Merrill Bluejay Trap Team delivers strong showing at State Shoot

The Merrill Bluejay Trap Team wrapped up an impressive season with a strong showing at the State Shoot that was held June 19-21, 2026, where athletes from all divisions competed against some of the top trap teams in Wisconsin.
The Bluejays shot their rounds on Friday, June 19, and were among a total of 1,911 athletes that shot “just in Trap Singles,” according to one coach, a number that included collegiate athletes. Not including the collegiate level, a total of 1,864 youth athletes came to compete. That ahelps put the Merrill athletes’ performances in perspective.
The Bluejays delivered solid performances across the board, with each division placing well among large fields of competitors.
The Intermediate Entry squad placed 20th out of 70 teams. Leading the team were Jacob Sharp, Joshua Hanson, Lucas Dorgan, Adalyn Graap, and Caleb Steinagel.
Intermediate Advanced finished 11th out of 74 teams, led by Carson Wallace, Charles Graap, Lucas Sharp, Carter Jewell, and Malayna Kufahl.

The Junior Varsity team earned an outstanding 6th-place finish out of 89 teams. Top shooters included Jaxson Ames, Collin Gennrich, Corbin Mattson, Bradley Schmidt, and Tavin Heidemann.
Varsity capped off the weekend with an impressive 8th-place finish out of 90 teams. Leading the Bluejays were Mason Meyer, Hunter Renken, Jase Steinagel, Caleb Thompson, and Christopher Holz.
Several Merrill athletes also earned individual recognition for exceptional shooting. Christopher Holz, Jase Steinagel, Mason Meyer, and Collin Gennrich each shot 50 straight, completing back-to-back perfect rounds of 25. That’s a significant achievement not easily accomplished, and having four Merrill athletes shoot at this level is a real testimony to their skills at athletes.
Additional athletes earning perfect 25s included Lily Kufahl, Matthew Wiederhoeft, Robert Giese, Hunter Renken, Aydan Bergman, Jaxson Ames, and Bradley Schmidt. These seven additional Merrill athletes shooting at this high level is also a powerful testimony to the serious shooting skills the Merrill team brings to compete.
The Bluejays concluded the season with outstanding results, showcasing the dedication, growth, and hard work that defined the team all year long. Their success at the State Shoot was a fitting finish to a memorable season for Merrill Bluejay Trap.