GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – The Gridley High School Trap Shooting team is relatively new, started just 3 seasons ago by Principal Justin Kern after the community expressed a lot of interest in bringing the sport to area youth.

It has recently received a grant from the National Rifle Association. This is the second time that the team has received funding from the NRA to support the startup and continuation of the sport. Kern says that he initially looked to the NRA for support in order to keep participation costs low for interested students. The generous grants from the NRA have helped provide 5 shotguns, ammunition, ear and eye protection - “everything you need to be a successful program and do things the right way” says Kern. Students who have their own equipment are welcome to use it, but thanks to the NRA, upfront costs are just $35 for insurance registration.

Since its start in 2018, the team has doubled in size and its members span a range of backgrounds. “I think that the proudest thing for me is just to watch how it’s morphed since we started it.” Kern shares that the first team had 2 girls and now has 12 or 13 young ladies competing. “It’s neat,” says Kern, “We have some kids that have never done it, never touched a gun in their life. The idea is to watch that kind of progression, throughout the season, and you know, the enthusiasm to do it. It’s just a unique experience that we are able to offer our kids.”

Participants must complete safety training before handling any weapons and register online with the California Clay Target Association (CCTA), which handles the necessary insurance for such a sport. The program educates students on how to properly use a weapon with students learning about safety, muzzle control, what to do if a gun jams, misfires, and have a good time doing so.

In the era of COVID, there are many positive benefits of the Trap Shooting team. It is one of few sports that members can compete safely while socially distancing because it does not require contact with others. Scores are submitted electronically into the system to compete with other area teams part of the CCTA. It transcends borders and allows everyone to participate, “removing the excuses why we can’t do something,” says Kern as he explains that even those with physical handicaps that would prevent them from participating in traditional sports can be involved if they so desire.

Kern thanks the community and the NRA for its generous support of the program and teases that there is an additional surprise coming from the NRA for the Trap Shooting team. “I’m very excited, the kids will be excited when it gets here,” says Kern, but until it shows up, it remains top secret.