive thing for this age group to be doing and it brings in and you've got to have discipline. And I think it's really a positive all the way around." said Dave Albin.

Albin hopes more schools start up a team.

But the sport can be expensive.

So, that's where sponsors step in to help ease the cost.

"We couldn't do it with our sponsors. I mean, you got to have sponsors. It's not a cheap activity to participate in," said Mott.

But that is not stopping the team from keeping their eye on the prize.

Even though some might fear the idea of teens taking part in a shooting competition.

Coach Mott said, the up-and-coming sport is safe.

"There's no injuries ever recorded in this sport. So, which is another benefit. Yeah, I mean everybody gets to participate. There are no injuries. It's safe and it's giving you life skills," said Mott.