As any coach knows, it’s always great to hear back from those you’ve coached. Special bonds, competition and common experiences create friendships that last. Coaches oftentimes are more richly rewarded for their efforts by the relationships forged than any monetary payment could ever compensate for.
So, it was with real pleasure I saw Matt Wingard’s name pop on my phone and hear his voice again. I coached Matt in small bore rifle and he turned out to be quite the shooter.
Matt informed me that he was now an assistant coach for the newly formed Bradford Youth Trap League. Though the league has only existed since February and the coronavirus temporarily lowered its participants, there seems to be something about the Bradford area that produces exceptional shooters, perhaps it’s the water. Anyway, the young team has already had considerable success.
With so many other sports canceled due to the virus, trap shooting is a natural substitute. It’s held outdoors, the shooters are spaced as required and it is highly competitive without the risk of the injuries, often serious, other contact, physically exerting sports produce. Trap shooting requires good hand to eye coordination, quick reflexes and solid mental approach. It’s also tremendously satisfying to watch those speeding clay targets explode. Immediate positive reinforcement. Despite what major news networks say, shooting is fun and safe when responsible people are involved. It’s no surprise trap shooting is the fastest growing high school sport in the nation. In fact, it’s exploding in popularity.
Concerning safety, any new shooter wishing to join receives mandatory safety training and instruction by certified, Level 1 NRA instructors. Shotgun operation, safe gun handling, range rules and etiquette are stressed and the youth are also taught to keep an eye on one another at all times. This summer the kids shoot on Wednesday evenings at The Bradford Gun Club located on West Warren road, about 7.6 miles from downtown Bradford on Route 770. Practice consists of two rounds of 25 birds each. Five spaced stations behind the trap house keep things interesting, the shooters firing at five birds from each station.
Coach Dan Brinsky wishes to invite any high school students interested in joining the club to contact him at 814-598-5000 or Zach Stark at 814-331-6391. Girls are especially invited as well. Not only can they become very competitive shooters in their own right, they also raise the competition level of the events. Boys hate to be beat by girls and girls love to beat boys. I’m also sure if enough girls sign up they’ll form their own team and compete against other girls teams across the country in the future. The trap team has already traveled to shoot in regional and national events. In my experience girls are easier to coach than boys, they actually listen. Go get them girls.
Dan sends out a special thanks to Sherry Anderson of Corry, who took him under her wing to advise, guide and organize every aspect of the Braford teams formation.
Handicapped shooters are also invited to join, every effort will be made to accommodate them and assist any interested in participating in these events.
Shells, vests, range fees and shotguns are provided free of charge. The team shooters look very snappy in their red and white shooting attire and at this point stand out from the other area teams because of their attire on the range. Many thanks to Team Minard for making this possible.
Community support and sponsorship has been very gratifying. Hull Electric, NorthWest Bank, Alleghany Industrial Insulation, Sportsmen’s Outlet, Team Minard and various other private sponsors have also contributed so much to support and finance the team. The Bradford Gun Club has also been enormously supportive. To all, many thanks.
Dan’s coaching staff includes Jamie Gray, Bill Minich, Matt Wingard, Mark and Cassie Platko, Eric Brown, Tom Scallop and Pat and Fred Gainer.
Other schools in the Trap League include Smethport, Otto-Eldred, Shinglehouse, Coudersport and Oswayo Valley. As you can see, even smaller communities can field teams which is a very good thing nowadays.
As mentioned, the existing team has already been involved in competition. The State Championships were held June 12 to 15 in Elysburg. Despite just being organized in late February, Bradford’s five man team consisting of Cal Minich, Clayton Brinsky, Mitchel Brinsky, Chase Gray and Harrison Morrisroe finished third overall in the youth division.
The team also competed in the National Shooting Championships held at Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio, just north of Columbus from July 15 to 18. On the big stage the team placed 17th out of 146 other entries. Not bad at all for a team barely six months old. Clayton Brinsky shined during the event winning the Sub-Junior Title breaking 98 out 100 targets.
I certainly wish I was in high school again and could join the team. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time during these challenging months, and shooting clay targets is a blast. I also truly enjoyed the road trips when I was in competition, I have some treasured memories on a variety of subjects and a trophy or two as well. Check out the Bradford Youth Trap League team, this is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of.
