The Dexter Trap Team (DTT) fielded 27 shooters during the 2023 Spring League. There were 11 conferences in this League based on team sizes; DTT competed in Conference 10 with the top 21 scores posting against our competition each week. Other teams in Dexter’s conference were Bellevue, Big Rapids, Columbia Central, Durand, Eisenhower, Lake Shore, Reed City, and Utica. DTT performed well together this League with a solid 3rd place in Conference; however, they could not overcome big scores posted by rivals Reed City (1st place in the Conference) and Big Rapids (2nd place) throughout the competition.
The team, coached by Bill Hoffman, is part of the USA High School Clay Target League based in Minnesota with teams participating in 42 of the 50 states. The State of Michigan currently has 106 approved teams. The Ann Arbor Moose Sportsman’s League, Moose Lodge #1253, continues to host the team, providing the trap fields, safety officers and coaching staff. Local businesses and organizations that support the team include Pheasants Forever, Flex N Gate, Boullion Sales, and Midway USA Foundation. DTT meets on Monday evenings for practice and league competitions.
Highlights for Spring include:
DTT traveled to Ray, Michigan in March to compete in the Winter Invitational at B&BS Gun Club. DTT shooters managed to finish in 4th place, dealing with swirling snow, brisk wind, and cold temperatures. A rough start to practicing for Spring League.
Spring League was a 5-week competition period. Alexander Hoffman (23.60 average) and Will Laurin (23.40 average) placed in the Top 10 Male Shooters in Conference with Lorenzo Biundo, Will Durbin, Devon Emrick, and Kason Lambert placing in the Top 25. How close is the competition? Less than two targets separated #1 from #25. Alex also placed 25th overall in the state. On Week #4, Will Durbin shot his first 75-straight – 75 targets hit in a row – with a temporary loss of focus on target 87 for a final run of 98/100!
Lady Dread shooters occupied four of the Conference Top 10 Female Shooter positions with Whitley Fowler at #1 (23.20 average), Rebekah Murillo and Kera Root tied at position #8 and Lauren Simpson at #10. Rounding out the Top 15 was Caitlin Weidner.
Eight DTT members will graduate this spring: Lorenzo Biundo, Brady Daugherty, Will Durbin, Devon Emrick, Whitley Fowler, Alex Hoffman, Trey Ouimet and Jonathon Rombyer. Whitley Fowler will be attending Olivet College and competing on their clay target shooting team. Alex Hoffman will be attending Hillsdale College and shooting on their team. DTT coaches and shooters will miss their contributions to the team and wish them well on their future endeavors.
On June 5, 2023, DTT will hold its end of League Fun Event, where the team will compete with and against members of the Washtenaw County Sheriff Trapshooting Team, something the team, the deputies, and the friends and family of both look forward to every year.
The State Championship will be held on June 17, 2023, at the Michigan Trapshooting Association grounds in Mason. The event will feature shooters from around the state competing in both team and individual formats.
The National Championship will be held in mid-July at the Michigan Trapshooting Association grounds and will bring in teams from across the United States.
Team members have been shooting at some local events, and practice will be picking up soon for the State and National Championships. Fall League 2023 will begin around the start of the school year. Follow the Dexter Trap Team at https://dextertrapteam.com/ and their Facebook page.
