Trap Shooting Club a Go at MCS

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH- The Middleburgh school board gave the green light to start a clay target club at the school earlier this month.

At their February 14 meeting, board members approved a resolution to allow for the use of the district's name and logo to create a Clay Target Club for the 2024-2025 school year. The proposal was presented by Jeff Almy at the January 10 school board meeting. The new trap shooting club could be set up in time for the spring competitions.

Club organizer Jeffrey Almy spoke to the school board in January and said there is interest in starting a school club. Members would compete in the USA High School Clay Target League. The closest schools with trap teams are Schoharie, Cobleskill-Richmondville, Greenville, Jefferson, and Sharon Springs and there are other school teams in the Capital Region and Saratoga areas, according to Mr. Almy. The club would be for students ages 12 and up.

"Safety first" is paramount, Mr. Almy said. All safety officers are present and everyone, parents, students, and coaches, must complete the safety course. Many coaches are also certified arms instructors,

The shooting is done at the local rod and gun club, in this case, Middleburgh. There is no cost to the district and the team would not interfere with other sports as the schedule is flexible. The spring season begins with registration in February and March. The fall season is a separate registration.

Five students are required to form a team. Several students at the meeting said they were interested in joining and Mr. Almy said he has seen interest on Facebook. The cost per student would depend on donations. The cost per student is between $350 and $400, Mr. Almy said. Scholarships are offered through the league and college scholarships are available.

Two members of the Middleburgh Rod and Gun Club gave a similar presentation to the board in March 2022.