Story by Angie Halverson

Do you know the fastest growing sport in Minnesota high schools? The answer may surprise you...it’s trapshooting! In 2016, Spring Grove High School jumped on board with this extracurricular trend and formed a team of 13 students. Among them is Brandon Anderson, who is currently in 8th grade and looking forward to the upcoming season.

“It’s so cool to see that powder fly,” Brandon said. He’s referring to the moment when his shot meets its intended target: a four-inch clay disk launched from a single “trap house” or trap machine into the air.

His mother Erica noted the emphasis on safety, noting, “Kids are required to have their firearm safety certificate to be able to participate.” The trapshooting team is also taught how to hold and handle their guns and ammunition.

The team gathers at the local gun range twice a week and usually competes weekly. Scores are submitted online and compared to other teams in the same conference. Spring Grove’s team has grown significantly since its inaugural year, from 13 to 20. Both boys and girls participate and parents are encouraged to join them at shooting practice. Brandon said there was a time when he outshot his dad. “He wasn’t very happy about that,” Brandon added with a smile.

In June, the team will travel to Alexandria to compete against more than 250 Minnesota schools for the 2017 Trap Shooting Championship, which is the qualifying team competition for the State Tournament.

To learn more about the unique opportunities available to students in Spring Grove, visit www.springgrove.k12.mn.us