TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
On Tuesday, June 1, the Merrill Bluejay Trap Team Coaches celebrated the end of season with a fun coaches shoot at the Lincoln Gun Club. The Coaches Shoot is a fundraiser, so prior to the informal meet, each coach went out and solicited sponsors to sponsor them for the meet, with the funds collected to go to the charity of each coach’s choice. [There may also have been a little friendly competition related to which coach could collect the most in sponsorships and of course, which coach would get the best score shooting.]
Eleven coaches got in on the action, shooting for Top Gun bragging rights.
The first place winner, and official “Top Gun” was Coach Norbert Holz, described by other coaches as “our seasoned veteran at 82 years young,” who shot a perfect 25.
Tying for second place were Head Coach Kevin Holz and Coach Robbin Ranta. Both shot a 24, but Holz clinched the second spot on reverse-run tie-breaker.
The evening wrapped up with a fun game of Annie Oakley (a trap shooting game/exercise) among students and coaches.
“‘Annie Oakley’ is a fun shooting game that goes like this,” one coach explained. “The first shooter calls for a target and must shoot the target on the rise. If he hits the target, the next shooter to his right will call for a target. If the first shooter misses his target, the second shooter must shoot at it. If he hits the target, the first shooter is ‘out.’ If the second shooter misses the target, the third shooter has the option of shooting at it. If he hits the target, the first and second shooters are out. If he misses it, all shooters are safe and the second shooter will start the next round.”
Fifteen shooters played the game just for fun – coaches and a handful of kids. Lydia Ashbrenner (JV athlete) won the game, after numerous rounds and lots of laughs.
In the end the coaches raised a little over $3,500 collectively. The charities of choice receiving funds include: Midwest USA, Lincoln Gun Club Youth and Education Foundation, Wheel ‘em In, Ducks Unlimited, Hospice, Honor Flight, Saint Judes, and Merrill VFW. Each Coach picked the charity of their choosing.
“The MHS Trap Team would not be possible without the dedication and support of the coaches who volunteer their time and talents,” said Amy Brown, parent, coach, and member of the Foundation Board. “The battle amongst themselves was more for bragging rights … (maybe a little side wagers ;)?! Nice to see all our coaches on the line and having fun.”
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